Local customers speak out against Dominion Energy’s planned tariff increase

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (WCBD) – At a public hearing in North Charleston, local Dominion Energy customers voiced their opinions on a planned rate increase by the energy company.

The hearing, hosted by the SC Public Service Commission (PSC), addressed a request by Dominion to increase and adjust its electricity prices, rates and terms and conditions.

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

This would give Dominion an increase in retail sales of 12.6%, or approximately $291 million.

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

Another Dominion customer expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed increase.

“But right now I live in a state that has the fourth highest energy costs and the lowest energy efficiency in the country,” said Rowan Emerson. “This rate increase is Dominion’s aim for the stars.”

Two more public hearings are scheduled for the proposal, both in Columbia. To learn more about the proposal and the hearings, click here.