Huntersville is taking over its power system. Here’s what that means for customers
Some Huntersville residents will see changes to how they get their power this summer.
The north Mecklenburg town is preparing to take over its own electric distribution system with the launch of the Huntersville Electric Department in July. Huntersville commissioners approved the move in August 2025.
The transition will impact those who currently get their power through ElectriCities, a public power organization that previously operated and maintained a combined system for both Huntersville and Cornelius.
Huntersville already owned its electric distribution system, but town leaders say taking over operation of the system marks a “significant step.”
“We are committed to a careful, well-planned transition that strengthens our electric system for the future,” town manager Anthony Roberts said in a statement.
Why is Huntersville shifting to local operation of electric system?
Huntersville leaders say taking over operations of the town’s electric grid will allow for “direct oversight” of the system.
“This means local control, quicker decision making and a utility that’s responsive to our community’s needs,” the town said in an April news release.
Asked if any particular issues or incidents spurred Huntersville’s move, town spokesman Ethan Smith said the decision was about “increased local control,” including “more direct influence” over bill payment options, project funding and staffing.
When will Huntersville move from ElectriCities to Huntersville Electric?
Huntersville is scheduled to officially launch its own electric department in July.
In the lead up to the summer switch, the town is staffing up.
That includes transitioning ElectriCities staff who want to stay in Huntersville over to working for the town and hiring for other roles, including a director of the revamped system.
What do customers need to do ahead of the switch?
Huntersville will release more details in May and June about what customers need to know ahead of the transition, including how to access the new department’s payment system and how to contact the new department about outages, Smith told the Charlotte Observer.
Will switch affect utility rates for customers?
Electric rates “are independent of who operates our system” and will be set when the town adopts its annual budget each year, according to Smith.
“Huntersville remains an ElectriCities member and will continue to receive guidance from them about the cost of operating our electric system,” Smith said.
What about Duke Energy, Energy United customers?
Huntersville residents who get their power through Duke Energy or the Energy United co-op will not be affected by the transition, according to the town.
