With Duke Energy Carolinas’ proposal in July to increase electricity rates, it’s important to look at how those rates are determined and what role the Public Service Commission of South Carolina plays in setting those rates.

PSC’s role

The Public Service Commission is charged under state law with establishing rates for services provided by electric, natural gas, water and wastewater utilities in the Palmetto State.

The commission’s mission statement targets “just and reasonable” rates which require the commission to weigh the impact of those rates on utility customers against the expectation of public utility providers to receive a return on their investment.

Because the commission has judicial functions in determining utility rates, it collects a variety of information and testimony f

See Full Page