SCE&G is asking the Public Service Commission for an overall 5.66% increase on electric rates, which would include a 3.3% hike on small businesses. In 2002, SCE&G was granted an 8% increase on small business rates after The SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce intervened to protest the 14% hike the company originally requested. The president of the Small Business Chamber, Frank Knapp, will be intervening in the PSC hearing starting November 1 to question the need for the rate increase. Any reduction in the $81.2 million a year in additional revenue sought by SCE&G should mean a smaller rate increase for small businesses.