A Board of Directors is “appointed by the governor, deemed fully qualified by the Senate Public Utilities Review Committee and confirmed by the state Senate.” Among the 12 Santee Cooper board members, seven members are involved in investment, business, or insurance and are not involved in energy-related matters, two are involved in law, and two have…
Category: South Carolina
A utility has different power loads that feed into the energy grid. Baseload power is the most reliable energy source that meets the minimum demand, there is also a peak load that meets spikes in energy demand. Natural gas is often used to meet the energy demand spikes because it does not take long to…
In 2014, South Carolina’s average utility bill for residential customers was $147.74 making it the 2nd highest utility bill next to Hawaii which has an average of $187.59. Massachusetts has low energy consumption compared to South Carolina. One of the factors for this being “state efficiency programs” among other things like: “state economy’s reliance on…
Stop Offshore Drilling in the Atlantic (SODA) is a local grassroots group that formed in opposition to offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. The group worked tirelessly to inform the community, recruit members, gather signatures, and organize meetings with government officials. The group was proactive in addressing the complex, multiphase process of opening up leasing to…
Nuclear energy currently provides 51% of the total energy used in South Carolina. The majority is produced and used by Duke Energy, as nuclear currently makes up 56.8% of Duke’s total energy production. SCE&G aims to have 30% of the total energy generated come from nuclear by the year 2020 (current energy percentages of SCE&G…
Along the southeastern United States Atlantic coast, tidal salt marshes are important habitats. Salt marshes are regarded for their role as a buffer between the mainland and the ocean, as well their high levels of biodiversity. A salt marsh reduces the impact of flooding during hurricanes and act as a natural filtration system for pollutants….
In the beginning of October 2015, Hurricane Joaquin, a strong hurricane that didn’t make landfall in South Carolina, passed offshore. It brought heavy rain to the eastern and mid part of the state with Georgetown, SC receiving around 22 inches of rain. Even higher levels of rain fell in the Charleston area. The effects of…
“Hardening refers to physically changing the infrastructure to make it less susceptible to damage from extreme wind, flooding, or flying debris. Hardening improves the durability and stability of energy infrastructure, making it better able to withstand the impacts of hurricanes and weather events without sustaining major damage.” “Resiliency refers to the ability of an energy facility…
Myrtle Beach is one of the second fastest growing metro areas percentage wise in the United States from July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2014. Population estimates can be attributed to rapid development on the coast and deforestation of suburban and rural areas. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the…
Of a population numbering 4,625,364 there are 2,163,109 persons gainfully employed in South Carolina. These persons are divided into industries, 7 of which make up portions larger than 5%: education, sales, administration, production, transportation, healthcare, and the food services each compose a minimum of 100,000 jobs in South Carolina. All of these job demographics rely…