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Updated: March 2026

State Energy Guide

South CarolinaCommercial Energy & Utility Guide

Commercial electricity and gas rates, energy market structure, regulations, and utility providers for property managers operating in South Carolina.

Energy Market Overview

Regulated MarketSC

South Carolina has a regulated electricity market served primarily by Duke Energy Carolinas, Dominion Energy South Carolina (formerly SCE&G), and several electric cooperatives. Commercial customers cannot choose their electricity supplier. The South Carolina Public Service Commission regulates utility rates, and the state's generation mix relies heavily on nuclear and natural gas.

What this means for property managers:

In South Carolina's regulated market, your utility provides both generation and distribution at rates set by the state public utility commission. While you cannot choose your electricity supplier, you can optimize costs through rate schedule analysis, demand management, and participation in utility efficiency programs.

Regulated Market

Rates are set by the public utility commission. No supplier choice available.

-Electric: Regulated-Gas: Regulated

Average Commercial Energy Rates

$0.13Avg. Commercial Electric
$1.15Avg. Commercial Gas

Rising

Duke Energy infrastructure investments and Dominion's ongoing cost recovery from the abandoned V.C. Summer nuclear project are driving commercial rate increases of 6-9% through 2026.

Energy Regulations & Benchmarking

No Statewide Benchmarking

South Carolina has no statewide energy benchmarking or building performance mandates. The Energy Freedom Act of 2019 expanded solar access for commercial customers and established net metering provisions. The state continues to recover costs from the failed V.C. Summer nuclear expansion through ratepayer surcharges.

Utility Providers in South Carolina

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