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The North Carolina Public Utility Commission has approved a rate increase for Duke Energy customers across the state, effective immediately. The decision comes after months of deliberation and review of Duke Energy's request for a rate hike to cover the costs of infrastructure upgrades and investments in renewable energy sources.In a statement released by the commission, Chairman John Smith cited the need for reliable and efficient energy services as the primary factor in their decision to approve the rate increase. "Ensuring that Duke Energy has the resources necessary to maintain and modernize their infrastructure is crucial to meeting the energy needs of North Carolina residents," said Smith.The rate increase will see the average residential customer's bill rise by approximately 5%, which equates to about $7 more per month. This additional revenue for Duke Energy will be used to fund projects aimed at enhancing grid reliability and expanding the use of clean energy sources such as solar and wind power.Duke Energy has welcomed the decision by the Public Utility Commission, stating that the rate increase is necessary to continue providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy to their customers. In a press release, Duke Energy CEO Sarah Johnson expressed gratitude for the commission's support and pledged to invest the additional funds responsibly.However, not everyone is pleased with the approved rate increase. Consumer advocacy groups have criticized the decision, arguing that Duke Energy should prioritize affordability for customers over profit margins. They have called for more transparency and accountability from Duke Energy in how the rate increase will be allocated.Despite these concerns, the North Carolina Public Utility Commission stands by their decision, emphasizing the importance of balancing the needs of customers with the financial health of utility companies. The rate increase will go into effect immediately, with Duke Energy customers likely to see the changes reflected in their next billing cycle.