Dominion customers unanimous against proposed rate hike at hearing [Video]

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Customers who attended a public hearing Thursday night on a proposed Dominion Energy rate hike expressed annoyance and frustration.

The customers at the meeting in North Charleston all spoke against the increase, a proposed 14.21% hike starting in September. They say amidst inflation, they can’t afford the estimated $18.86 a month the hike is expected to cost an average household.

Currently, Dominion estimates the average household bill is $132.68 a month and that bill would jump up to $151.54 under the proposal.

Dominion says they haven’t raised rates since 2020 and it’s to keep plants open and the grid secure.

The state Public Service Commission and Office of Regulatory Staff will hear Dominion’s proposal in July. Each agency’s role is to set rates and consider consumer impact. In the meantime, customers can attend public hearings, and file letters of protest online against the rate hike for docket number 2024-34-E.

“I find the proposed rate hike of nearly 15% …