During Tuesday’s hearing, Duke Energy North Carolina President Kendal Bowman acknowledged that affordability concerns played a role in reducing the company’s request. “We listened to stakeholders and responded to the everyday cost pressures facing our customers,” Duke Energy North Carolina President Kendal Bowman said. The Utilities Commission held hearings across Duke Energy Progress’ territory this spring, including in Raleigh, Lumberton, Snow Hill, Roxboro and Waynesville. The Environmental Defense Fund has also signed onto the settlements reached in both the Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolinas rate cases. Advocates point to Duke Energy profitsNCLCV also pointed to Duke Energy’s recent earnings Tuesday as it argued against additional increases.