Person County residents push back on Duke Energy rate hike, raise Microsoft data center concerns

Duke Energy is seeking approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission for a significant increase in residential electric rates, averaging 16% to 18% or $25 to $30 a month, starting with a 14% hike in January 2027 and another 4% in January 2028. Ahead of a public hearing in Roxboro, Person County residents and advocates gathered to voice strong opposition, citing affordability concerns, especially for those on fixed incomes. State Sen. Jonah Garson (D-N.C. 23) highlighted the financial burden on North Carolinians, while resident Susan Jacques noted the difficult choices many, particularly the elderly and disabled, would face. Beyond the rate hike itself, residents are worried about a planned 300-megawatt Microsoft data center in Person County, which Senator Garson estimates could consume as much electricity as 200,000 North Carolina homes. Residents like Jacques believe the data center, being developed by a highly profitable company, should pay its own way rather than contribute to increased rates. Concerns were also raised about the local grid's capacity to handle such a large data center, with residents fearing Duke Energy would pass on infrastructure costs to consumers. Duke Energy spokesperson Jeff Brooks stated that the rate increase is necessary to accommodate the state's growth, including 150,000 new customers and investments in infrastructure. Brooks assured that data center customers are required to pay the full cost of their service and a proportional share of shared infrastructure, ensuring residential customers are not burdened with these costs. The North Carolina Utilities Commission is scheduled to decide on the rate hike proposal this fall.