Council would represent consumers in South Carolina utility decisions

An independent Utility Citizens Council would advise the South Carolina Public Service Commission on rates, affordability, and energy-saving programs. Its 15 members would represent households, small businesses, community groups, and consumer advocates, with an expert and one nonvoting commission liaison. The council would advise regulators, hold at least two public hearings each year, and publish independent recommendations. Low-income household seats would cover incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Moderate-income seats would cover incomes between 200% and 400%. Small business seats would cover businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If enacted, the act would take effect January 1, 2027. The council would make its initial appointments within 180 days of that date.

Covered utilities would pay annually into a fund supporting the council's work. The rules would cover investor-owned electric and gas utilities regulated by the commission. Electric cooperatives and municipal utilities could choose to participate. The fund would pay only for council operations, research, outreach, and reporting. The South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition would provide staffing and management using that money. Utilities could recover payments through base rates only with express commission approval, up to the amount paid. Payments unpaid within 60 days of billing would trigger a $10,000 monthly penalty until paid. If enacted, the funding requirements would take effect January 1, 2027. Annual payments would use revenue from the preceding calendar year.

The Public Service Commission would let the council participate formally in utility cases and explain its responses to council recommendations in final decisions. These duties would cover utility rate cases, major filings, annual affordability reports, and final commission decisions. The council would receive needed public utility filings. Confidential information would require commission permission and orders protecting its use. The council would develop statewide affordability measures with the Office of Regulatory Staff. The commission would publish them annually. Council meetings would follow South Carolina's public access law. Its website would display agendas, minutes, reports, and affordability measures. If enacted, these duties would start January 1, 2027. Relevant case documents would be due within 10 days of filing. Council reports would be due December 31 each year; commission responses would be due within 60 days of receipt.