Fayetteville PWC proposes electric hike. Here's how much you could pay
This story has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy about residential rates, which include single-family homes, apartments and townhomes.
The Fayetteville Public Works Commission will consider an increase in electric rates later this month, which could result in residents seeing higher bills in May.
A public hearing on PWC's fees is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Feb. 25 in the PWC board room, 955 Old Wilmington Road in Fayetteville.
The proposed changes mean residential customers could see a 6.5% increase for the next two years, Tyler Patton, PWC chief communications and community relations officer, said Feb. 18.
Residents using 1,000 kilowatt-hours could see an increase of about $8.02 in May 2026, if the rates are approved, and $8.59 by May 2027, Patton said.
According to PWC, a temporary power supply adjustment fee charged to customers since August 2025 will end in August this year. The adjustment has been about $5.41 per 1,000 kWh.
Proposed changes for residential residents
PWC's last electric rate increase was approved in 2024 and went into effect in May 2024 and May 2025, Patton said.
Residents living in single-family homes are currently paying a base charge of $24 for single-phase service, or a $30 three-phase service charge, plus $4 for community street lighting.
Single-phase service uses two wires: one for power and another that is neutral and is often for lower energy use. Three-phase service uses three to four wires and is typically used for high electric demands, most often found in commercial and industrial buildings.
Additionally, energy rates are about 14.1 cents per kWH during on-peak hours and about 9.2 cents during off-peak hours.
On-peak hours are 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. April through October and 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. November through March.
By May, according to the proposed change , the monthly base charge would rise to $26 for a single‑phase, single‑family home and to $32.50 for three‑phase service.
Energy charges would increase to about 15 cents per kilowatt-hour during on-peak hours and about 9.8 cents during off-peak hours.
By May 2027 , the base charge for single-phase service would be $28, and three-phase service would be $35.
Energy charges would be about 15.9 cents per kWh during on-peak hours and about 10.4 cents per KWh during off-peak hours.
Proposed changes for whole home rates
Whole home rates, which can be requested by residents, are currently $36 for a single-phase base charge of $36 and a three-phase base charge of $42.
Whole home rates may be most beneficial to electric vehicle owners and feature a super off-Peak rate daily from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., according to PWC.
Energy charges are: about 14.3 cents per kWh during on-peak hours; about 9.2 cents per Kwh during off-peak hours; and about 5.2 cents per kWh during super off-peak hours.
The proposed change for May is a $38 base charge for single-phase service and $44 for three-phase service.
Energy charges would be about 1.7 cents per kWh for on-peak hours, about 9.8 cents per kWh during off-peak hours and about 4.95 cents per Kwh during super off-peak hours.
By May 2027 , the single-phase service base fee would be $40, and the three-phase service would be $46.
The energy charge would be 18.38 cents per kWh during on-peak hours; about 10.4 cents per kWh during off-peak hours; and 5.35 cents per kWh during super off-peak hours.
Reasons for the proposed changes
Patton said the cost of maintaining reliable electric services has increased, which requires rate and fee adjustments to keep pace.
"Raising rates is never PWC's first choice, but reliability is," he said. "Like many other businesses, PWC is not immune to inflation, interest rates, and increased operating and capital costs."
PWC's announcement on the proposed rate adjustments states that "the main drivers in electric rates are power supply costs for buying power from our wholesale provider, Duke Energy Progress, increased equipment and capital costs, and for maintenance and operational expenses."
The announcement states that all electric providers are affected by the same rising costs, and PWC is among the lowest compared to neighboring electric providers.
The announcement further states that the rates will fund:
• Replacing aging substations and transformers
• Replacing high-voltage wooden transmission poles with steel poles, which strengthens the grid against storm damage and extends the pole life compared to using wooden poles
• Replacing aging underground electric cables and devices, improving reliability and avoiding lengthy outages caused when underground wires and systems fail
• Adding new solar generation and battery energy storage resources that allow PWC to gain the highest value from its Duke Energy Progress contract and provide additional renewable energy to PWC's customers
How to sign up to speak
Residents interested in commenting on the proposed rate changes may submit comments online at faypwc.com ; emailing PWCboard@FayPWC.com; or write to Attention: PWC Clerk to the Board, PO Box 1089, Fayetteville, N.C. 28302.
Written comments must include name, mailing address and a phone number, should not exceed 300 words and must be received by 5 p.m. Feb. 20.
Residents who wish to speak during the Feb. 25 hearing will be limited to three minutes and should register by faxing their name and address to 910-829-0207; emailing PWCboard@FayPWC.com; or registering in-person at the PWC's clerk office during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, or immediately before the meeting between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: How much will Fayetteville PWC electric bills increase?
