What is the rate case and how will customers be impacted?
To support ongoing investments in service reliability and customer growth, Enbridge Gas North Carolina (EGNC) is requesting its first rate review and adjustment with the North Carolina Utilities Commission since 2021. This rate review will allow us to continue investing in our customers and our growing state, while keeping our rates affordable.
EGNC filed a rate case to reflect the costs to deliver natural gas to customers and recover the costs associated with infrastructure investments that allow us to provide service to customers in a safe and reliable manner.
We’re investing to enhance, expand and modernize our system every day to make sure we continue providing the energy to the more than 53,000 North Carolinians that have joined our system since 2021.
EGNC filed for rate review and adjustment with the North Carolina Utilities Commission on April 1. The rate case process can take about a year to complete. It is expected that the Commission will conduct a public hearing on the request in the fall and new rates would be effective as early as the fourth quarter.
EGNC is requesting a 12 percent increase to its residential natural gas rates, which would result in a $6.30 increase in the average residential customers’ monthly bill. The proposed adjustment is 13 percent lower than the rate of inflation since 2021.
EGNC is committed to helping customers, offering a range of payment plans and support for customers struggling to keep up with their monthly bills.
We will provide $1 million in bill credits for residential customers each January through 2028, with the first credit disbursed in January 2025. Additionally, the utility credited low-income customers nearly $1 million November 2024 – March 2025. These credits will total approximately $5 million and are not funded by ratepayers. The credits are a result of a stipulation agreement with regulators following Enbridge’s purchase of what was formerly Dominion Energy North Carolina.
As part of the regulatory rate review and to provide further relief, EGNC has proposed a new customer assistance program to help support low-income customers with additional bill credits during the heating season. This program does not replace the utility’s existing assistance program, Heat Care, in partnership with the Salvation Army, which will continue.
