Spectrum News: “Whatley and other lobbyists reported receiving $3.5 million for their work, and $1.2 million of that money came from energy-related clients.”
New reporting from Spectrum News is spotlighting DC insider Michael Whatley’s long career of lobbying for Big Oil and utility companies including Duke Energy, making millions from his clients while North Carolina families faced higher energy bills.
As Duke Energy threatens another hike rate on families, Whatley – a longtime Duke Energy lobbyist and major shareholder who stands to profit from rate hikes – is staying silent. When asked about Duke’s proposed rate hikes, Whatley once again dodged the question:
Spectrum News: “Duke Energy was also a client of Consumer Energy Alliance while Whatley was there, and Whatley’s family still holds shares in Duke today. […] Currently, Duke is pushing for rate increases in North Carolina, which is something Cooper has spoken out against. Whatley’s campaign didn’t answer Spectrum News’ question about whether he supports the proposed increase.”
Read More:
Spectrum News: Whatley’s lobbying work not featured on campaign website
Reuben Jones and Ashley Gatz
- His public bio does not mention his career as a lobbyist. Whatley spent more than a decade lobbying for oil and natural gas companies.
- Spectrum News reviewed 12 years of lobbying disclosure reports that show Whatley and other lobbyists reported receiving $3.5 million for their work, and $1.2 million of that money came from energy-related clients.
- Spectrum News asked why Whatley’s lobbying work was omitted from his website and about concerns energy companies would have special access to him if elected, but the campaign didn’t provide an answer.
- [Whatley’s firm] funders include ExxonMobil and Chevron, two companies that Whatley’s family holds hundreds of thousands of dollars of stock in.
- Duke Energy was also a client of Consumer Energy Alliance while Whatley was there, and Whatley’s family still holds shares in Duke today.
- Currently, Duke is pushing for rate increases in North Carolina, which is something Cooper has spoken out against. Whatley’s campaign didn’t answer Spectrum News’ question about whether he supports the proposed increase.
- Reuben Jones: “Whatley spent more than a decade lobbying for oil and natural gas companies.”
- Reuben Jones: “Duke Energy was also a client of Consumer Energy Alliance while Whatley was there, and Whatley’s family still holds shares in Duke today.”
- Reuben Jones: “Currently, Duke is pushing for rate increases in North Carolina, something Cooper has spoken out against. Whatley’s campaign did not answer Spectrum News’ question whether he supports the proposed increase.”
###