Duke expected to file request for rate hike in SC

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Duke Energy is expected to ask to increase rates in South Carolina.

The request is expected to be filed with the Public Service Commission on Friday.

Duke spokesman Jason Walls said the new rates would likely go into effect in February.

Duke wants to raise rates to offset the nearly $5 billion it has spent on its electricity generating and transmission system in the Carolinas since 2009.

The company has about 600,000 electricity customers in South Carolina and 1.8 million in North Carolina.

Last month, Duke asked North Carolina regulators to allow it to raise residential rates by 17 percent. That move would add about $19 to the average monthly home power bill of just over $97.