The "South Carolina Community Choice Aggregation Act" aims to establish a framework for community choice aggregation (CCA) in South Carolina by adding Chapter 45 to Title 58 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. This legislation allows local governments to aggregate electric loads for retail customers, providing them access to competitive electric supply and renewable energy options. Key provisions include voluntary participation with opt-out options for customers, requirements for the Public Service Commission and the Office of Regulatory Staff to oversee CCAs, and standards for customer data protection and billing transparency. The act also mandates that community choice aggregations maintain financial security and file annual reports detailing their operations and compliance.

The bill outlines the responsibilities of electric utilities, which will continue to provide distribution services while also supplying necessary customer data to CCAs under strict privacy regulations. It emphasizes consumer protections, including the prohibition of deposits for residential customers and the establishment of complaint resolution processes. Additionally, the Public Service Commission is tasked with promulgating regulations related to registration, reporting, financial security, and consumer protections within twelve months of the act's effective date. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance energy options for consumers while ensuring reliability and transparency in the electric market.