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The Daily Tar Heel
On The Wire

Public voices outrage over proposed electrical rate increases

The Raging Grannies walk to the podium to sing for the Utilities Commission. The public was allowed to talk about how they felt about Duke Energy's tax hike during the meeting.
Buy Photos The Raging Grannies walk to the podium to sing for the Utilities Commission. The public was allowed to talk about how they felt about Duke Energy's tax hike during the meeting.

There was a different kind of electricity in the room Wednesday night, when the N.C. Utilities Commission listened to public complaints about Duke Energy’s proposed 18.6 percent increase in electrical costs.

People from across the state gathered Wednesday night at Durham City Hall, to speak out against the proposed hikes.

Members of the N.C. Utilities Commission listened without comment to grievances ranging from the environmental impact of Duke Energy on the state to the financial toll placed on families.

The commission plans to take the public’s comments into consideration before deciding on whether or not to approve the 18 percent rate increase in November or December.

At the beginning of the meeting, a spokeswoman for Duke Energy told gatherers that the company was committed to bringing clean energy to its customers. She said federal environmental regulations require the company to request the 18 percent rate increase in order to stay competitive.

Katherine Benson, a Durham resident and mother, tearfully explained her objections to the increase. She described how thin her family’s resources were already spread after her infants medical treatment had cost her family $11,000.

Even the Raging Grannies — a local chapter of a women’s organization that promotes peace and justice through song — attended the public forum.

“We demand that you all listen to the citizens today/ No rate hike, no-oh way!” they sang to the tune of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.

The Grannies’ song brought cheers from the crowd and a few brief smiles from members of the commission.

Throughout the hearing, many of the commissioners yawned and rubbed their eyes. Commissioner Bryan Beatty appeared to doze off.

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