COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) -- Residents were heated as they attended the final of four public hearings on a proposed rate hike SCE&G is requesting from the public service commission.

More than a dozen people signed up to speak before the board to let them know their opposition to the increase some customers say comes at a bad time.

" I am trying to raise my kids. I have a job but they're hitting us so hard it's more than the pay increase i get at work."

Another women who spoke during the meeting says she just returned to work after a year of unemployment, she says she is already having a tough enough time making ends meet. The hike would force her to have to choose between gassing up her car to get to work and be able to keep food on the table.

SCE&G spokesperson, Eric BoomHower says the last time they asked for a bsae rate increase was back in 2010 to the tune of 4.8 percent which was spread over the course of 3 years. This go round they have found "middle ground" and lower the asking price to 1.38. According to Boomhower, a household using a thousand kilowatts would expect to pay about 2 dollars and 50 cents more on their monthly bills.

The board has until December 31st to make a approve or deny the companies request.