The "South Carolina Energy Security Act" proposes significant reforms to the state's energy regulatory framework, primarily by reducing the number of Public Service Commission members from seven to three, who will be elected by the General Assembly. The bill introduces new considerations for the Commission's decision-making, establishes a comprehensive state energy assessment and action plan, and creates the South Carolina Energy Policy Research and Economic Development Institute. It encourages collaboration among major utilities for the joint operation of new electrical generation facilities and promotes the evaluation of energy efficiency initiatives and advanced nuclear technologies. The legislation aims to address the energy demands of South Carolina's growing population while ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the South Carolina Code to enhance the development of renewable energy programs, streamline the permitting process for energy infrastructure projects, and establish a new framework for economic development rates. It emphasizes the importance of public input in regulatory matters and mandates the Office of Regulatory Staff to conduct studies on energy efficiency programs. The bill also expands the definition of "renewable energy resource" to include a broader range of energy sources. Overall, the act seeks to enhance energy efficiency, support economic development, and protect consumer interests while ensuring regulatory oversight and accountability in South Carolina's energy sector.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 58-3-20, 58-3-140, 58-3-250, 58-4-10, 58-4-150, 58-33-195, 58-31-205, 37-6-604, 58-33-196, 58-37-70, 58-40-10, 58-41-30, 58-41-10, 58-41-20, 58-41-25, 58-33-20, 58-37-40, 58-3-260, 58-3-270, 58-33-310, 58-33-320, 58-4-160, 58-37-10, 58-37-20, 58-37-30, 58-37-35, 58-37-50, 58-31-215, 58-3-70, 58-41-50, 58-4-15
02/06/2025: 58-3-20, 58-3-140, 58-3-250, 58-4-10, 58-4-150, 58-33-195, 58-31-205, 37-6-604, 58-33-196, 58-37-70, 58-40-10, 58-41-30, 58-41-10, 58-41-20, 58-41-25, 58-33-20, 58-37-40, 58-3-260, 58-3-270, 58-33-310, 58-33-320, 58-4-160, 58-37-10, 58-37-20, 58-37-30, 58-37-35, 58-37-50, 58-31-215, 58-3-70, 58-41-50, 58-4-15
02/12/2025: 58-3-20, 58-3-140, 58-3-250, 58-4-10, 58-4-150, 58-33-195, 58-31-205, 37-6-604, 58-33-196, 58-37-70, 58-40-10, 58-41-30, 58-41-10, 58-41-20, 58-41-25, 58-33-20, 58-37-40, 58-3-260, 58-3-270, 58-33-310, 58-33-320, 58-4-160, 58-37-10, 58-37-20, 58-37-30, 58-37-35, 58-37-50, 58-31-215, 58-3-70, 58-41-50, 58-4-15
Latest Version: 58-3-20, 58-3-140, 58-3-250, 58-4-10, 58-4-150, 58-33-195, 58-31-205, 37-6-604, 58-33-196, 58-37-70, 58-40-10, 58-41-30, 58-41-10, 58-41-20, 58-41-25, 58-33-20, 58-37-40, 58-3-260, 58-3-270, 58-33-310, 58-33-320, 58-4-160, 58-37-10, 58-37-20, 58-37-30, 58-37-35, 58-37-50, 58-31-215, 58-3-70, 58-41-50, 58-4-15
12/06/2024: 58-3-20, 58-3-140, 58-3-250, 58-4-10, 58-4-150, 58-33-195, 58-31-205, 37-6-604, 58-33-196, 58-37-70, 58-40-10, 58-41-30, 58-41-10, 58-41-20, 58-41-25, 58-33-20, 58-37-40, 58-3-260, 58-3-270, 58-33-310, 58-33-320, 58-4-160, 58-37-10, 58-37-20, 58-37-30, 58-37-35, 58-37-50, 58-31-215, 58-3-70, 58-41-50, 58-4-15