South Carolina
State Scorecard Rank
49
South Carolina
3.0Scored out of 50Updated 12/2022
State Government
Score: 3 out of 9
State Government Summary List All
South Carolina has several program targeted at energy-efficient investments. The state government leads by example by requiring energy-efficient public buildings, benchmarking energy use, and encouraging energy savings performance contracts. There are no major research centers focused on energy efficiency in the state.
Financial Incentives List All
Financial incentive information for South Carolina is provided by the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE South Carolina).
Last Reviewed: July 2017
Equity Metrics and Workforce DevelopmentList All
We were unable to determine if the state's energy plans or electrification strategies establish specific policies or equity-related metrics to ensure access for underserved customers.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Carbon Pricing PoliciesList All
The State of South Carolina does not yet have carbon pricing policies in place.
At this time, the state does not have a statewide emissions reduction goal in place.
Last Reviewed: September 2022
Building Energy Disclosure List All
There is no disclosure policy in place.
Last Reviewed: July 2019
Public Building Requirements List All
The South Carolina Energy Efficiency Act addresses state government energy conservation. The statute (South Carolina Codes Title 48-52-420) directs the State Energy Office to “ensure that state government agencies establish comprehensive energy efficiency plans and become models for energy efficiency in South Carolina…” and develop energy efficient codes/standards for state-owned and leased buildings, including public school buildings, and requires state agencies and school districts to adhere to these codes. The Energy Office has collected benchmarking data from public agencies, K-12 schools and colleges and universities for over a decade. This data allows individual organizations to compare their energy use with others of a similar type and adjust behavior accordingly.
In June 2008, the state enacted additional legislation, H.B. 4766, requiring state agencies and public school districts to reduce energy use by 20% by 2020, from 2000. Training sessions were conducted around the state to assist agencies in developing new or revised energy plans in support of that goal. In addition, the SC Energy Office developed a template that could be used by state agencies and local governments to develop their plans. Benchmarking data collection now also includes qualitative information regarding achievement of the goal, impediments, etc. The state continues to collect benchmarking data for public buildings under the 20% reduction mandate at SC Code SECTION 48-52-610 on an annual basis. This section requires that state agencies submit their energy use data to the State Energy Office every year. State-leased buildings, as well as other facilities that petition the Energy Office, are excluded from these energy reduction and benchmarking requirements.
Newly constructed state buildings must meet either the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating "Silver" standard or have two globes according to the Green Globes Rating System for construction.
Last Reviewed: September 2020
Fleets List All
State agencies purchasing motor vehicles must give preference to hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, biodiesel, hydrogen, fuel cell, or flexible fuel vehicles when the performance, quality, and anticipated lifecycle costs are comparable to other available motor vehicles.
Section 1-11-220 (e) requires the Division of Motor Vehicle Management to “acquire motor vehicles offering optimum energy efficiency for the tasks to be performed; 1-11-220 (g) requires it to “improve environmental quality in this State by decreasing the discharge of pollutants.”
Last Reviewed: September 2020
Energy Savings Performance Contracting List All
State legislation (Section 48-52-670) allows agencies to energy into performance contracts. Savings realized from energy conservation measures may be carried forward. The South Carolina Energy Office presents information about ESPCs and offers a manual that lays out the process for interested entities. The Office of the State Engineer makes common contract documents available to simplify the process of performance contracting.
Last Reviewed: September 2020
Research & Development List All
No public research centers have a focus on energy efficiency.
Last Reviewed: July 2019
Buildings
Score: 4.5 out of 24
Buildings Summary List All
Residential and commercial building energy codes reference the 2009 IECC. South Carolina has completed a gap analysis and conducts training and outreach to encourage code compliance.
Residential Codes List All
On January 1, 2013, the 2013 South Carolina Energy Standard became effective. The residential provisions reference the 2009 IECC. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent energy codes.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Commercial Code List All
On January 1, 2013, the 2013 South Carolina Energy Standard became effective. The commercial provisions reference the 2009 IECC as well, including that code’s reference to ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 as an alternative compliance path. Local jurisdictions may adopt more stringent energy codes.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Compliance List All
- Gap Analysis/Strategic Compliance Plan: South Carolina has completed a gap analysis, analyzing the current code implementation efforts in the state and making recommendations for achieving 90% compliance with the model energy code. The state also participates in BCAP’s Compliance Planning Assistance Program and completed a compliance plan in November 2011, providing a five-year roadmap for energy code implementation in the state.
- Baseline & Updated Compliance Studies: NA
- Utility Involvement: NA
- Stakeholder Advisory Group: NA
- Training/Outreach: The South Carolina Energy Office (SCEO) sponsors training for code compliance. During the past year SCEO supported training on proper duct installation and repair through the South Carolina Association of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors (SCAHACC), as well as training in code compliance at the SC Homebuilders Association annual meeting. In addition, the office collaborated with SCAHACC, the SC Homebuilders Association and the SC Sustainability Institute to develop and offer Duct and Envelope Tightness verifier training. Based on materials developed by SouthFace, the South Carolina program includes the option of in-person or online training, followed by mandatory field practice and testing for successful certification.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
CHP
CHP Summary List All
The state has limited policies in place that encourage CHP deployment. One new CHP system came online in South Carolina in 2018.
