Duke Energy Carolinas SC Rate Case

We work every day to keep costs as low as possible for our customers and to avoid an increase to customer bills whenever possible. Our work to modernize the electric system, generate cleaner power, responsibly manage and close coal ash basins, respond to major storms and continually improve our service to more than 591,000 customers in the Upstate region of South Carolina were the primary reasons behind this request. The PSCSC determines what's appropriate for customer rates based on a long-standing and very transparent public process for reviewing rate requests.

The PSCSC approved an average rate increase of 3.7% for all residential customers. Commercial and industrial customers will see an average increase of around 1.6% (actual rates vary by customer class and size).

Beginning June 1, a typical residential customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity monthly would pay about $122.45 per month, an increase of about $4.71.

A base rate case is a very public regulatory review process, overseen by the PSCSC, in which a utility must demonstrate why a proposed increase in rates is needed. The process considers volumes of data and thousands of pages of testimony – including input from the public. Over a number of months, this independent, public process helps ensure transparency and fair rates based on the costs the utility incurs to serve its customers. 

The commission thoroughly reviews our request and typically holds multiple public hearings across Duke Energy Carolinas territory to allow customers to comment. In spring 2019, the commission will conduct an evidentiary hearing and consider our written and oral testimony, along with viewpoints from others representing customer groups and other stakeholders.

Yes, the PSCSC established opportunities for the public to comment, through public hearings or directly, at the appropriate time during the rate-making process.

The complete request and additional information can be found at the PSCSC website, docket number 2018-319-E.

It's important to us to give our customers more options to help them better manage energy and ultimately save money – so we’re connecting with our customers through new tools like usage updates, free home energy audits and a menu of energy-saving tips, programs and incentives for every budget. To find the right energy-saving program for your household, visit 

We're also proud to provide support to those customers who need it most through initiatives like the Neighborhood Energy Saver Program that provide energy-saving upgrades at no cost to income-qualified homeowners.