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Dominion Energy wants to raise utility rates. They have requested a rate increase from the Public Services Commission (PSC). The PSC is doing public hearings to hear from you. Several hearings have already taken place. There will be one central one in Columbia on May 12. Below is information on what is going on with the rate hikes and how you can get involved.
About the Public Hearing
The Public Hearing for the Dominion Rate Hike Proposal in Columbia, SC will be on May 12. There will be a two hour morning (10 AM – 12 PM) and four hour evening session from 5 PM to 9 PM. If there are enough people who register, May 13 will be added to the calendar. It is critical that Dominion hears from everyone possible about this rate hike!
WHAT: Public Service Commission Public Hearing on Dominion Rate Hike Proposal
WHEN: May 12
WHERE: Public Service Commission Hearing Room
101 Executive Center Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
THREE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:
- EMAIL your feedback to [email protected], OR;
- MAIL feedback to 101 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29210, OR;
- ATTEND the hearing at either of the two sessions on May 12th
- Morning session: 10 AM –12 PM
- Evening session: 5 PM – 9:00 PM
TO REGISTER TO SPEAK: You should preregister by either emailing [email protected], calling 803-896-4120, or completing the PSC’s online survey here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019b94d1aaf27143a6b2c0ba32c7cffd
INFORMATION ABOUT THE HEARING: https://dms.psc.sc.gov/Attachments/Matter/ca80d952-014d-45be-aa84-82d0a4ca20be
Preparing for the Public Hearing
What Should I Say?
- Introduce yourself! (Name and Town/City and Street name you live in)
- Explain how your electric bill affects you now
- Describe how you will be impacted by the increase
- Your ask to the PSC. Sample:
“Hello my name is Sara. I live in Columbia, SC on Maple St. With a proposed average increase of $240 a year, this rate hike will make it difficult for me to afford groceries and basic needs for me and my children. I already keep my thermostat higher in the summer, lower in the winter, and do what I can to keep my bill low. I am asking you to reject this rate increase to protect the livelihoods of people in SC. Thank you for your time and for listening.”
What to Bring?
- Your electric bill
- Written Testimony (Make sure to practice in front of a mirror or with a friend)
What to Expect?
- You will sign in when you arrive. Plan on arriving early.
- You will wait for your name to be called.
- You will have a time limit of about 3 minutes, so keep your comments short and focused.
- Your comments will be on the record!
- Tell your story: Commissioners want to know how this will affect your life, you don’t need to be a technical expert.
Presentation: How to Advocate Against Dominion’s Rate Hike (South Carolina)
Our Special Projects Coordinator Anjani Moro recently presented about the rate hike and how you can get involved in the public hearing. Please find the presentation below. If you have further questions, please email Anjani at [email protected]
Presentation: How to Advocate Against Dominion’s Rate Hike (South Carolina)
Presentación: Cómo oponerse al aumento de tarifas de Dominion (Carolina del Sur)
We will have additional information in the coming days leading up to the Public Hearing, including more tips and potential opportunities to meet and work on your public hearing statement. Stay tuned!