Interconnection StandardsList All
Policy: South Carolina PSC Order, Docket No. 2005-387-E
Description: In 2006, the South Carolina Public Service Commission enacted interconnection standards for small distributed generation with a maximum capacity of 100 kW for non-residential systems. The standards do not apply to three-phase generators, and only apply to the state’s four investor-owned utilities. There is a $250 non-residential system application fee as well as minimum $300,000 liability insurance coverage. Redundant external disconnect switches are required. Total interconnection capacity is limited to a maximum of 2% of rated circuit capacity, and there are no codified procedures for dispute resolution.
Last Updated: August 2017
Encouraging CHP as a ResourceList All
There are currently no state policies designed to acquire energy savings from CHP (like other efficiency resources) or energy generation from CHP (in terms of kWh production) that apply to all forms of CHP.
Last Updated: August 2017
Deployment IncentivesList All
Some CHP projects may be eligible for loans from the Conserfund and Conserfund Plus, and the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan programs. These programs offer revolving loans and grant opportunities for projects at public or non-profit facilities and businesses, respectively. However, neither program has made an award for a CHP project to date.
Last Updated: July 2019
Additional Supportive PoliciesList All
Some additional supportive policies to encourage renewable-fueled CHP exist. South Carolina has a Biomass Energy Tax Credit for 25% up to $650,000 for biomass CHP systems.
Last Updated: August 2017
Utilities
Score: 5.5 out of 29
Utilities Summary List All
Along with other states in the Southeast, South Carolina has made progress on utility-sector energy efficiency efforts over the past few years. The levels of energy efficiency program spending and associated energy savings, however, are still below the national average. The state's three investor-owned utilities, Duke Energy, Progress Energy Carolinas (which has merged with Duke Energy), and South Carolina Gas and Electric, all administer energy efficiency programs. South Carolina's cooperative utilities also administer some energy efficiency programs.
The most recent budgets for energy efficiency programs and electricity and natural gas savings can be found in the State Spending and Savings Tables.
Customer Energy Efficiency Programs List All
Along with other states in the Southeast, South Carolina has made progress on utility-sector energy efficiency efforts over the past few years. The levels of energy efficiency program spending and associated energy savings, however, are still below the national average. All of the state's three investor-owned utilities, Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, and Dominion Energy of South Carolina (formerly South Carolina Gas and Electric), administer energy efficiency (EE) programs. South Carolina's cooperative utilities (20) also administer some energy efficiency programs as does state-owned Santee Cooper (the South Carolina Public Service Authority); neither electric cooperatives or Santee Cooper are regulated by the SCPSC. To encourage utilities to engage in energy efficiency programs, South Carolina allows utilities to recover the costs of administering the programs by either expensing them immediately or amortizing them over time, to recoup up to 3 years' worth of the lost net revenues resulting from EE programs, and to retain a share (which ranges from 9.9 percent to 11.75 percent) of the net savings the EE programs produce through a shared savings mechanism.
The most recent budgets for energy efficiency programs and electricity and natural gas savings can be found in the State Spending and Savings Tables.
Last Updated: November 2024
Energy Efficiency as a Resource List All
South Carolina’s investor-owned utilities (4) are required to file integrated resource plans with the S.C. Public Service Commission (SCPSC). All of the utilities operate some type of demand-side management and energy efficiency programs for residential, small business, commercial, and industrial customers, although these programs are not required in South Carolina. Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy Carolinas and Dominion Energy provide energy to both North Carolina and South Carolina and are subject to North Carolina’s combined renewable and energy efficiency portfolio standard. As a result, the standards required for North Carolina will probably have an effect on South Carolina customers.
On May 16, 2019, the SC General Assembly passed Act 62, the South Carolina Energy Freedom Act. The act is comprehensive but focuses on several key issues, including greater consumer choices for energy, expansion of renewable and solar energy, establishing consumer protection mechanisms, increased transparency and accountability, Public Service Commission empowerment concerning approving utility's integrated resource plans (IRPs), and encouraging competition, especially from “small power producers.”
The state Energy Office published the South Carolina Energy Efficiency Roadmap initiative in 2021 to capitalize on energy efficiency opportunities in the state.
Last Updated: November 2024
Energy Efficiency Resource Standards List All
There is currently no EERS in place.
Last Updated: November 2024
Utility Business Model List All
S.C. Code Ann. 58-37-20 authorizes the Public Service Commission to adopt procedures that encourage electrical utilities to invest in cost-effective energy efficient technologies and energy conservation programs. A mechanism allowing for the recovery of lost revenues was first authorized in 2008 for Duke Energy Progress. In 2010, South Carolina Electric & Gas Company (now Dominion Energy of South Carolina) proposed a lost revenue recovery mechanism that was approved (Docket No. 2009-261-E and Docket 200-251-E). The Commission has also approved a mechanism allowing Duke Energy Carolinas to adjust rates to recover lost revenue. Mechanisms for both Duke Energy Progress and SCE&G were reauthorized in 2013. Lost revenues are estimated prospectively and are trued-up annually based on actual penetration rates and energy savings data.
Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy Carolinas, and Dominion Energy of South Carolina have shared savings incentives based on the net present value of each program using the Utility Cost Test (Docket No. 2009-261-E). Dominion Energy retains 9.9 percent of the savings its energy efficiency programs produce, while Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy progress retain 11.5 percent and 11.75 percent, respectively, of the savings its EE programs generate.
The South Carolina General Assembly has not authorized revenue decoupling.
Duke Energy Progress and South Carolina Electric & Gas Company have shared savings incentives based on the net present value of each program using the Utility Cost Test (Docket No. 2009-261-E). The PSC approved Duke Energy’s Save-A-Watt program (See Dockets 2007-358-E and 2008-251-E).
Last Updated: November 2024
Evaluation, Measurement, & Verification List All
- Primary cost-effectiveness test(s) used: utility cost test
- Secondary cost-effectiveness test(s) used: ratepayer impact measure test, total resource cost test
The evaluation of ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs in South Carolina relies on legislative mandates (SC Code Ann. Section 58-37-30), as well as regulatory orders.. Evaluations are mainly administered by the South Carolina Public Service Commission and assisted by the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS). Statewide evaluations are conducted. There are no specific legal requirements for these evaluations in South Carolina. EM&V is completed by independent 3rd parties for all the investor-owned utilities for their suite of programs annually. According to the Database of State Efficiency Screening Practices (DSESP), South Carolina specifies the UCT to be its primary test for decision making. Their cost-effectiveness screening does not account for non-energy benefits. ORS also examines the RIM and TRC.
Further information on cost-effectiveness screening practices for South Carolina is available in the Database of State Efficiency Screening Practices (DSESP), a resource of the National Efficiency Screening Project (NESP).
Last Updated: November 2024
Guidelines for Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs List All
Requirements for State and Utility Support of Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs
The South Carolina Energy Efficiency Act and resultant statute (Section 48-52-210) direct the state agencies to establish comprehensive energy efficiency plans and “… ensure that basic energy needs of all citizens, including low-income citizens, are met.” No minimum requirements for low-income energy efficiency spending or savings are specified.
Cost-Effectiveness Rules for Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs
Dominion Energy of South Carolina, Duke Energy Carolinas, and Duke Energy Progress all include regulatory cost-recovery mechanisms that would function in the case of future low-income programs that do not pass cost-effectiveness tests.
Coordination of Ratepayer-Funded Low-Income Programs with WAP Services
In South Carolina, Dominion, Duke Energy Carolinas, and Duke Energy Progress and Piedmont Natural Gas all provide assistance with paying light bills for eligible individuals and families through a program called Project SHARE. Utility companies partner with the state and local Community Action Agencies to provide funding for projects and structural improvements. SCE&G and Duke Power have recently worked with local Community Action Agencies to provide 200 Community Solar opportunities, free of charge, to clients eligible for Weatherization services.
Electric cooperatives in SC also offer EE assistance to low-income households through a variety of programs, such as Help My House, which offers services such as sealing and insulating homes and duct work, installing vapor barriers, replacing electric furnaces with heat pumps, repairing or replacing older heat pumps, and others. Customers receive below-market interest rates on loans (with no credit checks) to make these upgrades and repay the loans via their utility bills.
Last updated: November 2024
Self Direct and Opt-Out Programs List All
Industrial, manufacturing or retail commercial customers with 1,000,000 kWh annual usage or greater are eligible to opt-out. Self-certification only is required. Roughly 50% of eligible load is opted-out.
Last Updated: July 2016
Data AccessList All
South Carolina has no policy in place that requires utilities to release energy use data to customers or third parties.
Last Updated: November 2024
Transportation
Score: 1 out of 13
Transportation Summary List All
The state has a state freight plan in addition to transit legislation.
Tailpipe Emission Standards List All
No California Vehicle Standards in place or proposed.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Transportation System Efficiency List All
Transportation and Land Use Integration: No policy in place or proposed.
VMT Targets: No policy in place or proposed.
FAST Freight Plans and Goals: We were unable to find specific policies/goals/objectives in South Carolina’s freight plan to reduce emissions, pursue alternative energy consumption, reducing freight VMT or shifting to lower emitting/more efficient freight modes could not be confirmed.
Last updated: November 2024
Transit Funding List All
According to the state DOT website, South Carolina has the State Mass Transit Fund which are sourced from ¼ cent of the South Carolina Motor Fuel User Fee as authorized by state law. These can be used for administration, operation, capital, planning and technical assistance.
Last updated: November 2024
Incentives for High-Efficiency Vehicles List All
We were unable to find information indicating incentives for high efficiency vehicles.
Last updated: November 2024
Equitable Access to TransportationList All
South Carolina does not have any state programs in place to incentivize the creation of low-income housing near transit facilities, nor does it consider the proximity of transit facilities when distributing federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to qualifying property owners.
Last Reviewed: November 2024
Industry: