Response Sought from Public on Duke Energy Rate Increase

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Public Invited to Express Opinions

The South Carolina Public Service Commission (SCPSC) is extending an invitation to the general public, requesting their response to a proposed rate hike by Duke Energy. Set to host two public hearings in May, the SCPSC wants to hear customer opinions on the rate increase, looking to go into effect in the summer of 2024.

Proposed Increase by Duke Energy

Duke Energy is proposing an increase that could hike an average customer’s energy bill by $20 a month, starting in August, with a further increase of $11 slated two years down the line. These figures have been reported by the Sierra Club, an environmental organization focusing on promoting clean energy.

Use of Increase earnings

Documents submitted by Duke Energy to the SCPSC suggest the elevated rates are meant to assist the company in recovering costs tied to electricity supply. In addition, a portion of the increased earnings is said to provide funding for the construction of the new Duke Energy Plaza headquarters, currently being planned in Charlotte.

Public Response Expected

Expectations are that numerous customers will attend the hearings personally, voicing their concerns about the impact the proposed rate hike would have on their monthly household budgets. Although Duke Energy’s reach is primarily concentrated in the Upstate, northwestern, and western counties of the Midlands, the potential rate hike could affect specific counties including Saluda, Newberry, Fairfield and Kershaw prominently.

Hearing Details

The public hearings are scheduled for Monday, May 20, with slots at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. These hearings will be hosted at SCPSC’s building located at 101 Executive Center Drive #100 in Columbia. The public is invited to show up in person and share their opinions on the rate increase proposal by Duke Energy.