By Bruce Henderson
bhenderson@charlotteobserver.com, December 29, 2013
Rogers, 66, is as remarkable for his longevity as for the 12 percent annual shareholder return he claims over his career or the three major mergers he engineered. The last one made Duke the nation’s biggest electric utility.
SC Utility News Digest - a Service of the Terreni Law Firm, LLC
Monday, December 30, 2013
Environmental review endorses Duke's Cherokee County nuclear plant | GoUpstate.com
Associated Press
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission study concluded that most environmental impacts of the two-reactor nuclear plant would be small.
The study says the plant would take about 4 percent of the Broad River's average volume to cool the plant. The river also cools Duke's Cliffside power plant upstream near the North Carolina-South Carolina state line.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission study concluded that most environmental impacts of the two-reactor nuclear plant would be small.
The study says the plant would take about 4 percent of the Broad River's average volume to cool the plant. The river also cools Duke's Cliffside power plant upstream near the North Carolina-South Carolina state line.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Hartsville nuclear plant at risk for closing | Business | The State
— sfretwell@thestate.com
Duke Energy’s Robinson power plant, a 43-year-old reactor near Hartsville, was the only power station in South Carolina that made the Vermont Law School’s study, which used 11 factors to estimate the plants most at risk of “early retirement.”
Duke Energy’s Robinson power plant, a 43-year-old reactor near Hartsville, was the only power station in South Carolina that made the Vermont Law School’s study, which used 11 factors to estimate the plants most at risk of “early retirement.”
Charleston Company Attempts to Take Homes Off the Grid - SC Business Review
a LowCountry, South Carolina company is using the same technology employed in NASA’s Hubble Space Program and the Viking Moon Probe to commercialize energy systems systems that provide residential power, HVAC, hot water and back up batteries capable of removing homes completely off the power grid.
Mike Switzer interviews Warren Miller, Chief Technology Officer for Hy-Stor in Charleston. PODCAST HELP - If you can't view the flash player, click here to open the mp3 file OR subscribe to the podcast feed.
Mike Switzer interviews Warren Miller, Chief Technology Officer for Hy-Stor in Charleston. PODCAST HELP - If you can't view the flash player, click here to open the mp3 file OR subscribe to the podcast feed.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Report cites ‘significant challenges’ at V.C. Summer nuclear project
By Chuck Crumbo
ccrumbo@scbiznews.com
Published July 12, 2013
Through the first quarter of the year, eight construction milestones of the $9.8 billion project had been delayed, according to an Office of Regulatory Staff report to the S.C. Public Service Commission filed earlier this month. Two of the delays were identified by the agency as “caution milestones,” meaning they are 10 months late from being met.
ccrumbo@scbiznews.com
Published July 12, 2013
Through the first quarter of the year, eight construction milestones of the $9.8 billion project had been delayed, according to an Office of Regulatory Staff report to the S.C. Public Service Commission filed earlier this month. Two of the delays were identified by the agency as “caution milestones,” meaning they are 10 months late from being met.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Hamilton and Hall Assume Leadership of PSC
The Hon. G' O'Neal Hamilton took office as Chairman of the Public Service Commission of South Carolina yesterday. Commissioner Hamilton previously served as Chairman from 2006 to 2008.
Photo by: Vicki Lovett
Photo by: Vicki Lovett
Comer H. "Randy" Randall Sworn in as 3rd District PSC Commissioner
Sen. Danny Verdin administered the oath of office to Comer H. "Randy" Randall, took the oath of office as Public Service Commissioner from the Third Congressional District in a ceremony at the Public Service Commission on July 10, 2013.
Woody biomass industry emerging in S.C.
By Liz Segrist
lsegrist@scbiznews.com
Published July 10, 2013
Experts see the industry taking shape in two ways: more wood pellet manufacturers could open facilities in the state to produce pellets and either sell or export them, or more woody biomass facilities could move into the state to buy pellets, convert them into electricity and sell them to S.C. utility providers.
lsegrist@scbiznews.com
Published July 10, 2013
Experts see the industry taking shape in two ways: more wood pellet manufacturers could open facilities in the state to produce pellets and either sell or export them, or more woody biomass facilities could move into the state to buy pellets, convert them into electricity and sell them to S.C. utility providers.
Friday, July 5, 2013
ORS to Update PSC on VC Summer Project
NOTICE OF SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE A SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR 10:30 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2013 FOR A PRESENTATION BY THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF REGARDING THE STATUS OF UNITS 2 AND 3 AT THE V. C. SUMMER NUCLEAR STATION.
