Thunderpig's blog published this press release from the N.C. Public Utilities Commission:

Duke Energy is proposing to increase electrical rates for residents by 17%, commercial and industrial customers by 15%, and street lighting by 8%.

The Commission has suspended the proposed rate changes and has scheduled the application for investigation and hearing.

Persons who desire to present testimony for the record should appear at one of the public hearings. Persons who desire to send written statements to inform the Commission of their positions in the matter should address their statements to the North Carolina Utilities Commission, 4325 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-4325, and reference Docket No. E-7, Sub 989. However, such written statements cannot be considered competent evidence unless those persons appear at the hearing and testify concerning the information contained in their written statements.

Notice is given that the North Carolina Utilities Commission has set the hearings for the application for a general rate increase as follows:

Charlotte: Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Francis Auditorium, 310 N. Tryon Street

High Point: Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in High Point City Hall, Council Chambers, 211 South Hamilton Street

Franklin: Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Courthouse, Courtroom A, 5 W. Main Street

Marion: Thursday, October 27, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the McDowell County Courthouse, Courtroom (Second Floor), Corner of Main and Court Street

Durham: Thursday, November 3, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the Durham City Hall, Council Chambers, 101 City Hall Plaza

Raleigh: Monday, November 28, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. in Commission Hearing Room 2115, Dobbs Building, 430 North Salisbury Street
The hearings on October 12, 25, 26, 27, and November 3, 2011, will be for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses only. The hearing will resume in Raleigh on November 28, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. and continue as required for further testimony of public witnesses and testimony and cross-examination of witnesses for the Company, the Public Staff, and other intervenors.Read the full article