# North Carolina AG Proposes Data Center Energy Rate Framework

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has proposed a new regulatory framework aimed at ensuring data centers served by Duke Energy pay a fair share of energy costs. The proposal seeks to protect residential ratepayers from increased utility rates and infrastructure risks by introducing a new rate class for data center customers, enhancing transparency, requiring more frequent load forecasting, and pausing new natural gas plant development. This initiative reflects growing state-level efforts to manage energy demand growth responsibly and balance utility infrastructure investments with equitable cost allocation.

- Procurement professionals should note potential changes in utility rate structures affecting data center operations and energy procurement in North Carolina.
- Contractors and vendors involved in energy infrastructure and data center services may encounter revised requirements or delays due to the proposed pause on new natural gas plants.
- This framework signals increased regulatory scrutiny on large energy consumers, emphasizing the need for transparent load forecasting and cost accountability.
- Organizations engaged with Duke Energy or similar utilities should prepare for evolving rate classes and potential impacts on contract terms and energy budgeting.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ)
- North Carolina Utilities Commission

### Vendors
- Duke Energy (utility company)

### Key Quotes
> Duke Energy is onboarding an unprecedented number of data centers without a clear plan on how to protect ratepayers from higher rates and unacceptable risk.
> — Jeff Jackson, Attorney General

### Sources
- [Attorney General Jeff Jackson Proposes Framework to Ensure Data Centers Pay Their Fair Share for Energy Costs - NCDOJ](https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-proposes-framework-to-ensure-data-centers-pay-their-fair-share-for-energy-costs/) - Ncdoj