Duke Energy Carolinas has approached South Carolina regulators to conduct a public review of its current rates. This move follows the company's last request for a base rate review in early 2024. Since then, Duke Energy Carolinas has invested in grid upgrades, storm resilience improvements, and generation fleet maintenance to meet customer expectations.
The company serves nearly 680,000 retail electric customers in various counties across South Carolina, including Abbeville, Anderson, and Greenville. The application submitted to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) seeks an annual revenue increase of $150.5 million, marking a 7.7% rise over current revenues.
If approved, residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours monthly would see their bills increase by $10.38 per month starting March 1, 2026. Commercial customers could expect an average increase of 5.4%, while industrial customers might see around a 5.2% rise.
Tim Pearson, Duke Energy's South Carolina president, stated: "We know families and businesses are juggling a lot and we do not take a request to increase rates lightly but being upfront and timely with our request is the right thing to do and in the best interest of our customers."
Duke Energy's recent investments have strengthened its grid for better storm response capabilities. For instance, during Hurricane Helene's passage through the Carolinas, grid improvements helped reduce power outages significantly.
Duke Energy Carolinas operates as a subsidiary of Duke Energy and supplies electricity across North Carolina and South Carolina with substantial energy capacity holdings. Duke Energy itself is one of America's largest energy holding companies serving millions across several states with both electric and natural gas utilities.
For more details on this proposal or assistance programs offered by Duke Energy Carolinas, visit their website or contact Ryan Mosier at the provided number.