By Jerry Bellune

JerryBellune@yahoo.com

Energy expert Rod Funderburk calls Dominion's proposed SC rate hike "ridiculous."

"The company is asking for approval of a plan to allow it to collect an additional $3.5 million annually over the next 5 years," Funderburk said. 

"That will be on top of the $24 million a year it is already spending on contractors, bucket trucks and helicopters with swinging saw blades. 

"Even without viewing the company’s history of rate increases, this rate request seems excessive."

The Chronicle has asked Dominion Energy to respond.  

In August, Dominion Energy filed a request with the SC Public Service Commission for a 7.7% rate increase. 

"To justify the rate increase, the company is throwing huge numbers at the commission ostensibly covering storm damage, power plant upgrades, tree-trimming expenses, power line improvements and incentive packages for the utility's employees." 

If approved the increase would start next March 1.

"Dominion Energy claims to have invested $2.1 billion dollars on new meters, transformers, substations and power lines on behalf of customers over the past 8 years. 

"Since 2012, crews hired by SCE&G and Dominion have spent tens of millions of dollars each year trimming limbs, spraying herbicides and cutting dead trees.  

"Dominion also wants to be compensated for the 376 miles of electrical lines built to transport electricity out of Fairfield County and toward the coast, which cost roughly $47 million.  

"SCE&G and Dominion spent tens of millions of dollars responding to hurricanes and other natural disasters that struck South Carolina over the past 8 years," Funderburk said. 

"Dominion wants to charge customers an extra $9.8 million annually over the next 5 years to cover storms that have yet to strike the state."