The NC Utilities Commission will hear comments from the public about the proposed merger followed by the appearance of Jim Rogers, CEO of Duke, and Bill Johnson, CEO of Progress.
There are two paths for our energy future:
1) Create the largest electric utility in the nation that will pursue new nuclear and natural gas plants and double our power bills to pay for them; OR
2) Persuade the Utilities Commission to make sure the merged corporation pursues energy efficiency and renewable energy to eliminate the need to build risky new power plants and keep bills from doubling over the next few years.
Attorneys representing NC WARN and allies will argue that the merger should not go forward without a very strong requirement for energy savings to protect consumers. If the combined company, which would be the largest in the country, decides to go ahead with new nuclear plants as they have said they intend to do our electricity rates could double.
It’s important for you to be there.
The key issue the Utilities Commission must decide in order to approve the merger is that it would be in the public interest.
The Duke/Progress business model could cost your family thousands of dollars. Alternatively, North Carolina can do its part to combat climate change by quickly phasing out coal plants in favor of inexpensive and job-creating energy efficiency. Currently, the utilities are actively blocking energy efficiency, solar and wind power.
If you intend to testify, the most important thing to do is to speak from your own experience.
What would major hikes in your power bills mean for you in this economy?
Does our state need an even more politically powerful utility that uses the money you are forced to pay them to lobby for the laws they want from the legislature and Congress?
What energy policy is in the public interest in this time of a failing economy and rapid climate change?
Testifying is easy.
Just come early, sign up, and ask to speak. Plan to speak for 3 to 5 minutes. It is good, but not required, to bring 10 copies of written comments for the clerk and the Commissioners and others who may ask for a copy.
If you don’t want to testify, please come anyway to show you care about these issues.
Please let us know if you plan to attend this hearing by sending us an email at ncwarn@ncwarn.org.
