House District 27 Representative Rodney D. Pierce is strongly opposing Dominion Energy’s proposed electric rate increase and urging the North Carolina Utilities Commission to reject it, saying families in northeastern North Carolina cannot afford another increase in the cost of living.
Dominion is seeking an overall $36.8 million increase in base revenues, including a 15.42 percent increase for residential customers. A typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month could see a bill of approximately $151.48 per month when proposed riders are included.
“I am vehemently opposed to Dominion Energy’s proposed rate increase, and I urge the North Carolina Utilities Commission to reject this request,” Pierce said. “The people I represent are already being squeezed from every direction. They simply cannot afford another significant increase in their monthly electric bills.”
Pierce said the proposed increase would be particularly difficult for families, seniors on fixed incomes, farmers and small businesses in rural communities already facing economic challenges.
“People are already paying more for groceries, gasoline, housing and other necessities,” Pierce said. “Reliable electricity is essential, but it also must be affordable. We cannot continue placing higher costs on working families who are already struggling to make ends meet.”
Pierce also raised concerns about Dominion’s separate fuel-factor request, which under the company’s proposed mitigation option could add another $23.48 per month for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours.
“The Utilities Commission has a responsibility to protect consumers, not simply ensure that utilities recover their costs,” Pierce said. “I will continue to stand with the families, seniors, farmers and small businesses of House District 27. Our people are already paying enough.”
The NCUC will hold a public hearing on the proposed rate increase at 7 p.m. on September 28 at the Halifax County Courthouse — 357 Ferrell Lane in Halifax.
Citizens can also submit written consumer statements at https://www.ncuc.gov/contactus.html and include the docket number (Docket No. E-22, SUB 765).
A virtual hearing will be held October 5 at 7 p.m. via WebEx. Only the first 20 registrants will be allowed to testify at this hearing and they must register no later than 5 p.m. on September 25. To register, complete the electronic Remote Public Witness Registration form located on the commission’s website at www.ncuc.gov/hearings/remotepublicregister.html
If assistance is needed contact 919-733-0837.
