Duke Energy Will Expire Assistance Program in 2026
The utility plans to end its low-income aid pilot program by December 2026, raising monthly costs for some North Carolina users.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Utilities
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Duke Energy is set to sunset its three-year Customer Assistance Program in December 2026. The move will affect approximately 87,000 low-income households in North Carolina that currently receive bill credits and weatherization services.
Why it matters
The expiration of this pilot program coincides with proposed rate hikes that could increase utility bills by $42 per month for affected families. Advocacy groups are pushing for lower equity returns to mitigate these rising costs for residents.
The program serves 46,000 Duke Energy Carolinas customers and 41,000 Duke Energy Progress customers. Duke Energy has allocated $20 million in shareholder funds to provide these services.
The players
Duke Energy
This major utility company provides electricity to millions of customers across North Carolina and other states.
Southern Environmental Law Center
This advocacy group focuses on environmental protection and utility regulation in the Southern United States.
The details
The current program, which began in 2023, uses bill credits and weatherization upgrades to lower energy demand for low-income participants. If the program ends without a replacement, these customers face a projected $42 monthly increase in their electricity bills.
Timeline
The Customer Assistance Program was established in 2023.
The program is scheduled to expire in December 2026.
Affected low-income customers face a $42 monthly bill increase during the upcoming winter season.
Market Landscape
This decision occurs within the established framework of the North Carolina Utilities Commission regulatory process. The outcome reflects ongoing industry-wide tension between corporate equity returns and the affordability of essential public services.
Low-income customers enrolled in these assistance plans face a significant financial impact, with monthly utility bills projected to rise by $42 after 2026. Residents should monitor commission filings regarding the proposed 9.8% return on equity, which impacts total ratepayer costs.
The takeaway
The expiration of this program highlights the fragility of utility-funded support systems that rely on pilot-term shareholder allocations. Residents are encouraged to track state-level regulatory hearings to understand how proposed equity returns directly influence their monthly household budgets.
Further reading
Find more updates on state energy policy in North Carolina Utilities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cleanenergy.
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