Currently, Duke Energy is asking the North Carolina Utilities Commission to let it include coal ash costs in a general rate hike request later this year. If that happens, the question of who pays for Duke Energy's coal ash problem will be buried under a mountain of other issues.
The NC Utilities Commission should keep any costs related to Duke Energy's coal ash storage or cleanup in a separate proceeding rather than a general rate case. The cost and responsibility for coal ash storage and disposal remains a complex issue which deserves special attention.
North Carolina ratepayers deserve a clear and transparent process for possible rate hikes for Duke Energy’s coal ash. Sign our petition urging the Utilities Commission to require a separate rate case for their coal ash problem.