S.C. Public Service Commission to review solar energy policieS
Bill Poovey
The S.C. Public Service Commission has agreed to review the state’s solar energy policies, including a 100 kilowatt limit on sun power for businesses and other nonresidential customers of electric utilities.
The commission set a Sept. 12 public workshop on the issue.
Hamilton Davis, energy and climate director at the Coastal Conservation League in Charleston, said Monday the league is seeking an increase in the 100 kilowatt limit and in a 0.2% aggregate limit on solar energy as part of a utility’s peak demand.
The S.C. Public Service Commission has agreed to review the state’s solar energy policies, including a 100 kilowatt limit on sun power for businesses and other nonresidential customers of electric utilities.
The commission set a Sept. 12 public workshop on the issue.
Hamilton Davis, energy and climate director at the Coastal Conservation League in Charleston, said Monday the league is seeking an increase in the 100 kilowatt limit and in a 0.2% aggregate limit on solar energy as part of a utility’s peak demand.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Lynn Good to replace Jim Rogers as DUK CEO - Charlotte Business Journal
John Downey
Despite early speculation that Duke Energy Corp. (NYSE:DUK) would look outside for a new chief executive, the company announced this morning that Chief Financial Officer Lynn Good will replace CEO Jim Rogers on July 1.
Despite early speculation that Duke Energy Corp. (NYSE:DUK) would look outside for a new chief executive, the company announced this morning that Chief Financial Officer Lynn Good will replace CEO Jim Rogers on July 1.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Lots of rain, but no new Tega Cay sewage spills | Fort Mill Times - Fort Mill, SC
Jonathan Marks
Tega Cay Water Service said severe rainfall was largely if not entirely to blame for a number of wastewater overflows this spring. The company promised to better its operations. As significant rains fell in recent weeks, the company believes it’s making progress.
Tega Cay Water Service said severe rainfall was largely if not entirely to blame for a number of wastewater overflows this spring. The company promised to better its operations. As significant rains fell in recent weeks, the company believes it’s making progress.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Scana delays start of new S.C. nuclear reactor by months | Reuters
In a presentation, Scana said Unit 2, which was expected to enter service in March 2017, will instead likely enter service between the fourth quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018.
Scana said this was due in part to delays in delivery of some components from a unit of construction contractor Chicago Bridge & Iron Co NV (CB&I) from its Lake Charles, Louisiana facility
Scana said this was due in part to delays in delivery of some components from a unit of construction contractor Chicago Bridge & Iron Co NV (CB&I) from its Lake Charles, Louisiana facility
SCE&G to accelerate shutdown of two coal units near Walterboro – The Post and Courier
BY WARREN L. WISE
wwise@postandcourier.com
wwise@postandcourier.com
Accelerating its shutdown schedule for aging coal-fired power units, South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. announced Tuesday it will snuff out two units at its Canadys Station power plant near Walterboro by Dec. 31, four years ahead of schedule.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Phishing robocall $100 bonus | Verizon Wireless Community
Here's a screenshot of the mybonus100.com site. You have to look at the URL in the address bar to tell that it isn't the verizonwireless site, and if you just got a call purporting to be from verizon telling you to log into that site you might think that's ok. A whois lookup of the mybonus100.com domain name shows that it was only registered yesterday, 5 May 2013, the same day I got the first call.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Utility with customers around Lake Murray may get rate hike belatedly
In a unanimous ruling, the five judges on the top state court said problems alleged by three dozen customers aren’t “anything more than anecdotal.”
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Aiken Electric Cooperative celebrates 75th anniversary - Aiken Standard
Follow us: @aikenstandard on Twitter | aikenstandard on Facebook
Monday, May 20, 2013
Mignon Clyburn Becomes First Chairwoman of FCC | Adweek
Mignon Clyburn (D) makes history today as the first woman to head up the Federal Communications Commission. That history, however, will be short-lived. Clyburn is only keeping the seat warm until the Senate approves President Obama's nominee of Tom Wheeler as chairman.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
TEGA CAY: State regulators demand action in wake of Tega Cay sewer spills | Local News | Rock Hill Herald Online
TEGA CAY — In the wake of recent sewage spills, state regulators on Wednesday asked the state Public Service Commission to order Tega Cay Water Service to take “immediate steps” to improve water and sewer service to customers. ...
