AARP Opposes New Request for Utility Rate Hike

Duke Energy Carolinas, which has raised electricity rates twice since 2010, is again asking South Carolina regulators for permission to increase prices.

AARP is fighting the residential rate hike of about 16 percent, which the utility company says is needed to recoup money spent on cleaner and more efficient power plants and equipment, and to comply with safety and environmental regulations.

The proposed rate hike would tack almost $18 onto the typical monthly residential electric bill for about 457,000 households in the state. Hearings on the issue are scheduled for June 20 in Spartanburg at USC-S, June 24 in Greenville at Greenville County Council Chambers, and June 27 in Anderson at the Civic Center.  In order to testify and speak out against the rate hike, you must register the night of the hearing you choose to attend. For more click here