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Mon, 09/22/2025
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. 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:
| Date and Time of Hearing: | Location: |
| Thursday, September 25, 2025 6 p.m. | Florence County Council Chambers County Complex Room 803 180 N. Irby Street, Florence, South Carolina 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, South Carolina 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, South Carolina 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, South Carolina 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.
About SCDCA
Established in 1974, DCA has fifty years of experience in protecting South Carolina consumers while recognizing those businesses that act honestly and fairly. Cultivating a marketplace comprised of well-informed consumers and businesses prevents deceptive and unfair business practices, allows legitimate business activity to flourish, resulting in the promotion of competition and a healthier economy.
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