(This was released before the North Carolina Utilities Commission order for a very limited hearing next Monday, June 25 at 2 p.m.)
In today’s reply comments regarding NC WARN’s list of concerns, it seems clear that Duke-Progress’s attorneys are consistent with what their PR people told reporters yesterday.
Among the key points in Duke-Progress’ filing:
- Duke does not deny there is a study on Crystal River repairs underway, with results due very soon.
- Duke does not deny having off-record discussions with SC officials regarding a deal on investment in the VC Summer nuclear plant.
- Duke does not declare that NC WARN is wrong about some of the 15 deals favoring certain ratepayers and harming others.
- Duke does not deny intention of using the new FERC-ordered transmission lines to sell out of region, while NC customers pay for new plants.
In reply to those and NC WARN’s other concerns, Duke basically says “The Utilities Commission will protect customers — later — even though some of these deals might be part of the merger. Just trust them.”
I hope editorial pages will agree that this enormous deal cannot move forward without hearings where our attorney can cross-examine utility witnesses about all the secret deal-making.