Santee Cooper considers 2 rate increases

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (AP) — The state-owned utility Santee Cooper is considering a pair of rate increases.

The Moncks Corner-based utility decided Monday to get the public’s comments on a proposed increase that would raise rates 3.5 percent each of the next two years.

Utility spokeswoman Mollie Gore says the first increase would take effect Dec. 1 and the next would occur Dec. 1, 2013.

The utility says this year’s increase would add about $5.60 per month to the typical residential customer’s bill. The 2013 increase would add another $8.30 per month for the average customer.

Commercial, industrial, municipal and lighting customers also would pay more.

Gore says Santee Cooper has not raised rates since 2009.

The utility is considering the increase because of increased costs of new power generation and environmental regulations.