What's at Stake
South Carolina is undergoing unprecedented growth, bringing with it both tremendous economic opportunities and increased demands on our energy sector. How we meet growing demand will determine not only our state’s economic future, but the health and sustainability of our communities.
Increasingly, South Carolinians from all walks of life are embracing energy efficiency as one of our “first fuels.” Whether one’s motivation is environmental or economic, efficiency and renewables offer the cheapest, cleanest, and fastest means of meeting our growing energy needs.
South Carolina has a wealth of efficiency energy opportunities. Studies done by the South Carolina Electric Cooperatives demonstrate that within 10 years, South Carolina can produce 1700 megawatts of electricity – the equivalent of three new coal plants – through efficiency and renewable energy. With the help of the General Assembly, consumers and entrepreneurs are poised to seize this potential and lead our state into a strong, energy-independent future.
Challenges
Ironically, South Carolinians enjoy low power rates per kilowatt but they pay some of the highest average utility bills in the country. We are the third highest electricity users per capita in the country. Rising energy prices, moreover, will disproportionately impact the economically disadvantaged. The General Assembly and our state's utilities have recently proposed to create a private, non-profit fund to assist low-income South Carolinians with reducing their energy consumption. "Operation Empowered" (S. 1076) represents precisely the kind of bold, visionary thinking that is in the best interest of South Carolina's environment and economy.
Fortunately, free-market incentives provide an opportunity for South Carolina’s industries, entrepreneurs and consumers. Through tax breaks, rebates, and investments, our elected leaders can prime the pump and unleash the ingenuity and determination of our state’s business community.
Next Steps
Build on last year’s legislative victory that made state buildings more efficient and cost-effective by passing similar legislation for South Carolina’s pubic schools.
Provide incentives that make it easier for our state’s construction industry and contractors to build “green” commercial buildings and residential homes.
Offer financial incentives that encourage citizens to choose more efficient appliances and install renewable energy systems in their homes.
Lead by example by investing in “green fleets,” efficient appliances, and electricity from renewable sources to run state government more efficiently for taxpayers.
For more information:
Ben Moore, Coastal Conservation League, 843-723-8025
John Ramsburgh, Sierra Club, 803-256-8487
Fast Facts
Roughly 30 percent of Santee Cooper’s customers live in energy inefficient mobile homes.
SC spends $1 billion annually importing energy from out of state.
According to the SC Energy Office, SC is the 3rd highest electric user per capita in the nation, 5th in average household utility bills, and 4th in motor fuel consumed per capita.
If every American home replaced just one light bulb with a compact fluorescent, enough energy would be saved to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.