Public hearings for Duke Energy Carolinas' rate increases

Why would Duke energy carolinas' rates increase?

Upstate Duke Energy customers could soon see higher energy costs. South Carolina’s explosive growth has increased Duke Energy’s load forecasts eight times more than projected two years ago. Duke recently submitted a supplemental analysis to their Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which outlines plans to meet demand, including incorporating solar, battery storage, and offshore wind — all big steps towards adding more renewable energy technologies into their generation mix.

However, plans to also increase natural gas capabilities will continue to subject ratepayers to volatile fuel prices, leading to more rate increases. How Duke generates energy directly impacts us all, and we must ensure our voices are heard in decisions impacting renewable energy integration and affordability.

How you can participate in public hearings about Duke's rate increases

The Public Service Commission is hosting five public hearings in the Upstate and others in Columbia starting in early April. We encourage public participation in these public hearings, so ratepayers can highlight their energy burden and push for exploring renewable energy solutions.

Each location has a separate registration deadline and location listed below. Ratepayers can provide a “Letter of Protest” in lieu of attending the in-person hearings by emailing a letter to contact@psc.sc.gov or mailing it to 101 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29210.

• Wade Hampton High School Auditorium
  100 Pine Knoll Dr, Greenville, 29609
  Monday, April 8 | 6:00 p.m.
  Register by April 4
   
• Greenwood 50 Performing Arts Center
  1816 Cokesbury Rd, Greenwood, 29649
  Thursday, April 11 | 6:00 p.m.
  Register by April 9
   
• Seneca High School Auditorium
  100 Bobcat Ridge, Seneca, 29678
  Tuesday, April 16 | 6:00 p.m.
  Register by April 12
   
• Anderson County Council Chambers
  101 South Main Street, Anderson, 29624
  Monday, April 22 | 6:00 p.m. 
  Register by April 19
   
• Spartanburg County Council Chambers
  366 N Church St, Spartanburg,  29303
  Tuesday, April 23 | 6:00 p.m.
  Register by April 19
   
• Public Service Commission Hearing Room
  101 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, 29210
  Monday, May 20 | 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
   
• Public Service Commission Hearing Room
  101 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29210
  Tuesday, May 21 - Friday, 24 | 10:00 a.m.

Register for any of the hearings here