Local customers voice opposition to proposed Dominion Energy rate increase

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – At a public hearing in North Charleston, local Dominion Energy customers voiced their opinions on a proposed rate hike from the energy company.

The hearing, hosted by the S.C. Public Service Commission (PSC), was over an application submitted by Dominion asking to increase and adjust its retail electric rate schedules, tariffs, and terms and conditions.

According to PSC, Dominion wants to increase by $18.86, or 14.21%, for residential customers, $2,002.25, or 12.32%, for commercial customers, and $57,486.40, or 12.68%, for industrial customers.

This would bring in 12.6% or about $291 million more in retail revenue for Dominion.

“I find the proposed rate hike of nearly 15% to be frankly cruel and insensitive to many South Carolina residents who are less privileged by a monopoly utility that makes billions of dollars quarterly,” David Quick, Dominion customer, said.

Another Dominion customer expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed hike.

“But, at the moment, I am living in a state that has the fourth highest energy bills and the least energy efficiency in the entire nation,” Rowan Emerson said. “This rate hike is Dominion shooting for the moon.”

Two more public hearings are on the docket for the proposal, both of which are in Columbia. To learn more about the proposal and hearings, click here.