Ahead of the Duke Energy hearing in Durham tonight to consider additional rate hikes on North Carolinians, NCDP senior communications advisor Mallory Payne released the following statement:

“Duke Energy lobbyist and investor Michael Whatley helped Duke raise rates on working families, watched his stocks spike, and is now refusing to denounce their latest rate hike that will boost his personal profits even more. Whatley only cares about enriching himself, even when North Carolina families have to pay more. If Whatley goes to the U.S. Senate, he’ll be laser focused on lining his own pockets at the expense of working families. North Carolinians deserve better.”

Michael Whatley is refusing to denounce Duke Energy’s rate hike as he stands to profit and North Carolina families face higher prices: 

• As Duke Energy threatens rate hikes on North Carolina families, Whatley has refused to “give a stance.” 

• It’s no wonder why – Whatley holds up to $445,000 in Duke Energy stock and stands to see “boost[ed] profits” if Duke’s rate hike goes into effect and drives up costs for North Carolina families.

• In addition to being a shareholder, Whatley spent more than a decade lobbying for utility companies including Duke Energy and “argu[ing] in favor of rate increases.”

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