Dominion Ratepayers Made Their Voices Heard

Thank You For Raising Your Voice! 

We have some good news.

Recently, AARP SC and other parties agreed to take a six month pause in Dominion Energy’s rate hike request (2020-125-E) that would have likely raised your utility bill. This is good news on several fronts. Negotiations for a potential settlement will continue and your utility bill will not increase. The global pandemic has caused numerous hardships on South Carolinians, but a higher electric bill, especially during the upcoming summer months, shouldn’t be one of them. Thanks to ratepayers like you who raised your voices, it won't be. AARP SC will continue to be involved in all negotiations making sure your voice is heard. 

How did this happen?

You heeded the call to action to speak out to the Public Service Commission and you were heard. During the first full week in January and three nights in November, the South Carolina Public Service Commission heard from more than 160 individuals providing comments regarding Dominion’s proposed rate hike. Some ratepayers stayed on the line late into the evening to testify.

During his final comments Monday, January 11, SC PSC Chair Justin T. Williams thanked ratepayers:

“I truly believe that your participation in this matter helped get us to where we are. The Commission did not do anything to aid in this effort other than hearing the evidence. I truly believe that it was the testimony of the public witnesses who gave insight into what ratepayers are facing on a day-to-day basis and how this increase would impact them.”

“I think the willingness, as Commissioner Powers said, for ratepayers to stay on the phone late into the night and having the courage to tell their story in a public setting is what helped get us here. So I really want to thank the ratepayers who participated in this process because without your testimony we would not have any real insight as to what was happening in your communities.”

 What happens Next?

The case will resume barring any settlement July 12, 2021. AARP SC will keep you informed and updated as to the progess in this case. As your fierce defender, we will continue the fight for affordable utility bills. If you haven’t weighed in on this rate case it is not too late to file a letter of protest. To file a letter click here and reference docket 2020-125-E.