MOYOCK, N.C. (WAVY) — In North Carolina, Dominion Energy has filed for a rate hike with the North Carolina Utilities Commission that could result in an average $17 increase a month for residential customers.

“I think it’s horrible — it’s high enough,” said North Carolina resident Gina Connor. “Our Dominion Energy bills are high enough. And raising it right now, when the economy is already going through more increases. I just think they need to keep it safe. How about lowering it?”

Dominion Energy said the proposal reflects the rising cost of critical grid equipment such as utility poles, transformers, wires and cables, and that inflation has increased the cost of generating and delivering electricity.

“I think it’s ridiculous,” said Bill Morse, who lives in North Carolina. “They already overcharge for electricity with all the fees and the extras that they put on the bills. It’s like a never-ending grab.”

Dominion said it did not make the proposal lightly, “and we understand household budgets are feeling the impact of inflation.” It said it was trying to keep costs as low as possible while expanding programs to help customers manage their bills.

“Everything is going up, so your energy costs are going up, your food costs, your fuel costs, everything,” one woman said. “You know, it just snowballs. So yeah, it’s tough. And I don’t see any end in sight. I don’t see it getting better.”

The Commission will review the proposal and host public hearings for the community to voice their opinions.

Connor says lower the bills.

“Leave the prices alone,” Connor said. “Do what you can to decrease the prices and not increase the prices.”

Morse hopes prices will come down.

“It’s continuously increasing,” Morse said. “So there’s never going to be a pullback. They’re never going to reduce it. Once they get it you know they’re going to find a way to keep it.”

Dominion Energy points out that their current residential rate is 25% below the national average. The new rate would go into effect Dec. 1. 

Keeping the attention of third-graders can be difficult, but a new initiative at Oklahoma City Public Schools is captivating students.

“Third grade does Oklahoma history. And we wanted to focus on a part of our city that our students may not know the history about, which is Deep Deuce,” said Theresa Fout, with Oklahoma City Public Schools.

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s “Oklahoma Originals” was created to teach students about impactful people from the state.

“This program first started as a rural program, an opportunity for us to reach out to underserved communities,” said Jorge Chavez. “Currently focusing on Ralph Ellison, a very notable author, worldwide known.

Students listened intently to the acclaimed author and his childhood in Oklahoma City.

“Learn about reading and writing, and we learn about the book ‘Invisible Man,’” said one third-grade student.

Ellison’s award-winning book, The Invisible Man, challenged the students to write about a time when they felt invisible. There was also a magic art creation, and each student left with their very own Ralph Ellison book.

“This is a great way for us to just connect directly with each school here in Oklahoma City,” said Chavez.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – University of South Carolina saxophone professor Dr. Clifford Leaman was honored this spring, becoming a lifetime honorary member of the North American Saxophone Alliance. Leaman has been teaching classical saxophone at the university level for over 40 years. Only around a dozen saxophonists hold this prestigious honor.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to join the other saxophonists honored by this organization who have given so much of their lives to the growth and acceptance of the saxophone in the musical world,” says Leaman.

“This recognition is not just a reflection of my work, but of the many colleagues and students who have been such a driving force in my career. It would not have been possible to have achieved this honor without the supportive and stimulating musical environment at the USC School of Music.”

Our very own chief meteorologist, Adam Clark, was a student of Dr. Leaman while he was in high school.

Clark said, “Dr. Leaman’s weekly lessons helped me in all aspects of my professional life. From practicing correctly, perseverance, and putting in the hard work, it has shaped me to be who I am today, and he deserves this honor, and I am so very happy for him.”

Leaman has served on the faculties of Furman University, Eastern Michigan University, and the University of Michigan before joining the University of South Carolina, where he has been a faculty member for over 25 years.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW AND PERFORMANCE BELOW: