State regulators consider Duke Energy program

RALEIGH -- The head of Duke Energy Corp. in North Carolina says changing how it encourages customers to use less power will more appropriately compensate the company. Duke Energy Carolinas President Ellen Ruff testified Monday before the state Utilities Commission. The panel is being asked to approve Duke's energy efficiency plan. Duke customers would pay about a dollar per month extra under the "Save-a-Watt" program. Customers could see lower bills if they follow energy-reduction ideas. Ruff said customers then wouldn't have to pay for more expensive power on the open market. Lawyers for advocacy groups opposed to the idea told the commission Duke's plan doesn't save enough energy and is too expensive. The meeting was expected to continue all week. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)