RALEIGH, N.C. – Duke Energy Carolinas has reached a partial settlement with state utility officials to lower its proposed rate hike. If the settlement is approved, residential rates would go up 11.6 percent over two years. That’s down from the 18 percent increase originally requested. Duke sa ys a typical customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month would pay about $15 more on each bill. The State Utilities Commission is expected to make a decision by November. ...read more read less