Possible impacts of S.C. energy bill bring optimism and concern
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - The state’s growing population strikes concerns for state leaders about the future of energy, but a bill addressing the issue has an organization concerned for impacts on residential ratepayers.
Statehouse bill H.3309, called the South Carolina Energy Act, relates to creating more energy power plants along with infrastructure like power lines in the state. These facilities would be provided by energy utilities, including Dominion Energy, The Public Service Authority, Duke Energy Carolinas LLC and Duke Energy Progress according to the bill.
The energy bill is designed to address future production needs as the population continues to grow. The U.S. Census Bureau reports South Carolina as one of the fastest growing states in the nation in 2023 with a 1.7% increase. Currently, the state has an estimated population of over 5 million people according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
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The bill is sponsored by 28 statehouse representatives, including Rep. Carl Anderson (D) of District 103 which covers Berkeley, Georgetown and Horry counties. Anderson says the bill received unanimous in the House and now makes its way through the Senate.
The bill also outlines boosting the state’s economic development and focuses on electricity costs and competitive rates as factors. The idea is to help bring in or expand commercial and industrial business in the state.
A section of the bill raises concerns for the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce. Section 58-43-20 would allow electrical utilities to offer “special rates, and conditions” including lowered rates to qualifying customers.
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Nonpartisan and nonprofit organization President and CEO Frank Knapp says the section is not consumer friendly as small businesses and residents would foot the bill of industry discounts.
“Someone has to pay the cost of that energy that’s being developed,” Knapp says. “Especially if you offer them a 25% below the cost of energy…the cost doesn’t go away. They’re simply now going to be displaced to residential and small business customers.”
Anderson says the bill has potential rate savings for residential and small business consumers as it boils down to following utility guidelines. The representative says some utility discount guidelines are already enacted by utilities such as lower rates for less electricity use during seasonal hours.
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Anderson says the overall push is to increase energy flow.
“We need to have more energy in the state of South Carolina,” Anderson says. “So, permits will be granted to the companies to go ahead and start working on and building plants that would cover South Carolina with the energy that we need. Not just presently, but in the future.”
The bill received a favorable report from the Senate Wednesday with some changes from the Judiciary committee. Anderson says the bill will become a part of the Senate Journal and is expected to be seen on the Senate floor next week.
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