Tom Oakley, chief of staff for the CEO of Utilities Inc., the parent company of Tega Cay Water Service, sent a letter to customers on Tuesday promising improvements.
“We are going to figure out why we continue to have sewer overflows during significant rain events, despite two years of work on this issue,” he wrote.
Oakley said that the system has been “tightened up significantly,” yet “seems to be getting worse.”
“We are committed to stopping all sewer overflows as soon as possible, whatever it takes,” Oakley wrote. “We can understand how frustrated you, as homeowners, must be.”
Tom Oakley, chief of staff for the CEO of Utilities Inc., the parent company of Tega Cay Water Service, sent a letter to customers on Tuesday promising improvements.
“We are going to figure out why we continue to have sewer overflows during significant rain events, despite two years of work on this issue,” he wrote.
Oakley said that the system has been “tightened up significantly,” yet “seems to be getting worse.”
“We are committed to stopping all sewer overflows as soon as possible, whatever it takes,” Oakley wrote. “We can understand how frustrated you, as homeowners, must be.”
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Solar Energy: This Is What a Disruptive Technology Looks Like — Armchair Economics
Armchair Economics · 4 min read
A picture is worth a thousand words. The graph above compares the price history of solar energy to conventional energy sources. This is what a disruptive technology looks like. While conventional energy prices remained pretty flat in inflation adjusted terms, the cost of solar is dropping,fast, and is likely to continue doing so as technology and manufacturing processes improve.....
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
What would Wheeler do? 6 issues to watch - Brooks Boliek - POLITICO.com
His time as a Washington insider and ties to the telecommunications and technology community are well documented. He spent time leading both CTIA-The Wireless Association and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association. But a closer evaluation could lead to a better understanding of how he will lead the FCC.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Obama Nominates Wheeler To Chair FCC | Communications content from Electronic Design
| Electronic Design
President Obama has nominated Tom Wheeler to be the next chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), succeeding outgoing chair Julius Genachowski, who will step down later this month. Current Commissioner Mignon Clyburn will serve as acting chair until Wheeler’s appointment has been confirmed.
President Obama has nominated Tom Wheeler to be the next chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), succeeding outgoing chair Julius Genachowski, who will step down later this month. Current Commissioner Mignon Clyburn will serve as acting chair until Wheeler’s appointment has been confirmed.
Duke Energy suspends licensing for nuclear reactors near Raleigh - Charlotte Business Journal
John Downey Senior Staff Writer- Charlotte Business Journal
Dhiaa Jamil, president of Duke Energy Nuclear, cites slowing growth in demand for electricity as the reason for the decision.
Dhiaa Jamil, president of Duke Energy Nuclear, cites slowing growth in demand for electricity as the reason for the decision.
Duke Energy misses earnings estimates in Q1 - Charlotte Business Journal
John Downey Senior Staff Writer- Charlotte Business Journal
The adjusted earnings — the earnings followed by analysts for their forecasts — came to $1.02 per share. On average, analysts had expected $1.04 per share. Adjusted earnings exclude one-time gains and charges (including costs for Duke to achieve its $32 billion merger with Progress Energy Inc.) and discontinued operations.
The adjusted earnings — the earnings followed by analysts for their forecasts — came to $1.02 per share. On average, analysts had expected $1.04 per share. Adjusted earnings exclude one-time gains and charges (including costs for Duke to achieve its $32 billion merger with Progress Energy Inc.) and discontinued operations.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
PSC Election Results
The General Assembly held elections for four seats on the Public Service Commission on May 1, 2013. The following individuals were elected:
District 1
John E. "Butch" Howard
District 3
H. "Randy" Randall
District 5
Swain Whitfield
District 7
Gordon "O'Neal" Hamilton
All but Mr. Randall were incumbents. Details may be found at SENATE JOURNAL - South Carolina Legislature Online
District 1
John E. "Butch" Howard
District 3
H. "Randy" Randall
District 5
Swain Whitfield
District 7
Gordon "O'Neal" Hamilton
All but Mr. Randall were incumbents. Details may be found at SENATE JOURNAL - South Carolina Legislature Online
Jim Rogers' long good-bye to Duke Energy may be reaching its end
John Downey
Senior Staff Writer- Charlotte Business Journal
This morning, Jim Rogers will chair — for the third time now — what appears his final annual shareholder meeting as chief executive of Duke Energy Corp. And it’s unlikely to be a quiet meeting.
