Forum explores options to decrease utility rates

WACH-TV January 16, 2019

by Shante Sumpter

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) – The South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce is starting the discussion to decrease utility rates.

The group hosted a forum to see how a deregulated utility market might look and serve ratepayers.

Organizers say the market is undergoing turmoil and transition this year since SCE&G has been brought by Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper is being considered for sale.

“If deregulating the utility market in some fashion here in South Carolina can put a lid on the upward pressure on energy electric rates,” said Frank Knapp Jr., the CEO of the SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce. “We need to explore that option.”

Senator Tom Davis filed a bill with hopes of bringing competition to the energy production sector.

“We want consumers to have the benefit of competition instead of just simply paying 10% of whatever monopoly puts into a project,” added Senator Tom Davis.

https://wach.com/news/local/forum-explores-options-to-decrease-utility-rates

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