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COLUMBIA, SC -- The State Public Service Commission is approving a rate hike for SCE&G.

The company will use the money to build two nuclear power plants in Fairfield County.

SCE&G says its customers will see their power bills increase-- on average-- two and a half percent each year to pay for the plants, which will cost a combined 10 billion dollars.

Opponents say the two plants will actually costs 18-billion dollars, and that's too much for the benefit consumers will see.

Some environmentalists dressed up to prove a point at a Public Service Commission meeting Wednesday... and that's a point Tom Clements - with the Friends of the Earth - considers serious.

He says, "This is really unjust, and I think this is a real blow to the ratepayers of South Carolina."

Clements is referring to the Public Service Commission approving SCE&G's request to increase utility rates.

As a result, your monthly power bills will cost you more.

SCE&G spokesman Eric Boomhower says, "We're looking at about a two and half percent per year increase over the life of the construction, which will go through until 2019."

He calls this progress for the Midlands-- the addition of alternative power.

"We have to plan and begin working to meet the energy needs of our customers, and that's what this is really about - making sure that 8, 10 years down the road, power is there when we need it."

However, Clements says regulators should have required the utility company to look into other options before making this electrifying investment.

"They should have asked the company to prepare an analysis on energy conservation and efficiency right now."

On the other hand, commissioners feel SCE&G has presented adequate evidence supporting the need for new power plants.

The debate continues.

For a look at the hearings and information from both sides, visit the Public Service Commission's website. The link is provided below.