Senior Staff Writer- Charlotte Business Journal
This morning, Jim Rogers will chair — for the third time now — what appears his final annual shareholder meeting as chief executive of Duke Energy Corp. And it’s unlikely to be a quiet meeting.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Santee Cooper coal plant discharges spark federal lawsuit | Business | The State
The lawsuit, filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center, asks a federal court to require that Santee Cooper remove toxic coal ash from waste ponds at the 47-year-old Grainger power plant and clean up contaminated groundwater to protect the Waccamaw River in the future.
Monday, April 29, 2013
AT&T: ‘DoJ favours T-Mobile, Sprint for 600MHz auction’
AT&T Mobility has accused the US Department of Justice (DoJ) of attempting to manipulate the upcoming 600MHz incentive auction to ensure that the two smaller nationwide carriers – Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA – win most of the available spectrum on offer. In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), AT&T said that the DoJ’s suggestion that AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless would be bidding on the low-frequency spectrum merely to ‘foreclose’ access to it is inaccurate, adding that the DoJ’s intervention on the behalf of Sprint and T-Mobile is unlawful and potentially puts the auction in jeopardy.
Friday, April 26, 2013
CBR - Customer growth, normal winter boost SCANA Corp. earnings
Staff Report
Published April 25, 2013
First-quarter earnings for SCANA Corp. climbed nearly 25% on revenues of $1.31 billion, the Cayce-based energy provider reported Thursday.
The company attributed higher margins to customer growth, recent rate increases at its principal subsidiary, South Carolina Electric & Gas, and an improving performance of its Georgia retail natural gas unit, SCANA Energy.
State agency to hold additional hearings on Duke Energy rate increase
Public hearings on Duke Energy’s proposed $221 million annual rate increase in South Carolina will be held in Spartanburg, Anderson and Columbia, in addition to a public hearing in Greenville previously ordered by the S.C. Public Service Commission.
The commission in a Wednesday vote ordered the evening hearings, with the dates and locations to be announced later.
The commission in a Wednesday vote ordered the evening hearings, with the dates and locations to be announced later.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Richest Man Slim Cited for Profiting From Phones for Poor - Bloomberg
By Todd Shields - Apr 25, 2013 12:00 AM ET
Slim’s TracFone Wireless Inc. received about a quarter of the funds from the U.S. government’sLifeline program, according to the latest figures. Today, a House subcommittee convenes ahearing to ask why the program, paid for by fees charged to U.S. phone subscribers, tripled in cost since 2008.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
SCE&G nuke plant faces federal scrutiny
sfretwell@thestate.com (SAMMY FRETWELL)
Published: Apr 22, 2013, 6:47 PM
NRC inspectors discovered the flaws in February and required SCE&G to address the agency’s concerns before utility contractors poured the foundation, said Scott Freeman, chief of the agency’s nuclear construction branch in Atlanta.
Published: Apr 22, 2013, 6:47 PM
NRC inspectors discovered the flaws in February and required SCE&G to address the agency’s concerns before utility contractors poured the foundation, said Scott Freeman, chief of the agency’s nuclear construction branch in Atlanta.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Natural Gas Use in Long-Haul Trucks Expected to Rise - NYTimes.com
By DIANE CARDWELL and CLIFFORD KRAUSS Published: April 22, 2013
And in the latest sign of how the momentum for natural gas in transportation is accelerating, United Parcel Service plans to announce in the next few days that it will expand its fleet of heavy 18-wheel vehicles running on liquefied natural gas, or L.N.G., to 800 by the end of 2014, from 112. The vehicles will use the new Cummins engines, produced under a joint venture with Westport Innovations.
Google pushes new plan for utility-supplied renewable energy
By Tina Casey on 21 April 2013
Nevertheless, Google seems pretty confident that other factors would offset any cost differential. Namely, Google foresees that companies would be willing to pay a little more in order to achieve a more diverse energy supply that provides far more long term stability than the fossil fuel market, which is characterized by periodic price spikes and is vulnerable to geopolitical factors that can (and do) lead to supply disruptions.
