Go to the link below for info information about NC's process for review of the Duke Energy 'modernization' project. This is an excellent document that explains the process and the FUNCTION OF THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC STAFF -- this group will be a very important resource for us to share information with and ask questions of. Note that in NC the Public Service Commission members are appointed by the Governor. Governor McCrory is a former long-time Duke Energy executive and is still a stockholder in the company. I leave it to you to interpret what this could mean. See below for info copied from the site for info re the Office of Public Staff and their role in this. And take note of their recommendations of how to manage testimony to get the most bang for our buck at the hearings. Have your group appoint a representative speaker - you can state the name of your group and how many people you represent.... ------------------------------------------------------------ "The notice of hearings will contain information on how interested persons can intervene as formal parties of record in the case and present testimony as expert witnesses and how members of the public can send written statements to the Commission and the Public Staff. The Public Staff represents the using and consuming public in utility matters before the Utilities Commission. The Public Staff is a separate and independent agency from the Utilities Commission. Our job is to look out for consumer interests and to advocate for rates that are fair and reasonable while ensuring safe and reliable service. We will be reviewing the application and presenting our findings and recommendations to the Commission regarding whether Duke Energy has met the statutory requirements for constructing the line. We will also be attending all of the hearings in the case to assist members of the public in presenting their views to the Commission. The North Carolina Utilities Commission Public Staff will facilitate an informational meeting concerning Duke Energy’s proposed Foothills Transmission Line project on September 3, 2015 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Blue Ridge Community College Auditorium. During the meeting, the Public Staff will pose questions to Duke Energy representatives concerning the process, criteria, and timeline used when siting transmission lines and the specific process Duke is using for the Foothills project. Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak for the purpose of raising relevant issues for consideration in the process. Organized groups are encouraged to designate speakers to provide comment so that as many communities and interests as possible can be heard. As this informational meeting pertains only to the portion of the project impacting western North Carolina, speakers will be limited to North Carolina residents only. “The Public Staff has received numerous inquiries from the general public and elected officials regarding the Foothills Transmission Line project and we hope that this informational meeting will serve to more fully educate both the public and our staff,” said Christopher Ayers, Executive Director of the Public Staff. “While this is not an official hearing, we believe the exchange of information will address many questions and help bring greater clarity and transparency to the process.” http://www.pubstaff.commerce.state.nc.us/pselec/Duke-Energy%20Foothills%20Project.html