South Carolina – Duke Energy Carolinas has filed a proposal with South Carolina regulators seeking a public review of its electric rates. This is a big step toward getting money for continuing improvements that will make the energy system stronger for almost 680,000 customers across the state.
The request, which was sent to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, asks for an annual income increase of $150.5 million, which is a 7.7% increase over the current level. The increased tariffs would go into effect on March 1, 2026, if they are approved.
For most residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, the rate would go up by $10.38, from $136.82 to $147.19. Commercial clients could face an average rise of 5.4%, while industrial customers might see a rise of 5.2%. The exact rate of rise may differ by client class, depending on how much it costs to serve each group.
Duke Energy says that the planned hike is needed to pay for improvements to the electric grid, generation facilities, and protection against bad weather.
“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,” said Tim Pearson, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president.
The recent improvements that Duke Energy made are already paying off. During Hurricane Helene, the company’s self-healing grid technology automatically restored power to more than 35,000 customers and kept the power on for an estimated 153,000 hours that would have been lost. These smart technologies are part of a bigger effort to make the energy system more responsive and stronger.
The company operates in many counties in South Carolina, such as Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, York, and others. It serves a wide spectrum of consumers, including homes, businesses, and factories.
Duke Energy’s website has information about the plan, the procedure for regulatory assessment, and programs to help customers. The company says it remains dedicated to being open, running efficiently, and addressing the needs of customers as they work to establish a better energy future for South Carolina.
