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Leon G. Russ
HOMETOWN NEWS
Looking in on the public hearing held by the South Carolina Public Service Commission regarding Duke Energy’s request for a 15% rate hike, one could see what looked like a microcosm of the Occupy Wall Street movement.
The hearing, held at Spartanburg Community College on Wednesday, October 19, saw area business leaders and organizations advocating for the Duke Energy rate increase, stating they had to have the rate increase to provide for financing future investments and stating the company helps bring in businesses and provide jobs.
On the other side were your average citizens who were lamenting the fact many of them have to choose to add layers of blankets and use kerosene heaters because they can barely afford to pay their electric bill.
Prior to the public comment, Duke’s Vice President of Community and Government Regulations, George Acker, gave an opening statement spelling out Duke’s need for an increase in rates.
He said Duke invested $6.5 billion in their system over the last two years and added, “We have an aging infrastructure” that needs upgraded.
Acker pointed out that even with the 15% increase in rates “our rates will be well below the regional average” and “even with the rate increase our customers will pay less than the national average.”
He told the commissioners the “increase will allow us to recoup the $6.5 billion we’ve already invested.”
One of those speaking in opposition to the rate increase during the public hearing was Harley Hutchins, who didn’t buy Acker’s claim of low rates.
Hutchins pointed out, “We keep hearing how cheap Duke is but the average earnings here are substantially lower than the rest of the country.”
Cheryl Cox, vice president of Academic Affairs at SCC spoke in favor of Duke’s rate increase, noting Duke’s partnership with the college “supports our region.”
Specifically, she said, Duke “helps us with workforce funding geared toward training for high wage jobs. The funding allows us to be cutting edge.
For the rest of the story, read this week’s Spartanburg County News.
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