Duke Energy Progress has requested South Carolina regulators to conduct a public review of the company’s current rates. This marks the first request for rate review since 2022. The company aims to enhance system diversity and reliability, improve customer experience, and meet future energy demands.
The utility serves approximately 177,000 customers in central and northeastern South Carolina. In its application to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC), Duke Energy Progress is seeking an overall revenue increase of $74.8 million, translating to a 12.1% rise over current revenues.
If approved, typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would see their monthly electric bills increase by $21.66—from $144.85 to $166.51—effective February 1, 2026. Commercial customers are expected to face an average increase of 12.8%, while industrial customers could see an average rise of about 3.6%. The precise impact on each customer class will depend on the additional revenue needed to cover service costs.
Duke Energy emphasizes its commitment to meeting customer expectations concerning reliability, responsiveness, affordability, and value. “This proposal reflects the investments we have made to strengthen the grid, improve storm readiness, maintain and enhance our generating fleet and serve a growing customer base,” according to a company statement.
The company’s grid investments have been beneficial during storm responses. For instance, during Hurricane Helene’s passage through the Carolinas, improvements helped reduce power outages significantly with smart technology restoring service automatically for more than 10,000 customers.
Tim Pearson, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president said: “We know families and businesses are juggling a lot and we do not take a request to increase rates lightly but being upfront and timely with our request is the right thing to do and in the best interest of our customers.”
Further details on Duke Energy Progress’s proposal can be accessed online along with information on various assistance programs and billing options offered by the company.
Duke Energy Progress operates as a subsidiary of Duke Energy with substantial energy capacity serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients across North Carolina and South Carolina.
Duke Energy itself is among America’s largest energy holding companies with significant operations across several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee as well as natural gas services.
For more information about their ongoing initiatives or other inquiries contact Ryan Mosier at any time via their hotline.
