(RALEIGH) --Consumer advocates who are monitoring Duke Energy's request for a rate increase say the company should be focusing on energy efficiency instead.

The groups protested outside the Utilities Commission on Friday. John Runkle of NC Warn says technology can help all of us use power more wisely.

"There's a lot of money to be made in going in to energy efficiency and trying to help people use less power, use their electricity smarter, wiser and more responsibly."

Duke is asking for a nearly 12 percent rate hike for residential customers, on the heels of a 7 percent increase last year.