By Jerry Bellune

JerryBellune@yahoo.com

Dominion Energy wants regulators to give it a 7.7% electric rate hike.

That's more than half the 15% rate cut they were required to give ratepayers when they bought SCANA and SC Electric & Gas.

They also want to include a 10.25% Return on Equity.

That means 10.25% of every dollar ratepayers pay monthly retires debt and profits Dominion executives and their investors.

On Nov. 9, 10 and 12, the Public Service Commission plans a series of virtual public night hearings to gather consumer feedback on the request (Docket No. 2020-125-E).

These virtual hearings will begin at 6 pm.

Dominion customers are encouraged to comment on the proposed rate increase.

If approved by the Public Service Commission, it will go into effect next March.

You can testify either audio only or via webconferencing.

If you want to testify via audio: starting before Nov. 9 at 3 pm, call 803-896-5133 and preregister by leaving your name, address, phone (preferably cell) number and which date you wish to testify.

To testify with audio and video via webconferencing software, call 803-896-5133 before Nov. 9 and leave your name, email address, address, phone (preferably cell) number, and the date on which you plan to testify.

You’ll receive an email from the PSC with details.

Please note that you must preregister to testify and can only testify at 1 hearing.

On the date you chose, call 877-236-8674 before the meeting.

You’ll be queued to speak and can speak to the commissioners when your name is called.

Please note that all comments are limited to 3 minutes (425-450 words) and are admitted into the record for Docket No. 2020-125-E.

For more information, contact the PSC at contact@psc.sc.gov or at 803-896-5100.