Progress Energy rates will increase slightly next month as the Raleigh-based power company deals with rising expenses for fuel and energy-efficiency programs.
Residential rates will go up 3.7 percent Dec. 1, from about $102 to $106 a month for a typical household that uses 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month.
The N.C. Utilities Commission approved the increase last week. Power companies adjust their rates for fuel costs and other factors once a year.
The biggest cause for the increase is the rising cost of coal and other fuels.
Progress is expected to file for a rate increase as early as next year to cover big-ticket expenses, such as new power plants and transmission upgrades.
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