CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Duke Energy customers in South Carolina will soon see an increase to their monthly utility bill as state regulators approved new rates for the company starting in August.
The Public Service Commission of South Carolina approved new rates based on a settlement agreement that was reached in connection with the rate review Duke Energy filed in January. The new rates take effect Aug. 1, according to Duke.
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The average customer will see an increase of around $12 per month, according to Duke. Starting Aug. 1, 2026, rates increase another 4.3%, which equates to around $6.50 per month for a typical residential customer. Duke Energy has nearly 660,000 customers in South Carolina, primarily in the Upstate.
Commercial and industrial customers will see an average increase of around 4.5%, Duke said. The company said its new rates are still below the national average. It's the first time South Carolina rates have increased since 2018.
A spokesperson for the company said the rate hike is necessary for Duke's investments in the grid to keep up with increased power demand.
Meanwhile in North Carolina, Attorney General Josh Stein is appealing Duke Energy's request to raise rates. The state utilities commission approved a 15% hike last December, but Stein says the rates are too high and is asking the North Carolina Supreme Court to make a ruling.
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