AARP Reacts to SC PSC Ruling

Statement from Patrick Cobb, AARP SC spokesperson

 “AARP South Carolina is disappointed that the Public Service Commission approved without reconsidering the settlement agreement that will now allow Duke Energy to raise electric rates.  Residential electric customers who comprised a large vocal opposition against the rate hike will be forced to dig deeper into their pockets to shoulder a more than 10% rate increase during the next two years for basic electric service. For seniors and South Carolina families, electricity is a basic necessity that they often struggle to afford.”

 “Throughout this process, AARP members attended hearings, expressing opposition and concern to yet another electric rate increase. The PSC heard numerous pleas from upstate residents that they could not withstand the impact of a double digit rate hike. An informal online survey conducted by AARP in June found that more than 87% of respondents had difficulty or knew someone who had difficulty paying their electric bill. Almost 98% said that the PSC should not allow Duke Energy to increase residential electric rates.”

 “AARP will continue to fight to make sure South Carolinians’ voices are heard in this process.”