Greenwood, South Carolina, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Duke Energy has submitted a request for a $150 million rate increase, affecting approximately 680,000 customers across western South Carolina. If approved, residential bills could rise by up to $10 a month. Public hearings are being held to discuss the proposal, with a decision expected by early 2026. The proposed increase aims to enhance infrastructure and improve service reliability following challenges from Hurricane Helene.
Greenwood, South Carolina – Duke Energy has officially submitted a request to the South Carolina Public Service Commission for a $150 million rate increase which, if approved, will lead to a base rate increase of 7.7%. This adjustment poses an additional cost of approximately $10 a month to a typical residential bill, taking effect next year.
The company is actively conducting public hearings regarding this proposal. A virtual hearing is set for November 13 at 10 a.m., while an in-person meeting will occur on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Greenwood 50 Performing Arts Center. Prior hearings were held in locations such as Greenville, Anderson, and Spartanburg, giving customers a chance to express their concerns directly.
Duke Energy serves around 680,000 customers across 18 counties in western South Carolina. This proposed rate hike follows the last base rate increase, which was approved in early 2024. Since then, Duke Energy has been focused on enhancing their infrastructure, stating that they have strengthened the grid, improved reliability, and upgraded power generation facilities.
It is important to note that the recent rate hike request is not connected to the damages caused by Hurricane Helene, previously reported as the worst hurricane in the company’s history. Duke Energy is also planning to issue storm bonds stemming from Hurricane Helene, which will potentially save South Carolina customers around $143 million, or 21%, on future energy bills.
If approved, these storm bonds are expected to be issued by late 2025, with the impact on customer bills beginning in late 2025 or early 2026. Under the newly proposed rates, residential customers using 1,000 kWh per month might see an increase of up to $4.12, although the final amount could vary pending final terms.
Duke Energy has faced significant challenges due to Hurricane Helene, which severely damaged their infrastructure in Upstate South Carolina. Extensive restoration efforts utilized helicopters and drones to restore service efficiently. Recently, a public hearing was held in the Anderson County Council chambers to continue engaging with the community on these matters.
Commercial customers can expect an average rate increase of 5.4%, while industrial customers may see a rise of 5.2%. Duke Energy representatives have emphasized that this proposed rate increase is essential to fund necessary investments in strengthening the grid, improving storm readiness, and enhancing power generation capabilities.
A decision from the Public Service Commission regarding the rate increase is anticipated by early 2026, with new rates potentially taking effect on March 1, 2026.
FAQs
What is the proposed amount for Duke Energy’s rate increase?
Duke Energy has requested a $150 million rate increase.
How much will the base rate increase residential bills?
If approved, the base rate increase would amount to 7.7%, adding approximately $10 a month to a typical residential bill starting next year.
When will public hearings be held?
The company is conducting public hearings, including a virtual hearing on November 13 at 10 a.m. and an in-person meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Greenwood 50 Performing Arts Center.
Who does Duke Energy serve in South Carolina?
Duke Energy serves approximately 680,000 customers in 18 counties in western South Carolina.
When was the last base rate increase approved?
The last base rate increase was approved in early 2024.
What savings can customers expect due to the storm bonds from Hurricane Helene?
Duke Energy plans to issue storm bonds that will save South Carolina customers about $143 million, or 21%, on future energy bills.
When will customers see the impact of storm bonds on their bills?
If approved, the storm bonds are expected to be issued by late 2025, impacting customer bills starting in late 2025 or early 2026.
Key Features of the Rate Increase Proposal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Rate Increase | $150 million |
| Base Rate Increase | 7.7% |
| Typical Residential Bill Increase | Approximately $10 a month |
| Public Hearing Dates | November 13 at 10 a.m. (virtual), Thursday at 6 p.m. (in-person) |
| Customers Served | Approximately 680,000 in 18 counties |
| Last Rate Increase Approval | Early 2024 |
| Estimated Savings from Storm Bonds | $143 million or 21% |
| Impact of Storm Bonds | Bills starting in late 2025 or early 2026 |
| Residential Rate Increase on 1,000 kWh | Up to $4.12 |
| Commercial Rate Increase | Average of 5.4% |
| Industrial Rate Increase | Average of 5.2% |
| Expected Decision from PSC | By early 2026 |
| Potential Effective Date of New Rates | March 1, 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Duke Energy Rate Increase Proposal
- WYFF4: Duke Energy Rate Increase Announcement
- The State: Duke Energy Rate Hike Information
- Spectrum Local News: Duke Energy Increase Coverage
- Duke Energy News Release: Rate Proposal Details
- Wikipedia: Duke Energy
- Google Search: Duke Energy Rate Increase
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Duke Energy
- Google News: Duke Energy South Carolina
Author: HERE Greenwood
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