Duke Energy gets 7 percent rate increase

The N.C. Utilities Commission on Friday approved an overall 7 percent rate increase for Duke Energy's 1.4 million customers in the state, starting next month.

The commission largely adopted an earlier settlement between Duke and the commission's Public Staff, which represents consumers. Monthly bills for typical residential customers will go up about $7.

N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper, who opposed the settlement, immediately challenged the commission's order. "We intend to review the opinion and look at available options," Cooper said in a statement.

The commission in 2009 allowed Duke to raise its N.C. rates by 7 percent spread over two years. It is likely to seek another rate increase later this year.

Duke says it needs more revenue to pay for construction projects and to meet federal environmental laws.