This is not the time; residents push back against proposed Duke Energy rate hike [Video]

GREENWOOD, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Duke Energy customers could soon see higher bills. The power company is asking the state Public Service Commission to grant them a rate increase beginning this Summer.

At Thursday’s public hearing in Greenwood, many customers said it’s not about the increase itself—but the timing and amount.

“This is not the time,” said one man.

For the first time in 6 years, Duke Energy is looking to increase the base rate. They say it’s about improving reliability, customer experience and planning for the future.

“They expect us to pay their overhead expenses and everything. I mean it’s not right, Ray Charles can see it,” said James Hollingsworth, a Duke Energy customer.

If the public service commission approves it means the average customer would see an increase of $20 a month starting in August and another increase of $11 in two years.

“Basically I don’t think duke power deserves the rate, not at that high,” …