Raleigh, N.C., June 27, 2021 – Carolina Utility Customers Association (CUCA) held a press
conference to highlight the devastating impact a 50 percent increase in industrial customer rates
will have on its members. Kevin Martin kicked off the event with a simple message. “We held
this press conference as a voice for all consumers. Duke Energy has not engaged customers on
the rate increases associated with this bill, but the company has already discussed the impacts
with investors. Consumers need to know and voice their concern. We heard from manufacturers
today who say their continued investment in North Carolina is at risk.”
Several industrial executives personalized the impact these cost increases would have on the
industry. Dan Nation, Director of Government Affairs for Parkdale Mills, noted that his company
has nine plants in North Carolina and a 50 percent increase in energy costs over the next 10
years would devastate his industry. Jim Booterbaugh, the President and CEO of National
Spinning, has 350 employees in North Carolina and stated that this rate increase would end any
thought of facility expansion, a comment echoed by Allen Smith of Elevate Textiles who
described the global environment in which the industry operates. Brian Rosenstein, the CEO of
TSG Finishing, talked about the long history of textiles in North Carolina and how his firm has
operated in the state since 1960. Jay Flanary, Director of Manufacturing, Frontier Yarns,
argued that his company competes in the market every day, and he encouraged North Carolina
to study competition in energy markets.
CUCA was joined by environmental and consumer advocates including Southern
Environmental Law Center (SELC), the North Carolina Justice Center (The Justice
Center), and Appalachian Voices. Each of these groups also opposed the legislation for
reasons such as it does not help North Carolina reach its climate goals, it replaces coal plants
with natural gas, and it continues Duke Energy’s overearning as rate increases are allowed
through a multi-rate schedule. SELC and the Justice Center spoke of the negative impacts to
low- and moderate-income residents across the state.
About CUCA
CUCA is a 501 C (6) non-profit trade association serving North Carolina industries and
manufacturers. Since CUCA’s inception, our primary focus has been to secure reliable energy
at the lowest possible rate for our members. We support flexible energy policies that help
industries and manufacturers achieve their corporate goals. For more information, please visit
https://cucainc.org/about-us/.
