Pressure Mounts for Independent Audit of Duke Energy Following Surge in Utility Bills

A wave of frustration is sweeping across the Golden Strip as thousands of Duke Energy customers call for an independent audit of the utility giant. A rapidly growing online petition, which has garnered nearly 50,000 signatures as of this week, alleges that households are facing unexpected and dramatic spikes in their monthly power bills—some increasing by as much as $200 despite no significant change in energy habits.

The outcry comes at a pivotal time for Upstate residents. New rate adjustments for Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) customers officially went into effect on March 1st, following a separate increase for Duke Energy Progress (DEP) customers in February. While regulators approved these hikes to cover grid modernization and storm recovery, many locals argue the actual totals on their statements far exceed the projected increases.

Understanding the Bill Spike

Duke Energy officials have attributed the higher-than-expected bills to a combination of factors, primarily centered on a period of record-breaking cold earlier this year.

• Extreme Weather: Representatives for the company noted that January and February saw some of the lowest temperatures in the region since 2010. This led to heating systems running significantly longer to maintain home comfort, which typically accounts for the largest portion of a residential bill.

• The “Step 3” Increase: March 1st marked the final phase of a multi-year rate plan approved in 2023. While this was intended to be a modest adjustment, the timing coincided with the recovery of costs from major weather events like Hurricane Helene.

• Usage Metrics: Duke Energy is encouraging customers to compare their current usage to the same month last year rather than the previous month to get a more accurate picture of seasonal fluctuations.

How to Participate in the Process

For residents of Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn who feel their billing is inaccurate or unfair, there are several formal avenues for recourse and reporting.

• Sign the Petition: The ongoing petition on Change.org continues to seek supporters for a formal, independent review of Duke’s billing system and potential refunds.

• File a Protest: South Carolina customers can submit a formal Letter of Protest through the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSC) website. This ensures your specific concerns are part of the public record for future rate cases.

• Request a Meter Check: If you suspect a technical error, you can contact Duke Energy directly to request a verification of your meter’s accuracy.

• Public Hearings: While the 2025-2026 rate cases have reached their final implementation stages, new hearings for 2027-2028 projections are expected to begin later this spring.

Seeking Relief and Transparency

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS), which represents the public interest in these matters, continues to monitor customer complaints. Intervenors in recent cases, including the AARP and the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, have successfully pushed for the creation of assistance funds to help low-income families and retirees manage the rising costs.

Despite these measures, the call for an audit highlights a deep desire for transparency. Many residents in the Golden Strip, particularly those on fixed incomes, are finding it increasingly difficult to balance these rising utility costs with other household expenses.

Duke Energy maintains that its billing systems are accurate and that South Carolina rates remain competitive compared to national averages. However, as the petition continues to gain steam, the pressure is on state regulators to determine if a closer look at the company’s books is warranted.