South Carolina Public Service Commission adopts comprehensive energy regulation bill

The South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss a series of bills aimed at reforming the state's energy and utility regulations. The agenda included a comprehensive review of several legislative proposals, notably S.52, S.76, S.85, S.114, S.208, S.270, S.405, S.446, and H.3309, which collectively seek to enhance the operational framework of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and address various aspects of energy management and utility services.

The meeting began with an overview of Section 2 of the proposed legislation, which outlines new responsibilities for the PSC. This includes establishing standards for safety, reliability, and customer service, while ensuring that energy remains adequate, reliable, and affordable for consumers. The committee emphasized the importance of fair regulatory processes and the promotion of energy efficiency and conservation.

Subsequent sections of the bill addressed procedural matters, including the scheduling of written testimonies and public hearings, as well as the definition of public interest that the Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) must represent. The committee discussed the formation of the SC Energy Resources and Economic Development Interagency Working Group, which will develop an action plan for electric power and natural gas, reporting to the Public Utilities Review Committee.

Further discussions included the establishment of a South Carolina Policy Research and Economic Development Institute, which will provide advisory resources for state policymakers. The committee also reviewed provisions for evaluating energy generation projects, including partnerships between utilities for joint ownership of generation and transmission facilities.

Significant attention was given to nuclear energy, with proposals for a governor's nuclear advisory council to be transferred to ORS, and the encouragement of exploring advanced nuclear technologies and small modular reactors. The bill also proposes a pilot program for up to three small modular reactors in the state.

The committee addressed energy infrastructure projects, establishing specific permitting considerations and deadlines for agency decisions. Additionally, the cap for net metering was proposed to increase from 1,000 kilowatts to 5,000 kilowatts, allowing larger non-residential facilities to participate.

The meeting concluded with discussions on demand-side management and energy efficiency programs, emphasizing the need for annual evaluations and verification of program effectiveness. The committee also reviewed provisions for public service commissioner salaries and economic development rate discounts for qualifying customers.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a significant push towards modernizing South Carolina's energy policies, with a focus on sustainability, economic development, and regulatory efficiency. The committee plans to continue refining these proposals in future sessions, aiming for a comprehensive overhaul of the state's energy framework.