Oconee sends Duke a partial refund

At least for now, Duke Energy’s whopping tax payment to Oconee County is partially smaller than originally.  County tax officials say the treasurer’s office today is sending back to Duke $2.5 million of the $33.7 million payment received prior to this month’s deadline, while the company pursues an appeal.  It’s not the first time in recent years that Duke has chosen to appeal part of its Oconee County property tax bill.  “The appeal is still being looked at from what I understand and hopefully will be settled in the near future,” according to Christy Hubbard, Oconee County Auditor.  Hubbard says Duke’s appeal is based on the argument that the corporation is a manufacturer of energy and should receive a ratio reduction from a law passed in 2018.  “Please note,” says Hubbard, “this appeal will only cover the portion of their value that actually produces energy when the appeal is complete,” she said.