Nevertheless, Google seems pretty confident that other factors would offset any cost differential. Namely, Google foresees that companies would be willing to pay a little more in order to achieve a more diverse energy supply that provides far more long term stability than the fossil fuel market, which is characterized by periodic price spikes and is vulnerable to geopolitical factors that can (and do) lead to supply disruptions.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Rural electric co-ops go green - Christian Science Monitor
By Brooke Jarvis, YES! Magazine / April 15, 2013
Co-ops find many reasons to pursue energy efficiency—as in South Carolina, where the energy demands of a quickly growing population threatened to overload the grid. Reluctant to take on the cost of building new nuclear or natural gas plants, a group of cooperatives created an on-bill financing pilot program similar to How$martKY. Since South Carolina has the nation’s highest percentage of manufactured homes (which, on average, use far more energy per square foot than traditional homes), efficiency is an easy target. Eventually, the co-ops hope to retrofit more than 200,000 homes, saving customers $280 million a year.
Co-ops find many reasons to pursue energy efficiency—as in South Carolina, where the energy demands of a quickly growing population threatened to overload the grid. Reluctant to take on the cost of building new nuclear or natural gas plants, a group of cooperatives created an on-bill financing pilot program similar to How$martKY. Since South Carolina has the nation’s highest percentage of manufactured homes (which, on average, use far more energy per square foot than traditional homes), efficiency is an easy target. Eventually, the co-ops hope to retrofit more than 200,000 homes, saving customers $280 million a year.
Blue Ridge Doesn't Expect Rate Increase - Easley, SC Patch
By Jason Evans
He said cooperative officials are not sure that sales will ever recover proportionally to the level they were prior to 2007 and 2008.
“We're preparing, going forward, to not see that kind of revenue going forward,” Dalton said.
But Dalton emphasized that the cooperative plans to finish 2013 without a rate increase. The last time the cooperative adjusted the energy component of its rate was November 2008.
“We don't forsee a rate increase the rest of this year, and if there is one at all in 2014, we think it will be small, 3 or 4 percent,” Dalton said.
He said cooperative officials are not sure that sales will ever recover proportionally to the level they were prior to 2007 and 2008.
“We're preparing, going forward, to not see that kind of revenue going forward,” Dalton said.
But Dalton emphasized that the cooperative plans to finish 2013 without a rate increase. The last time the cooperative adjusted the energy component of its rate was November 2008.
“We don't forsee a rate increase the rest of this year, and if there is one at all in 2014, we think it will be small, 3 or 4 percent,” Dalton said.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
NC Supreme Court Overturns Duke Energy Rate Hike
BY MICHAEL BIESECKER
The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled Friday that the state Utilities Commission did not adequately consider the negative impact on consumers by allowing Duke to raise electricity rates for 1.8 million households and businesses by 7.2 percent. The commission voted in January 2012 to allow the rate increase, which would generate an extra $309 million in annual revenue for Duke.
The rate package Duke proposed included a 10.5 percent profit for the company's subsidiary operating in the western half of the state, pushing the typical residential bill up by $84 a year to almost $1,236. While hundreds of consumers objected that the requested increase would pile misery atop high unemployment and home foreclosures, the utilities commission's order approving the lower rate increase didn't indicate what, if any, weight the oversight board gave those concerns.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/04/12/3340409/nc-supreme-court-overturns-duke.html#storylink=cpy
The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled Friday that the state Utilities Commission did not adequately consider the negative impact on consumers by allowing Duke to raise electricity rates for 1.8 million households and businesses by 7.2 percent. The commission voted in January 2012 to allow the rate increase, which would generate an extra $309 million in annual revenue for Duke.
The rate package Duke proposed included a 10.5 percent profit for the company's subsidiary operating in the western half of the state, pushing the typical residential bill up by $84 a year to almost $1,236. While hundreds of consumers objected that the requested increase would pile misery atop high unemployment and home foreclosures, the utilities commission's order approving the lower rate increase didn't indicate what, if any, weight the oversight board gave those concerns.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/04/12/3340409/nc-supreme-court-overturns-duke.html#storylink=cpy
Friday, April 12, 2013
PURC Issues Report on Qualifications of PSC Candidates
The State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee found the following candidates qualified and nominated them to run for seats on the Public Service Commission:
Seat 1:
David Cannon
John E. "Butch" Howard
Carolynn "Carolee" Williams
Seat 3:
Comer H. "Randy" Randall
Seat 5:
Sarah B. Nuckles
Headen B. Thomas
Swain E. Whitfield
Seat 7:
Gordon "O'Neal" Hamilton
Dale K. Surrett
Candidates may not ask for or receive commitments from members of the General Assembly before 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 13, 2013.
Click here for a copy of the report.
Candidates may not ask for or receive commitments from members of the General Assembly before 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 13, 2013.
