Rate hike opponents sing out against Duke Energy

[Tuesday Afternoon]

Hearing on utility's request is a pageant of protest

BY VIRGINIA BRIDGES
Correspondent
Posted: Thursday, Nov. 03, 2011

DURHAM Hours before the 7 p.m. hearing, a crowd gathered more than a block away to protest Duke Energy's proposed rate hike for customers before the N.C. Utilities Commission.

About 25 Occupy Durham supporters held a mini-rally at the city's CCB Plaza to criticize Duke Energy, corporate greed and the political climate that has allowed businesses to raise fees and increase profits. The crowd swelled to more than 60 and spilled out of the already full City Council chambers by the time the hearing began.

Duke's request includes a 17 percent hike for all residential customer classes. The largest group of those customers, however, would actually pay close to 20 percent more. Typical bills would rise about $18 a month beginning in February.

The N.C. Utilities Commission's Public Staff, which represents consumers, has recommended an increase of only 4.8 percent.


Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/11/03/2743593/customers-sing-out-against-duke.html

[elleng]

1. Good to hear.

This is one example of the probably hundreds/thousands of similar 'commission' meetings/hearings occuring around the country, regularly, which could be influenced by People Action: Widespread OWS at State Public Utility, insurance etc. commissions.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

2. yes.

power to the people.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

3. kick for more exposure

:kick: