South Carolina

Legislation Passed
Electric N Gas N

Electric
Overview

• There are no plans to introduce retail electric choice in South Carolina.
• Since legislation on electric utility deregulation was first introduced to the General Assembly in 1997, not one proposal has come as far as a subcommittee vote, much less a vote by the full House.
• Small and large electric customers are on opposite sides of the deregulation issue. The South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce says it opposes retail competition because it would result in lower rates only for the biggest electricity users. The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, which represents nearly 100 of the state's largest employers, has said restructuring is one of its legislative priorities. The state' largest utilities are also split, with Duke Power supporting retail competition and Carolina Power and Light and South Carolina Electric and Gas opposing it.

• South Carolina currently has no laws or pilot programs for unbundling any utility services (gas, electric, telephone, etc.) in the state.

Utility Regulatory Commission
Public Service Commission
803-896-5100
www.psc.state.sc.us

Consumer advocate
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
803-734-4200
www.state.sc.us/consumer