Major utility company lowers rates in North Carolina ahead of winter

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A major utility company will decrease rates in North Carolina this winter.

Piedmont Natural Gas announced its decreased rates took effect on Sunday, Nov. 1.

The utility company said the rate decrease will lower the average residential customer bill by about $12 per year. The latest decrease is Piedmont Natural Gas’ fifth rate drop in 2026. Between all five rate drops, the average bill is about $112 lower.

“When cold temperatures arrive, reliable heat inside your home isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity,” the president of Piedmont Natural Gas said in a Nov. 5 news release.

“We know winter heating bills matter to our customers, especially at a time when many household costs remain high. That’s why we continue to manage costs while delivering safe, reliable natural gas service our customers depend on. We’re proud to be able to lower our North Carolina rates for the fifth time this year and help make the winter heating season a little easier on customers’ wallets.”

Information about Piedmont Natural Gas payment programs and bill assistance can be found here.

The utility company is a subsidiary of Duke Energy and distributes natural gas to more than a million residential, commercial, industrial and power generation customers in the Carolinas.

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