Lawmakers, utilities and large energy users debate retail choice and grid risks amid data center growth

Members of a South Carolina Judiciary subcommittee spent more than an hour weighing whether large electricity users — notably data centers and heavy industry — should be allowed broader options to buy or self-supply power, a move supporters say would attract jobs and critics warn could shift costs to residential ratepayers.

The question drew testimony from hyperscalers, industry trade groups, utilities and consumer advocates, and focused on three linked issues: whether opening retail choice would worsen transmission or balancing risks; how to prevent stranded costs for utilities and other customers; and whether a threshold such as 5 megawatts should limit eligibility.

Katie Ottenwiller, southeast lead for energy market development at Google, told the committee Google has large ongoing investments in South Carolina and wants more procurement options to help meet growing demand while protecting other customers. “We’re now increasing our ability to respond to grid events, during weather crises and work with our utility partners to reduce or shift our load to ease system demands,” Ottenwiller said. She outlined Google’s local investments — the company said it is investing more than $3,300,000,000 in South Carolina, employs about 900…