SCDCA to Represent Consumer Interest in Duke Energy Carolinas Filing; Public Hearings Scheduled

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) intervened to represent the interests of consumers as the Public Service Commission (PSC) evaluates a utility rate increase request filed by Duke Energy Carolinas. The company primarily serves customers living in the Upstate, including Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson counties.

Duke Energy Carolinas is asking the PSC to approve the rate increase in two phases, with average residential customers paying 12.9% more after August 1, 2024 and then an additional 6.5% effective August 1, 2026 (total of 19.4% over current rates). The company is seeking to increase overall revenues an average of 11.4% for two years, with an additional 4.1% added thereafter. Duke Energy Carolinas says the rise in rates will cover investments that improve the reliability, resiliency, and efficiency of its electric system.  For more information on the company's filing, click here. To view the PSC Docket, click here.

Duke Energy Carolinas customers have opportunities in April and May to be heard on the requested rate increase. All hearings will be held in-person, but customers can choose to testify virtually at the Monday, May 20th hearing. During the hearings, the PSC will hear testimony from those who pre-register first. More information on the hearings, including how to pre-register, can be found on the PSC website. Hearing dates and locations are:

Date and Time of Hearing:	Location:	Please Pre-Register By:
Monday, April 8, 2024  6 p.m.	Wade Hampton High School Auditorium 100 Pine Knoll Drive Greenville, SC 29609	Friday, April 5, 2024
Thursday, April 11, 2024 6 p.m.	Greenwood 50 Performing Arts Center 1816 Cokesbury  Greenwood, SC 29649	Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 6 p.m.	Seneca High School Auditorium 100 Bobcat Ridge Seneca, SC 29678	Friday, April 12, 2024
Monday, April 22, 2024 6 p.m.	Anderson County Council Chambers 101 South Main Street Anderson, SC 29624	Friday, April 19, 2024
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 6 p.m.	Spartanburg County Council Chambers Spartanburg County Administration Building 366 North Church Street, Suite 100 Spartanburg, SC 29303	Friday, April 19, 2024
Thursday, April 25, 2024 6 p.m.	Lancaster County Council Chambers 101 N. Main Street Lancaster, SC 29720	Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Monday, May 20, 2204 5 p.m.	In-person or Virtual 101 Executive Center Drive Columbia, SC 29210	Friday, May 17, 2024

As the consumer advocate, SCDCA can intervene in utility ratemaking before the PSC and serves to advocate for the interest of consumers, ie: those purchasing utility services for a personal, family or household purpose. As a part of SCDCA’s mission to educate the public, this information is distributed to make South Carolinians aware of this case and its potential impact on their lives.

About SCDCA

Established in 1974, DCA has nearly fifty years of experience in protecting South Carolina consumers while recognizing those businesses that act honestly and fairly. Cultivating a marketplace comprised of well-informed consumers and businesses prevents deceptive and unfair business practices, allows legitimate business activity to flourish, resulting in the promotion of competition and a healthier economy.