Duke Energy is requesting another rate increase and customers can call in to a public hearing on Nov. 13 to make their thoughts known.
Duke has already received two approvals, one for an 8.7 percent increase in August 2024 and another coming March 2026.
Persons interested in speaking during the virtual hearing have time options of 10 am to 1 pm or 4 pm to 8 pm. Callers will have three minutes to speak.
To participate, call 803-896-5133, leave a message that you want to sign up to speak at the hearing on rate increases and provide your name and phone. Someone will call you back and take your information to confirm which time slot you prefer. Deadline to sign up is Nov 6.
Regarding the proposed increase, “We need people to speak out against this rate hike as we have no competition, so are held captive to pay whatever they charge,” said Anderson County Republican Women president Kelly Decker. “If people do not make their voices heard, the commissioners will approve and allow Duke Energy more increases, even though the commissioners “claim” to represent the people.”
Only four people spoke during a public hearing held in Anderson recently. The hearing was not advertised in The Journal and very few people were even aware that it was scheduled.
“I have signed up for the virtual call and was at the time the only person,” Decker said. “if people do not complain and get involved this will be pushed through.”
