Progress Energy customers are getting a chance to voice their concerns about a proposed rate hike.

The company wants to raise a customer’s base rate an average of $9 a month. The Public Service Commission held a hearing in Live Oak today to allow Progress customers to voice their concerns, according to the Capitol News Service.

Progress Energy customer Dick Williams said he can’t afford to pay more for his electricity.

"I have to watch every penny that I have and make it go as far as I can," Williams said. "This is going to increase annually by about $160, which doesn't sound like much money. When you are trying to find enough money to buy medicine, to buy food, that's a lot of money, and it's that on top of other increases that we are facing in the state."

The Public Service Commission is holding meetings across the state so Progress Energy customers from all over can participate. The next meeting will be held in Lake Mary on July 15.

Upcoming meetings:
St. Petersburg - July 16
Ocala - July 17
Apalachicola - July 30