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. To view the PSC Docket, click here.
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