Columbia, South Carolina – As a result of South Carolina’s rapid growth and the rise in energy demand, Duke Energy Carolinas is at a crossroads that could mean South Carolina users pay more for their energy needs. The state’s growth rate has surpassed Duke Energy’s load expectations by eight times what was expected two years ago. It is now at the center of a major debate about how to balance the needs of a growing population with the use of renewable energy technologies.
Duke Energy recently updated its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which serves as a roadmap for meeting future energy demands. In this updated plan, there is now a significant effort to add solar, battery storage, and remote wind technologies to the mix of ways energy is produced. This is a big step toward using more environmentally friendly energy sources, as it shows Duke Energy’s commitment and dedication to growing awareness of the need for environmental stewardship.
But the plan also calls for greater use of natural gas, which makes taxpayers concerned. The reliance on natural gas is likely to expose consumers to the whims of volatile fuel prices, potentially leading to further rate increases.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) of South Carolina has called for a number of public hearings because they understand that these decisions will have a considerable impact on residents. Ratepayers can use these hearings to voice their concerns and opinions about Duke Energy’s future plans, especially about how they plan to use renewable energy and what that will mean for the energy prices they pay every month. The meetings will start in early April and take place in the Upstate and in Columbia.
The meetings are both a call to action for people and an invitation to everyone else who wants to have a say in South Carolina’s energy policy. Ratepayers are welcome to attend these meetings and talk about their experiences, worries, and ideas for how Duke Energy can better align its operations with its customers’ needs and values.
Each location has a separate registration deadline and location listed below. Ratepayers can provide a “Letter of Protest” in lieu of attending the in-person hearings by emailing a letter to contact@psc.sc.gov or mailing it to 101 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29210.
Register for any of the following hearings here – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JX2N27D
- 6 p.m. April 8(Wade Hampton High School Auditorium) Register by: April 4th
- 6 p.m. April 11 (Greenwood 50 Performing Arts Center) Register by: April 9th
- 6 p.m. April 16(Seneca High School Auditorium) Register by: April 12th
- 6 p.m. April 22(Anderson County Council Chambers) Register by: April 19th
- 6 p.m. April 23(Spartanburg County Council Chambers) Register by: April 19th
- 10 a.m., 5 p.m. May 20: Public Service Commission Hearing Room (101 Executive Drive, Columbia)
- 10 a.m. May 21-24: Public Service Commission Hearing Room (101 Executive Drive, Columbia)
