Agency to intervene in Duke’s rate hike bid

The South Carolina Consumer Affairs Department will intervene in Duke Energy’s application for higher power rates, in the department’s role representing consumers.  Evaluating the merits for the higher retail bills is the state’s Public Service Commission.  Among Upstate customers are those living in Oconee and Anderson counties.  Duke seeks a 7.6% rate increase – amounting to $10.38 a month for the average residential customer.  Public hearings take place this month and next month in Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, Greenwood, and Columbia.