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SC Energy Policy Report Released web posted February 5, 2009 WASHINGTON DC – Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell, and the members of the State Public Utilities Review Committee (“PURC”) traveled to Washington today to present a report on South Carolina’s energy resources to the members of South Carolina’s Congressional Delegation. The PURC, a joint legislative committee chaired by Sen. Thomas Alexander, and of which Rep. Harry Cato is the Vice-Chairman, is charged with oversight of the state’s electric and gas utilities. The report, prepared by the PURC, with the assistance of the state’s Office of Regulatory Staff (“ORS”), provides a comprehensive inventory and assessment of the state’s energy resources and makes recommendations to state and federal lawmakers. The report includes details on where and how South Carolina generates electric power, what renewable and other resources are available, how South Carolinians use energy, and it gives pertinent demographic data about personal income, housing stock, and illiteracy levels. This information is particularly important because Congress is considering several proposals to curtail carbon emissions through mechanisms such as a “cap and trade” system and a federally mandated “renewable portfolio standard." Generally, a cap and trade scheme would limit the amount of carbon emissions allowed for certain large industries, such as electric utilities, forcing them to purchase, or “trade”, allowances for greenhouse gas emissions. A renewable portfolio standard would require the state’s utilities to either produce or purchase a certain percentage of their generating capacity from renewable energy sources. “We hope that this report will give our congressional delegation a record to rely upon when they debate the merits of the various federal energy initiatives. Some of these proposals could have severe consequences on hard working South Carolinians who risk being saddled with the ever rising costs of unattainable federal mandates” said Sen. McConnell. Some significant findings in the report include: South Carolina will have a hard time meeting renewable portfolio standards or operating under a cap and trade system. The state’s climate and geography are not well suited for cost efficient solar and wind power generation. Most of the state’s renewable energy comes from landfill gas (0.07% of the state’s electric generation mix). The ORS estimates that renewable energy could make up 4% of the state’s generation mix by the year 2027, significantly less that the amount required by most federal proposals. More than 61% of South Carolina’s electricity is generated from coal-fired plants. The electric cooperatives are particularly reliant on coal. Electric cooperatives generate more than 80 percent of their electricity from coal. Given South Carolina’s heavy reliance on coal-fired generation, some of the renewable energy requirements under consideration would require the state’s consumers to dramatically reduce electricity demand through energy efficiency and conservation programs. South Carolina’s older less efficient housing stock, below-average income, growing population and higher-than-average percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels, make it one of the most difficult places in the country to implement a cap-and-trade policy, potentially placing an unfair burden on consumers. Because of South Carolina’s limited potential for renewable energy, the state’s utilities would be forced to purchase carbon credits under most cap and trade proposals, and they would have to pass the cost of these credits on to their customers. Some studies have estimated that renewable portfolio standards could cost as much as $600 per year for a residential customer using an average of 1,200 kWh of electricity per month. South Carolina is in a precarious position. The state ranks 40th among the 50 states in median income, and 44th in disposable income. Many of the state’s citizens simply cannot afford the up front costs of energy efficient investments such as insulation, windows, or energy efficient heating and cooling systems, yet they would feel the long term burden of higher rates that would result from federal mandates. Among the report’s recommendations: Allow construction of new conventional generation for short-term base load energy needs. Any federal cap and trade system should include a “safety valve”, which would protect customers if the price of carbon allowances becomes unreasonably high. Any federal caps on carbon emissions should be phased in gradually, allowing for development of new emissions reducing technologies. Consider new nuclear generation for long-term base load, expanding tax credits and allowances. Nuclear power, currently 31% of South Carolina’s generation mix, is virtually free of carbon emissions. Promote energy efficiency and conservation, expanding related grant programs and establishing low or no-interest, loans with government guarantees. The ORS should administer federal grant moneys that may become available to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Public Service Commission should consider plans that encourage the state’s investor owned utilities to implement more extensive conservation and energy efficiency programs. The full text of the report is available online © Copyright 2009
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