Summary
A public hearing is coming on an electric rate amendment, with Duke passing along a 4.5% wholesale increase. Aldermen want an ad hoc committee to dig into rates and possibly alternative providers like NTE.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
Duke's 4.5% wholesale increase will push customer bills higher starting this spring.
Anyone who pays a New Bern electric bill if the review finds savings.
Customers already struggling with bills that have climbed from roughly 12 to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Mentions & discussions (8)
Board of Aldermen - Oct 13, 2026
A public hearing was scheduled on an ordinance amending the electric rate schedule — changes that would show up on utility customers' bills.
Board of Aldermen - Sep 8, 2026
Several items touch the electric system: engineering agreements for substation transformer projects, a declaration to reimburse the city for capital improvements, fund amendments, and a step toward a public hearing on changing electric rates.
Board of Aldermen - Jun 9, 2026
The electric service schedule and the general schedule of fees and charges were both up for amendment — changes that could show up on utility bills and service costs.
Board of Aldermen (Work) - May 5, 2026
The electric fund budget jumps 8.5% with five new positions, and the Board restored the long-vacant Engineering Manager job 6-1 despite cash-reserve concerns. Electric rates are already rising, so residents should watch this closely.
Board of Aldermen - Mar 10, 2026
Three aldermen will join a working group hiring a consultant to examine whether the city should keep growing its grid, stay in NCEMPA, or partner with Duke — with nothing off the table, including getting out of the electric business.
Board of Aldermen - Feb 10, 2026
A public hearing is coming on an electric rate amendment, with Duke passing along a 4.5% wholesale increase. Aldermen want an ad hoc committee to dig into rates and possibly alternative providers like NTE.
City of New Bern sees electricity rate spike by 4.5%
City of New Bern sees electricity rate spike by 4.5% WITN
Board of Aldermen Retreat - Jan 7, 2026
Three separate discussion blocks on the city's electric system: infrastructure needs, rates on customer bills, and the pay-as-you-go program. Rate discussions directly affect household utility costs.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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