Cayce-based South Carolina Electric & Gas has set into motion the request for a 7.35 percent increase for more than 600,000 customers. The rate case will go before the South Carolina Public Service Commission later this fall. For the first time in South Carolina, AARP will intervene in a rate hike request.

See Also: Affordable Utilities Now

If approved, the average residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month would cause a monthly increase of $6.67 for electricity use. “AARP South Carolina is poised and ready to convince the SCPSC that this rate increase is not in the best interest of our members and the public at large,” said Teresa Arnold, AARP South Carolina legislative director.

This is at least the fifth rate increase sought by SCE&G since 2008. According to the SC Office of Regulatory Staff, the current average monthly residential bill for 1000 kWh SCE&G customer is $135.06 compared to $99.53 for Duke and $100.78 for Progress customers.

“We hear from our members that they have done weatherization improvements and monitored their thermostats and reduced their over-all usage, but continue to have higher electric bills,” said Arnold.

If approved, the average monthly residential bill effective January 2013 for 1000 kWh SCE&G customer would be $141.73 which would be 42.4 percent more than Duke and 40.6 percent more than Progress customers pay for the same amount of electricity service.

The SC PSC will hold its hearing on Nov. 27 at 9:30 a.m. Information regarding the case can be found here and voice your opinion on the case. AARP and other community organizations will request that the PSC hold additional hearings in communities that SCE&G serves.

As the case develops and public hearings are scheduled, AARP will post the dates and locations on aarp.org/sc and Facebook.