Want to pay 15 percent more for natural gas?

Piedmont Natural Gas Service Territories -- (source Piedmont Natual Gas)

RALEIGH — Live in one of the counties highlighted in this map? If so, you could end up paying much more for natural gas.

A rate hike proposal before the NC Utilities Commission would call for higher heating bills for approximately 737,000 residential customers this winter.

If approved, home gas costs would increase by an average of 15.3% annually, taking effect sometime in January 2025.

Piedmont Natural Gas, owned by Duke Energy, also requested an extension of the tax credits it has been receiving from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which could further decrease the proposed rate adjustment.

AARP North Carolina Director Mike Olender said, "The public has an opportunity to weigh in on utility rate hike proposals, but this one has been flying under the radar screen. Older adults have been an important voice in public hearings to help insure that rate hikes are fair and reasonable."

According to WFAE in Charlotte, "State regulators gathered in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse Wednesday evening (August 22) to hear public comments on the proposed rate hike. They greeted an empty room — and adjourned the meeting after introductions.

The courthouse barred WFAE from recording the proceeding, citing a policy regarding official courthouse business."

If you are concerned about the affordability of the natual gas you need to heat your home and for other purposes, state regulators will host a virtual meeting Monday (August 26) at 6:30 p.m.

If you are concerned about the impact of the rate hike, customers can still file comments on the proposed rate hike online, docket number G-9, SUB 837.