You Pay, They Spend: SCE&G Rate Case Information

SCE&G is asking state regulators to approve another $852 million increase in the projected cost of building two nuclear reactors in Fairfield County, but the company says the potential for any other cost increases is limited.

If the state Public Service Commission approves the higher cost, South Carolina Electric & Gas Co.’s 702,000 electric customers would likely face higher rates. SCE&G says their rate increase request “fixes” costs thus limiting future cost increases. Is this really the case?

AARP South Carolina will closely monitor this petition - 2016-223-E as we are concerned about how another increase would affect our members who are customers of SCE&G.

August 31, 2016: AARP South Carolina hand-delivered to the Public Service Commission and others its official letter of protest. Read and review the letter at this link: SCEG Docket # 2016-223-E protest letter--final letter

September 1, 20016:  SCE&G and the intervenors in the rate case announced that they had reached a settlement agreement. What does this mean for AARP SC's advocacy work on behalf of the 50 plus population?

AARP SC is not an intervenor and not a part of this agreement. At this time AARP SC will continue its efforts to educate consumers and to express  concerns to the Public Service Commission about the negative impact on ' consumers.

This settlement agreement will have to be approved by the Public Service Commission at their October hearing. AARP SC will remain diligent in our work and efforts to participate in the regulatory process. This settlement discussion is one of many steps in the legal process. Our continued advocacy is needed since the SCE&G project is scheduled to continue for at least three more years.

What can you do? Send a letter of protest to the South Carolina Public Service Commission, 110 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100 Columbia, SC 29210. On your letter make sure your reference the case number 2016-223-E

Recently, the Charleston Post and Courier published an opinion piece from Teresa Arnold, AARP South Carolina state director asking the question ‘why consumers keep footing the bill for the V. C. Summer nuclear project.’ The Office of Regulatory Staff  just published a report showing that the nuclear project has cost $1.5 billion more than originally estimated. As a follow up to that report, AARP South Carolina asked ORS to answer several questions.

ORS has responded to this request via a letter from the agency’s Executive Director. You may read June 7, 2016 letter to Coretta.

SCE&G in the News

June 14, 2016 - The State

June 26, 2016 - Post and Courier

 

 

photo credit: istockphoto.com/maramicado