Final say on Duke, Progress merger will likely come late this week

RALEIGH, N.C. — The final verdict on a proposed merger between Duke Energy and Progress Energy likely will not happen until later this week.

On Monday afternoon, state regulators had one last public hearing in Raleigh.

Opponents of the merger said Duke and Progress have done nothing to help families who could face a big spike in utility bills.

However, the energy giants insisted a combined company based in Charlotte would be more efficient and cut costs for customers.

“The retail customer will get $650 million in savings over 6.5 years they would not otherwise get without this combo. And that’s money in the customers’ pockets,” said Tom Williams.

The North Carolina Utilities Commission will have a final decision at some point this week.

The companies hope to close the deal by July 1.

WSOC