A group of around 40 demonstrators assembled outside the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on Wednesday evening to voice their opposition to a proposed rate increase by Duke Energy Carolinas. This proposal, if enacted, would result in higher costs for residential customers.
The proposed rate hike aims to raise Duke Energy Carolinas’ annual revenue by $1 billion, which the company plans to invest in upgrading the grid and power plants. For residential customers, this would translate to an increase of over $17 on their average monthly bill in 2027 and an additional $6 in 2028.
Among the protesters were members of GreenFaith, some of whom dressed as angels and devils to convey their message. Angela James, one of the participants, donned devil horns to criticize the utility’s use of natural gas and coal. “I am dressed as fossil fuels from hell,” James explained. “Do we want energy from heaven or energy from hell?”
Rev. Amy Brooks Paradise from GreenFaith described the demonstration as a “satirical dig” aimed at the energy company. She noted, “If you look up in the sky and see wind and sun — that’s often what we equate with heaven.”
Martha Zziwa, a Charlotte resident, attended the protest due to rising energy costs since relocating to the city. “It’s the stress of thinking you have planned your monthly expenses out perfectly, and then all of a sudden you see another charge that you have to pay,” Zziwa expressed.
