In April 2017, the Energy Office received the Public Utility Review Committee’s (PURC) endorsement of the Energy Plan and support to continue into Phase III. Energy Office staff has now begun the process to put “Energy in Action” as it convenes study committees to look for ways to address the top 8 policy recommendations.
Ensure that electric utility Integrated Resource Plans clearly demonstrate and reflect access to energy supplies at the lowest practical environmental and economic cost and demand-side options are pursued when economically and environmentally practical.
Ensure that natural gas is a viable energy option for residential, commercial, industrial, and power generation customers across South Carolina and enable the state to continue to attract economic development prospects.
Ensure that buildings owned or leased by the state of South Carolina are designed to minimize operational costs for energy. Prevent South Carolina from falling behind other states as energy codes advance.
Develop the necessary funds to advance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative transportation opportunities that support policy goals. Currently, South Carolina lacks a revenue stream to support these efforts.
Determine the needs of South Carolina in terms of renewable energy in the context of Act 236 and beyond by examining progress made; program modifications required for an advanced/integrated grid; and opportunities to enhance infrastructure modernization, expansion, and reliability.
Develop ways to coordinate government action to ensure it does not inadvertently affect environmental justice communities because of compounding impacts and/or cumulative effects of various stressors. Multiple agencies may have responsibilities in this arena, with minimal coordination among them.
Look for ways to increase the adoption of alternative fuels. Currently, only a small portion of state-owned or leased fleet vehicles are fueled by a Department of Energy established alternative fuel. As a result, South Carolina’s fleet lacks diversity, and fuel supply is vulnerable. These limitations compromise fuel efficiency and diversity in transportation.
Pursue developing a policy to approve (qualification-based) selection of firms to perform energy audits. Currently, the process of performing energy audits, as a precursor to state agency energy efficiency retrofits, can be very difficult.