Click here for a copy of the report.
Sixth Circuit: TracFone Must Pay Kentucky 911 fees
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a District Court ruling that Kentucky Law requires prepaid wireless provider TacFone Wireless, Inc. to pay fees for enhanced emergency 911 service. See a summary and download the opinion on Justia.com
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Water main break affecting Chapin customers - The State
City crews are responding to a water main break in the Chapin area, after a contractor hit a water main.
...
A boil water advisory is in effect. The water can be made safe for drinking and cooking by boiling it for one full minute. Also, any ice made from water that has not been boiled should not be used for drinking purposes.
...
A boil water advisory is in effect. The water can be made safe for drinking and cooking by boiling it for one full minute. Also, any ice made from water that has not been boiled should not be used for drinking purposes.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
‘Obama phones’ subsidy program draws new scrutiny on the Hill - The Washington Post
There are growing calls in Congress to end or drastically cut back Lifeline; later this month, the House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing that could help determine its fate.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Dual Party Relay Fund Petition Placed on Supplemental Agenda
The PSC has placed on the Supplemental Agenda for its meeting on April 10, 2013 at 2pm a petition and request for expedited review filed by the Office of Regulatory Staff to address a deficit in the Dual Party Relay Fund (DPRF). see PSC Docket 2013-124-C.
According to the petition, the DPRF pays for Real-Time Closed Captioning,Instructional Closed Captioning, SC Equipment Distribution Program ("EDP")Administration, SC General Assembly Closed Captioning, SC EDP Equipment, and Relay Service. The petition states that the fund's balance has declined to due the decline in residential access lines and a corresponding decline in the revenue derived from the line surcharge which funds the DPRF.
The ORS has requested guidance from the PSC as to whether line access charges should be increased, funding to programs should be reduced, or program areas should be eliminated.
According to the petition, the DPRF pays for Real-Time Closed Captioning,Instructional Closed Captioning, SC Equipment Distribution Program ("EDP")Administration, SC General Assembly Closed Captioning, SC EDP Equipment, and Relay Service. The petition states that the fund's balance has declined to due the decline in residential access lines and a corresponding decline in the revenue derived from the line surcharge which funds the DPRF.
The ORS has requested guidance from the PSC as to whether line access charges should be increased, funding to programs should be reduced, or program areas should be eliminated.
Duke Energy to host community open house in Anderson » Anderson Independent Mail
ANDERSON — Duke Energy is inviting customers in Anderson County to an open house on Tueday, when the company can hear from residents and discuss its programs in South Carolina. The open house will be set up similar to a health fair, with an open layout and information stations staffed by experts from Duke Energy. These representatives will answer questions on everything from billing and lighting to tree trimming and energy efficiency. The event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. At the Civic Center of Anderson at 3027 MLK Jr. Blvd. For more information about the company, visit www.duke-energy.com.
NRC to meet with Duke Energy on fire, flood risks at nuke plant | The Greenville News | greenvilleonline.com
Mary Orndorff Troyan, Washington bureau
Nuclear Regulatory Commission staffers will receive an update Tuesday on Duke Energy’s earlier declaration that the risk of a Jocassee Dam failure is not a credible threat to the safe operation of its nuclear power plant on Lake Keowee. The NRC hasn’t decided if it agrees with that assessment.On Wednesday, Duke Energy officials return to the NRC to explain their plan for finishing new fire safety systems that are long overdue. The NRC is considering sanctions against the company for missing a Jan. 1 deadline.Monday, April 8, 2013
US study: Energy-efficient houses cut mortgage defaults by a third [fr]
According to the paper, reduced utility costs from energy saving measures provide home-buyers with enough capital to avoid repayment problems that often result in repossessions. Home foreclosures in the US have soared since the 2008 global financial crisis, whose ripple effects are still being felt in Europe today.
http://www.euractiv.com/energy-efficiency/study-energy-efficient-homes-pre-news-518866?goback=%2Egde_3807564_member_229759147
Saturday, April 6, 2013
North Carolina edges closer to repeal of renewable portfolio standard - PVTECH
By Felicity Carus
The Commerce and Job Development Subcommittee on Energy and Emerging Markets on Wednesday voted 11 to 10 to amend House Bill 298, which aims to revoke the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS).....
Hager's bill is part of a nationwide campaign to repeal state-based renewable portfolio standards backed by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which is supported by the Koch Brothers and other fossil fuel interests.
