One of the ways the Coastal Conservation League engages in energy issues is by intervening in electric utility rate cases. Because they are natural monopolies, investor-owned electric utilities must receive approval from the S.C. Public Service Commission of any changes to their rates. As formal intervenors, we work to ensure that ratepayers are not required to pay more than is fair and reasonable. Being an intervenor also gives us a valuable opportunity to negotiate for energy efficiency programs that can reduce pollution and the need for new power plants while saving customers money on their bills. Learn more about our latest efforts below and check out our project page for more.
Dominion Energy South Carolina
Dominion Energy South Carolina customers will see a slight increase in their electric rates this fall, but they could have been much higher without the efforts of intervening interest groups like the Coastal Conservation League. In addition to a lower rate increase, we were able to help secure new energy efficiency funding to help low-income customers reduce their energy costs and an optional time-of-use rate that will protect customers’ ability to save money with rooftop solar. Increased energy efficiency and solar will also help to reduce harmful power plant emissions.
On August 29, the S.C. Public Service Commission (PSC) published a final order approving a comprehensive settlement agreement in Dominion Energy South Carolina’s base rate case. The settlement was filed on July 12, with signatories including Dominion, the S.C. Office of Regulatory Staff, the Coastal Conservation League (CCL), Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE), the South Carolina Energy Users Committee, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Other intervenors, including the S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs, notified the PSC that they would not oppose the settlement.