Piedmont Natural Gas lowers rates for North Carolina customers as winter heating season begins

• Decrease is Piedmont's fifth rate reduction in North Carolina this year

• Billing programs and payment assistance to help customers manage bills

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - With outdoor temperatures falling, Piedmont Natural Gas today announced it has decreased rates for its North Carolina customers. The latest rate change, which took effect Nov. 1, will lower the average residential customer bill by just under $12 per year.

This is the fifth time Piedmont has lowered its North Carolina rates in 2026, following reductions in January, February, April and June. Combined, these 2026 rate decreases are reducing average residential customers' bills by approximately 9%, or about $112, per year.

Passing savings directly to customers

Customers will begin to see the latest reduction reflected in their November bills, with the full impact reflected in subsequent months. Piedmont continues to prudently manage its costs and pass on savings directly to customers, helping keep bills as low as possible.

All rate changes for North Carolina customers are reviewed and approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission, which helps further ensure customers receive safe, reliable natural gas service at fair, reasonable rates.

Our view:

"When cold temperatures arrive, reliable heat inside your home isn't just a convenience; it's a necessity," said Emily Henson, president of Piedmont Natural Gas. "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."

Bill programs and assistance options available

In addition to this latest rate decrease, Piedmont remains committed to helping customers manage their bills and energy usage year-round and get ahead of seasonal high bills. The company offers a variety of options, including:

• Equal Payment Plan: Make budgeting easier and prevent seasonal bill spikes by spreading the cost of your natural gas bills in equal installments across the entire year. Learn more at piedmontng.com/EPP.
  
• Payment assistance: Customers who may need additional flexibility or financial assistance with bill payments can learn more by speaking with a Piedmont representative at 800.752.7504 or visiting piedmontng.com/Assistance.
  
• Energy-saving tools: Piedmont offers tools to help customers identify ways to save money and energy in their home. Details are available at piedmontng.com/EnergySavingTools.

Customer Assistance Program

Piedmont also provides additional bill support through its Customer Assistance Program. The program automatically provides a monthly bill credit to eligible income-qualified, active North Carolina residential customers from November to March. More information on eligibility can be found at piedmontng.com/Assistance.

Piedmont Natural Gas

Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, distributes natural gas to more than 1 million residential, commercial, industrial and power generation customers in North Carolina and South Carolina. More information: piedmontng.com. Follow Piedmont Natural Gas: Facebook.

Media contact: Jason Wheatley
Media line: 877.348.3612
[email protected]