SB 266 · 2025-2026 · Senate
The Power Bill Reduction Act
What It Actually Does
Raises your electric bill 39-73%.
Allows Duke Energy to pass construction costs for new power plants directly to ratepayers before the plants are operational. Duke's own filings estimate residential rate increases of 39-73%.
Why the name is misleading
Named the 'Reduction Act' but increases costs for consumers. The 'reduction' refers to reducing regulations on utilities, not reducing bills.
Status
Enacted (veto override)
Sponsors
- Sen. Paul Newton(R · District 36 · Primary)
Votes
2025-07-29 · final passage · Senate
Senate Vote · Passed 30–18
✓ 30 votes, crossed 30-vote threshold
Party Breakdown
Veto Timeline
Roll Call
How They Voted
Senate · final passage · 2025-07-29
| Name ↕ | Party ↑ | District ↕ | Vote ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sen. Dana Caudill Jones | R | 31 | Yea |
| Sen. Paul Newton | R | 36 | Yea |
District 31 Impact
Stokes County residents already live near Duke's Belews Creek coal plant. This bill shifts the cost of Duke's new construction directly to their bills.
Sources