Duke Energy is seeking permission to raise utility rates in South Carolina by 12 percent beginning in 2019.
Duke, which serves 591,000 customers in the Upstate, says the increase will generate $168 million to build a “smarter energy future” for South Carolina.
“The electric power grid is the backbone of South Carolina’s digital economy – not just today, but for decades to come,” said Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president in a news release. “Customers want safe, reliable and increasingly clean electricity. They also want more options and control over how they use energy in their everyday lives. We’re working hard to build a smart, secure and flexible electric infrastructure to better serve our customers and keep South Carolina competitive now and in the years ahead.”
Under the plan, residential customers will see an average rate increase of 12.1 percent.
Commercial and industrial customers would see an average increase of 8.3 percent.
“If the proposal is approved, a residential customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity monthly would pay about $129.43 per month, and increase of about $15.57,” said Ryan Mosier, a spokesman for Duke Energy Carolinas.
If approved, the news rates will go into effect on June 1, 2019.
More at www.duke-energy.com/SCCarolinasRates.