The Upstate Update: May 2019

The Upstate Update is a digital newsletter curated and shared each month that offers insights into Upstate Forever's recent work, highlights upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, and shares other conservation and advocacy news.

We post the Upstate Update here on the Upstate Forever blog each month. If you would like to receive the Upstate Update directly in your email inbox, please sign up for the mailing list.

Your voice counts, and we have definitive proof:
Duke Energy's new fixed rate will be $11.96 instead of the proposed $28

When Duke Energy Carolinas proposed a 238% increase to their basic facilities charge for all customers — the fixed portion of your bill you must pay before flipping on a single light switch — Upstate Forever partnered with the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), the NAACP, and the Coastal Conservation League to intervene.

After many months of hearings and deliberation, we are glad to announce that the Public Service Commission of South Carolina has issued the final order: Duke’s basic facilities charge will be raised to $11.96. This is a tremendous improvement over the previously proposed rate of $28.

Read more in this month's issue of the Upstate Update

Also in this month's Upstate Update:

• What Missing Middle Housing means for Greenville
  We recently spoke with Armand Regnaert, a City of Greenville intern who completed a case study on missing middle housing in Greenville, about how certain types of housing development could impact lives in the Upstate. Read the interview
• The Upstate Advocate is here
  Our twice-yearly print newsletter sponsored by Pacolet Milliken Enterprises is now available! ⁣If you did not receive your copy or would like to be added to the mailing list, email Ava Thacker at athacker@upstateforever.org.
• Energy and state policy updates
  The 2019 Legislative Session ended on May 9, and we are pleased to report it was the unexpected "Year of the Environment." Read Energy & State Policy Director Shelley Robbins's recap
• Protect the Upstate, Be the Upstate
  Pledge at least $25 per year for three years or make a one-time gift of $50 or more in support of the Crossroads Campaign and receive our limited edition Be the Upstate tee created in collaboration with local outfitter Dapper Ink. Donate now

Plus, find dates and details for upcoming events and more! 

View the May edition of the Upstate Update

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