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 Progress. The company serves customers living in 13 counties in the Midlands, Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas.
Duke Energy Progress is asking the PSC to approve a rate increase of 15%, which amounts to about $22 per month, for the average residential customer. Duke Energy Progress says the rise in rates will cover efforts to strengthen the company’s grid, serve a growing customer base, improve storm readiness and maintain/enhance their generation fleet. For more information on the company’s request, click here: https://dms.psc.sc.gov/Attachments/Matter/e43875ce-fa2c-4e46-8bdf-0e194833db6a
To view the PSC Docket, click here: https://dms.psc.sc.gov/Web/Dockets/Detail/119377
Duke Energy Progress customers have opportunities in September and October 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, October 27th hearing. During the hearings, the PSC will hear testimony from those who pre-register first. More information, including how to pre-register, can be found on the PSC website. Hearing dates and locations are:
Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6 p.m., Florence County Council Chambers, County Complex Room 803, 180 N. Irby Street, Florence, SC 29501
Monday, September 29, 2025, 6 p.m., Sumter High School Auditorium, 2580 McCray’s Mill Road, Sumter, SC 29154
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 6 p.m., Lee County Courthouse, 123 South Main Street, Bishopville, SC 29010
Monday, October 27, 2025, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Columbia (In-person or Virtually): Public Service Commission Hearing Room, 101 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC 29210
Monday, October 27, 2025, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Columbia (In-person or Virtually): Public Service Commission Hearing Room, 101 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC 29210
As the consumer advocate, SCDCA can intervene in utility ratemaking before the PSC and serves to advocate for the interest of consumers, i.e.: 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.
