Dominion is looking for a rate hike, but look at how low the average cost is for Dominion customers.  –BTW, they haven’t raised rates in 17 years.  Can’t say that for NCEMPA! Can you?

Dominion Power seeks rate hike

From staff, wire reports

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The major electric utility in northeastern North Carolina wants to charge more for its power.

Dominion North Carolina Power has asked state regulators to allow the company to raise its base rates by 9 percent.

The request comes on the heels of a decision by city officials in Elizabeth City to reduce retail electric rates 1.65 percent, reducing the monthly bill by about $2.50 for a $150 electric bill and $3.30 for a $200 bill.

Prior to last month’s rate reduction, the city had increased retail rates 18 percent in the past 18 months, passing on to local customers the increased rates the city was paying to its wholesale supplier, the N.C. Eastern Municipal Power Agency.

The proposed increase for Dominion customers would boost the average monthly residential bill from about $99 to $108, before taxes.

If approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission, it would be the Virginia company’s first increase in base rates in 17 years.