The bill H. 3807 proposes to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 58-27-25, which mandates that all electrical utilities operating within the state must bury their new electrical power transmission lines in municipalities starting January 2, 2026. Additionally, it requires these utilities to bury existing lines according to a graduated schedule, with specific percentages of lines needing to be buried by set deadlines: 25% by January 1, 2028; 50% by January 1, 2029; 75% by January 1, 2030; and 100% by January 1, 2031. This requirement applies to all electrical utilities, including those that may have previously been exempt from such regulations.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 58-27-20 to clarify that the provisions of the chapter, with the exception of the new Section 58-27-25, do not apply to areas within former municipal corporate limits that become part of a consolidated political subdivision, provided that the municipality owns and operates its own electric system. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
01/28/2025: 58-27-25, 58-27-20
Latest Version: 58-27-25, 58-27-20