It was a long, hot summer, and many South Carolinians felt the heat of higher electric bills.
Since last summer, all of our state’s major electric utilities have filed rate increase requests, which are raising energy costs for households and businesses across South Carolina. The Conservation League is working hard to oppose inequitable rate increases while making the case for more low-cost renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.
In July, we reached a settlement in Dominion’s rate case related to these issues. The settlement includes a lower rate increase than originally requested and $3 million in shareholder funding to expand Dominion’s existing low-income Neighborhood Energy Efficiency Program. In addition, the company agreed to propose a new program that will provide energy-saving home upgrades to assist households with high energy usage. We also reached an agreement to scale back Dominion’s initially proposed changes to its optional Time-of-Use rates, which will protect customers’ ability to save money with rooftop solar.
On the local level, we’re setting the stage for future clean energy by supporting reasonable solar zoning ordinances. We recently urged the Clarendon County Council to revise its draft solar ordinance to enable responsible solar farm development.
We’re also working with solar farm developers across the coastal plain to secure the inclusion of conservation mitigation measures. This includes building wildlife-friendly fencing, adding plants that support pollinators like bees and butterflies, and supporting environmentally friendly site designs.
In addition to speaking out against higher electric bills, you can save money by switching up your modes of transportation. Switching to greener options could save you thousands of dollars per year and drastically cut your carbon footprint.
Fueling a pickup truck could cost you about 400% more than the cost of charging an electric vehicle and emit about 650% more carbon dioxide.
Despite rising electric rates, charging an electric vehicle at home is still far cheaper than the cost of fueling up at the pump.
Want to go even greener? Try riding one of CARTA’s new electric buses, or opt for zero emissions by riding a bike or walking.