Easley Combined Utilities reports adequate water capacity, aging pipes and about $2M in storm damage
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Summary
Andy Sedick told council Easley Combined Utilities serves roughly 17,308 electric meters, renewed Catawba nuclear contracts through the plant’s life, has an 18 million-gallon-per-day water plant (current use ~9–10M GPD), and estimated about $2,000,000 in hurricane damage with three of eight projects funded through FEMA.
Andy Sedick, speaking for Easley Combined Utilities, gave a comprehensive infrastructure update, citing current system capacities and near-term challenges.
Sedick said the electric system serves about 17,308 meters and that Easley owns a partial interest in the Catawba Nuclear Plant; the city has renewed contracts to extend supply through the life of the plant (Sedick estimated the plant life through at least 2063). He said average per-customer usage has declined over the past decade, keeping overall system usage relatively flat.
On storm damage, Sedick estimated roughly $2,000,000 in damages from the storm referred to in the meeting as "Hurricane Hilleen," noting the city has turned documentation in to FEMA, eight projects were filed and three have been funded so far. For water, Sedick said Easley’s water treatment plant on the Saluda Lake has an 18 million-gallon-per-day capacity while current maximum demand is about 9–10 million GPD, leaving capacity available for growth. He described ongoing watershed conservation and streambank restoration efforts with the Save Our Saluda Nature Land Trust.
On wastewater, Sedick listed three plants (Middle Branch, George's Creek and Golden Creek), cited allocated flows (Bridal Branch about 75%, George's Creek about 74%, Golden Creek about 26%), and noted flow-advance agreements that allow operation beyond permitted levels when conditions permit. He said aging water and sewer lines (some from the 1980s and 1990s) will require projects in the near term.
Why it matters: The update provides the public and council with the utilities’ current capacity picture ahead of anticipated growth after the development moratorium. Sedick identified both operational strengths (reserve water capacity, stable overall electric load) and infrastructure risks (aging distribution lines, potential plant upgrades needed on Middle Branch and George’s Creek).
