Smithfield and Clayton Town Council members approved the increases that will begin showing up on customers’ bills next month. The towns are members of the N.C. Eastern Municipal Power Agency, which recently approved a wholesale rate increase of 14 percent effective Aug. 1. Rising fuel and coal prices are to blame for the hikes, town officials said.

Smithfield’s rate will go up by 11.8 percent. A residential customer who uses 1,500 kilowatt hours each month will see an increase of $18.15. A commercial customer who uses 25,000 kilowatt hours will see a $302.50 increase each month. Both of the estimates do not include taxes.

As for Clayton, the rate will increase by 14 percent. A customer who uses 1,500 kilowatt hours per month will see an increase of $16.65. A customer who uses 15,000 kilowatt hours will see an increase of $166.50.

For a complete story, check out The Herald next Wednesday.