consumer rights
March 8, 2021 -
Since Congress declined to grant businesses immunity from COVID-19 lawsuits, Republican lawmakers in Florida and other states are renewing their push to ban negligence lawsuits filed by workers and consumers exposed to COVID-19.
May 7, 2020 -
State and federal lawmakers are erecting temporary barriers for workers and consumers sickened by the novel coronavirus to bring lawsuits against companies they hold responsible. For example, a new North Carolina law bars pandemic-related lawsuits against "essential businesses" — even if they're negligent.
September 22, 2017 -
A new report by Oil Change International shows how federal regulators' failure to adequately consider companies' justification for new fracked gas pipelines means utility ratepayers could end up footing the bill for costly and environmentally harmful projects that aren't needed.
December 4, 2014 -
As President Obama renews his push for two global economic accords, it's a good time to look back at the push to approve the North American Free Trade Agreement -- a deal that has been especially devastating for Southern states.
June 18, 2013 -
A utility watchdog and its hired expert scoured Duke Energy rate-hike filings and uncovered numerous instances where the company inappropriately charged customers for things like political contributions and a sports team sponsorship. They're calling on state regulators to fine Duke at least $5 million for the violations.
January 17, 2012 -
The N.C. Attorney General says the utility giant's proposed 7.2% rate hike unfairly favors investors over ordinary consumers, while public-interest groups accuse the company of taking from the poor to give to Google and other corporate energy hogs.
September 19, 2011 -
The N.C. Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 20 about the proposed merger of Progress Energy and Duke Energy to form the nation's largest electric utility, which would operate under the Duke Energy name. The hearing represents the public's last chance to weigh in on the plan. If the merger is approved, the company would become the largest U.S. utility, worth over $35 billion and with more than 7 million customers in the Carolinas, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.
