A North Carolina appellate court has ruled that Duke Energy improperly included certain past fuel costs in 2024 rate riders, yet Durham customers will not automatically receive refunds because of a 2025 change in state law. While the contested portion amounts to roughly $19.1 million statewide — about $9 to $10 per customer on average — that modest-seeming sum translates to more than $1.2 million borne by Durham households alone. For families already carrying a disproportionate energy burden, the court’s decision represents more than a technical legal outcome. It is money that could have covered groceries, prescriptions or a portion of next month’s rent. Bull City Citizen argues that when courts find funds were wrongly collected, relief should prioritize the households least able to absorb the loss.