Conservation Corner: Let’s talk energy in South Carolina

Brown pelicans on Deveaux Bank / Andy Johnson, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

One of our biggest focus areas this session has been engaging legislators on proposed omnibus energy legislation. We have expressed concerns about many of the provisions in House Bill 5118, which passed in the House on March 28. Among other things, it could fast-track the development of an expensive new gas plant and pipeline in the ACE Basin, which is one of the largest undeveloped wetland ecosystems on the East Coast.

Shortly before the end of the legislative session on May 9, a significantly scaled back version was passed by the Senate and the bill was referred to a conference committee of senators and representatives that could meet to consider potential compromises in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates and read on about local energy impacts and costs!

Best,
Taylor

Summer is heating up, and we may soon be feeling the heat of higher electric bills. Dominion Energy has a request pending before the Public Service Commission (PSC) for a rate increase that would raise residential bills by $18.86 per month. In addition to its overall rate hike, Dominion is trying to make changes to its time-of-use rates that could cut bill credits for rooftop solar by more than 80%. And in its board meeting last week, Santee Cooper announced that it is planning to propose higher rates that would cost residential customers $10.29 more per month.

Thankfully, there are valuable opportunities coming up to make your voice heard and push back against the proposed rate hikes. Public hearings are being held on Dominion’s rate request, with the next one in North Charleston this Thursday, June 27, at 6:00 PM. If you can’t make it that day in-person, there will be a virtual participation option at the next hearing on July 8 in Columbia. Those who pre-register will be called first to speak, and pre-registering may be required to get a chance to speak. For more information on the public hearings, Dominion’s rate request, and other ways you can engage, visit this link!

Public hearings will also take place on Santee Cooper’s rate increase between August 26 and October 8. For more information on the hearings and how you can submit written comments, visit this link!

The Conservation League is working hard to oppose the rising energy cost burdens on South Carolina families while making the case for more low-cost renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. As a formal intervenor in Dominion’s rate case, we recently filed testimony from expert witnesses challenging the company’s proposals to increase its allowed return on investment and devalue rooftop solar, and calling for increased investment in energy efficiency programs to help low-income customers lower their bills. We also recently reached a settlement with Duke Energy that will significantly limit the rate increase proposed in the Upstate and provide some relief from inequitable energy burdens while reducing power plant emissions.  

Noisette Creek litter sweep with Charleston Waterkeeper and Surfrider earlier this month

June is World Ocean Month

June is globally recognized as World Ocean’s Month and throughout the month, we’ve been celebrating with partners from around the country and locally right here at home. Early in the month, the Conservation League, Charleston Waterkeeper, and Surfrider co-hosted a litter sweep of Noisette Creek in North Charleston with 24 volunteers, supporting water quality and preventing trash from making its way to the ocean.

June 1st was also World Reef Day and so of course we celebrated with some fun, educational memes about South Carolina’s very own deep-sea coral mounds and the curiosities of the Blake Plateau.  

Brooke Blosser and Emmi Palenbaum at Capitol Hill Ocean Week in Washington, D.C.

The World Ocean’s Month celebration continued in our nation’s capitol, for the Capitol Hill Ocean Week conference, where program and communications team members participated in conversations and heard from leaders with expertise–ranging from tribal leaders to NASA scientists to Chairs of White House councils–about community-driven ocean solutions from around the country.

Last week, we rounded out our celebrations by helping the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources build oyster reefs in Charleston Harbor. 

In the meantime, check out what our new Energy & Climate Program Director, Taylor Allred, has been up to across the state. 

On May 16, he visited the recently built 500-acre Bucksport solar farm in Horry County. In sunny conditions, it can provide enough power for more than 2,000 homes. Taylor was joined by Becky Ryon and Trapper Fowler from our North Coast Office.  

June 20 – Post & Courier: “A mine, park and 10 contested acres: Distrust remains in Huger after sand mine expansion.”

June 10 – Post & Courier: “Horseshoe crab spawning season is in full swing. DNR wants your help documenting it.”

June 7 – Post & Courier: “Is Highway 41 expansion worth disrupting 12 acres of wetlands? Some residents don’t think so.”