North Carolina News Summary

Duke Energy has proposed a substantial 15% rate hike for its North Carolina customers, aimed at funding critical improvements to the energy grid. This proposal, filed with the North Carolina Utilities Commission, is set to unfold through a lengthy regulatory process, including public hearings scheduled for spring 2027. The increase will be phased, with an estimated 10% to 11% hike in 2027 followed by an additional 3% to 4% in 2028. Duke Energy highlights the necessity of this increase to replace aging infrastructure, enhance storm resilience, and support the state's growing demand for energy, particularly amid rapid population growth. The proposed changes are expected to impact households across several counties in the Piedmont Triad, including Guilford and Forsyth, as the company assures that data centers are not driving the increase. According to WFMY News 2, this filing is the first step in a multi-month process where the Utilities Commission will analyze the request and hold public discussions.

In other news, significant setbacks have emerged for the aerospace industry in North Carolina. Marshall of Cambridge, a key player in the aerospace sector, has withdrawn from a state incentive agreement related to a plane-repair shop at Piedmont Triad International Airport. The company informed the North Carolina Commerce Department that it could not meet the required job creation and investment benchmarks, which included creating 240 jobs and investing $50 million. Currently employing only four individuals, Marshall will sublet its facility for up to two years while assessing future opportunities. This development raises concerns about the growth of North Carolina's aerospace hub, which is critical to the local economy, as reported by The Business North Carolina.

Additionally, the University of North Carolina Wilmington has secured a $500,000 grant to lead a Flooding Consortium aimed at enhancing flood safety and resilience in New Hanover County. This funding from The Endowment will support efforts to prepare for and mitigate flooding impacts, particularly in light of past storms like Hurricane Florence. The initiative will involve collaboration across various sectors to develop a comprehensive action plan focused on local vulnerabilities and effective solutions. As highlighted by Port City Daily, this project underscores the university's commitment to tackling climate change challenges in coastal areas.

Lastly, maternal and infant health in North Carolina remains a pressing issue, as revealed by the latest March of Dimes report, which awarded the state a D+ grade for the third consecutive year. Notably, North Carolina's maternal and infant health metrics are worse than the national average, with significant concerns raised about prenatal care access and outcomes. The report indicates that in 2023, 834 infants in the state died before their first birthday, and the state also experiences a higher rate of premature births compared to the national average. According to Cardinal & Pine, these statistics highlight the urgent need for improvements in healthcare systems to ensure the safety and well-being of new mothers and their babies.