The projection covers the next 15 years. It is not a guaranteed increase or an approved change to your next bill.

When you hear your electric bill could go up 70%, you pay attention. I do too. But before we get worked up, let’s talk about what that number actually means.

In an October 27 announcement, North Carolina officials highlighted projections showing electricity rates could increase by as much as 70% over the next 15 years. That’s a possibility under the assumptions being studied—not a guarantee that every homeowner’s bill will increase by that amount.

The state’s Energy Policy Task Force report describes projected residential bill increases ranging from 40% to 70%, depending on the utility. Actual results will depend on future costs, electricity demand, regulatory decisions, and other factors.

Growing demand from data centers is part of the discussion. State leaders are also pushing for protections intended to keep the costs of serving those large customers from falling on households. Those decisions matter, and the outcome is still developing.

Your electric bill tells two different stories.

There’s what you pay for electricity, and there’s how much electricity your home uses.

Your consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. When your bill goes up, look at that number alongside the dollar amount.

Did you use more electricity? Were there more days in the billing cycle? Was the weather colder or hotter? Did the rate change?

Those questions help you understand what’s happening before you assume something is wrong with your equipment.

This is where HVAC maintenance matters.

Your heating and cooling system needs proper airflow and clean components to do its job efficiently.

A dirty filter restricts airflow. Dirty cooling coils make it harder for your system to move heat and can cause it to run longer. Both can contribute to higher energy costs.

That doesn’t mean every high bill signals an HVAC problem. But equipment that isn’t operating properly deserves attention.

Here are a few places to start:

-Check your air filter monthly and replace it as needed, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

-Keep supply vents and return grilles clear of furniture and rugs.

-Watch for changes such as uneven temperatures, unusual noises, or a sudden increase in electricity usage.

-Have your system professionally maintained so problems affecting performance can be identified.

You don’t need to wait for a breakdown to find out your system needs attention.

Make maintenance part of your routine.

At Simmons One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, our Smart Club gives homeowners a way to make ongoing HVAC maintenance part of their home-care plan. If keeping up with maintenance tends to slip down your list, ask our team about the program.

No maintenance plan can guarantee a particular electric bill or erase a future rate increase. The goal is to help your equipment operate properly, address avoidable waste, and catch issues before they become bigger problems.

For families in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Laurinburg, and surrounding communities, that’s useful whether electricity prices rise a little or a lot. 

You can’t control the utility’s rates. But you can take steps to keep your home from using more electricity than it needs.

​Source: North Carolina Governor’s Office — October 27, 2026 energy update