COLUMBIA, S.C. — A significant energy reform bill is advancing in the South Carolina Senate following its passage in the House last week.
Time is of the essence as lawmakers work to push it through before the end of the legislative session.
Supporters and opponents agree on the necessity for increased energy capacity in South Carolina, given the state's burgeoning economy and population. However, the methods proposed to achieve this goal have sparked heated debate.
A recent Senate panel heard public input on the "10-Year Energy Transformation Act," a comprehensive measure aimed at restructuring the Public Service Commission and simplifying the permitting process for renewable and nuclear energy projects.
“One thing I have no interest in is having brownouts or blackouts in the state of South Carolina and it’s going to take planning now – sooner rather than later to make sure we can meet those demands,” said Sen. Thomas Alexander.
The proposed legislation also includes provisions for a new natural gas plant in Colleton County, funded jointly by Santee Cooper and Dominion Energy.
All 105 minutes of testimony during the panel came from a solar energy provider and representatives of major utilities like Dominion Energy.
“Canadys accomplishes three things. Number one retire coal to the extent possible, more proliferation of solar on our system and the opportunity to meet the growth and economic challenges that we have in South Carolina,” said Keller Kissam.
Despite the bill's progress, senators harbor reservations about potentially unchecked power granted to utilities.
“The narrative that is being cast is, ‘don’t trust you guys– you've taken us down this road before’. Why should we trust you hereafter, God forbid again?,” said Sen. Luke Rankin (R-Horry County).
Nevertheless, the subcommittee advanced the bill without amendments.
With five weeks remaining in the legislative session, groups like Conservation Voters of South Carolina are urging caution, questioning the rush to approve a billion-dollar project with long-term implications.
John Tynan from Conservation Voters of South Carolina highlighted the need for thorough evaluation before greenlighting such a substantial endeavor.
“That project at the utility’s own admission is 8 years away. What's an additional six months to get it right?” said Tynan. “Why are we rushing to give approval to this billion-dollar mega-project before we know how where the pipelines are going to go, before we know the full impact on ratepayers before we know how many pieces of property are going to have to be condemned?”
The bill now awaits review by the full Senate Judiciary Committee before heading to the Senate floor.