The "Energy Affordability Act" seeks to improve energy efficiency and affordability in South Carolina by amending various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Key provisions include the establishment of demand-side pilot programs by the Public Service Commission, requirements for public comment periods on energy infrastructure project permits, and notifications to landowners regarding potential eminent domain use. The bill also introduces specific terms for electric service to commercial data centers, such as long-term contracts and financial assurances for decommissioning plans, along with a mandate for these data centers to report monthly water usage to the Department of Environmental Services.

Additionally, the bill modifies tax exemptions for technology-intensive facilities, ensuring that only taxpayers meeting specific criteria by set deadlines can access these exemptions. It requires electrical utilities to provide discounted rates to low-income households, pending commission approval. The bill clarifies the Commission's authority in determining factual questions related to its provisions while explicitly stating it cannot set rates for electric cooperatives or consolidated political subdivisions. A severability clause is included to maintain the act's validity even if parts are deemed unconstitutional, emphasizing the General Assembly's intent to uphold the act as a whole. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
04/01/2026: 58-37-20, 58-37-120, 58-27-835, 58-27-836, 58-27-837, 12-36-2120, 58-27-840
Latest Version: 58-37-20, 58-37-120, 58-27-835, 58-27-836, 58-27-837, 12-36-2120, 58-27-840