The Commerce and Job Development Subcommittee on Energy and Emerging Markets on Wednesday voted 11 to 10 to amend House Bill 298, which aims to revoke the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS).....
Hager's bill is part of a nationwide campaign to repeal state-based renewable portfolio standards backed by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which is supported by the Koch Brothers and other fossil fuel interests.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
SCE&G to donate $1 to renewable energy for each customer going paperless in April – The Post and Courier
“April is Earth Month and a great time to bring awareness to the available renewable energy sources in South Carolina,” said Bob Long, chairman of the PaCE board of directors. “SCE&G customers can help support the development of renewable energy sources in our state by simply signing up for the paperless billing option. It’s easy to do and environmentally friendly too.”
BP Puts US Wind Farms On The Market - Law360
By Karlee Weinmann
The company’s holdings include stakes in 16 operational wind farms spread across nine states that have a combined generation capacity of 2,600 megawatts. Also in the portfolio are several projects in various stages of development, including about 2,000 megawatts’ worth that are nearly ready for construction, according to BP.
The company’s holdings include stakes in 16 operational wind farms spread across nine states that have a combined generation capacity of 2,600 megawatts. Also in the portfolio are several projects in various stages of development, including about 2,000 megawatts’ worth that are nearly ready for construction, according to BP.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
NC could lose solar lead as neighbors promote development - Charlotte Business Journal
John Downey
The tax credit appears to have an uncertain future in South Carolina. But there is considerable optimism about the prospects for the allowing limited sales of solar power directly to customers in the state.
State Sen. Greg Gregory (R-Lancaster) introduced his bill on the proposal in mid-March. A similar bill was bottled up in committee in the S.C. House in February. That was largely due to opposition from utilities in the state.
The tax credit appears to have an uncertain future in South Carolina. But there is considerable optimism about the prospects for the allowing limited sales of solar power directly to customers in the state.
State Sen. Greg Gregory (R-Lancaster) introduced his bill on the proposal in mid-March. A similar bill was bottled up in committee in the S.C. House in February. That was largely due to opposition from utilities in the state.
Cornell Solar Project Could Test NY Energy Incentive - Law360
By Pete Brush
Cornell is seeking to bring a 1.9-megawatt solar project online in Lansing, N.Y., just north of Ithaca, and connect it to the power grid using a classification that will generate remote net metering subsidies. Remote net metering rules allow for solar power to be installed anywhere and sold onto the grid in order to foster clean energy development.
Cornell is seeking to bring a 1.9-megawatt solar project online in Lansing, N.Y., just north of Ithaca, and connect it to the power grid using a classification that will generate remote net metering subsidies. Remote net metering rules allow for solar power to be installed anywhere and sold onto the grid in order to foster clean energy development.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
S.C. regulators set hearing on Duke Energy rate increase
The PSC said it will have a public hearing on the rate request beginning 10:30 a.m. July 31 at its offices at 101 Executive Center Drive in Columbia.
Interactive map: Where US energy is produced | NBC News
An interactive map of energy production, by sector, in the United States.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Lexington Co. utility asks top court for rate hike
Carolina Water Service will make its pitch to the state Supreme Court Wednesday that the rate hike rejection in fall 2011 prevents it from reducing billing mistakes and upgrading facilities.
click here for the story
Saturday, March 30, 2013
FERC Takes Hard Line With New Power Transmission Rule - Law360
By Keith Goldberg
According to the rule, a single public utility transmission provider, by itself, cannot satisfy the regional scope requirement. Duke had argued that its utilities Duke Energy Carolinas LLC and Carolina Power & Light Co., doing business as Progress Energy Carolinas, comprised two transmission providers, but FERC disagreed in rejecting their compliance proposal Feb. 21. Duke acquired CPL parent unit Progress Energy Inc. in a $26 billion deal in July.
According to the rule, a single public utility transmission provider, by itself, cannot satisfy the regional scope requirement. Duke had argued that its utilities Duke Energy Carolinas LLC and Carolina Power & Light Co., doing business as Progress Energy Carolinas, comprised two transmission providers, but FERC disagreed in rejecting their compliance proposal Feb. 21. Duke acquired CPL parent unit Progress Energy Inc. in a $26 billion deal in July.
COLUMBIA, SC: Columbia upgrades canal water plant | Local News | The State
The $27 million project that replaced six pumps – most were 40 to 70 years old – still needs approval from the state environmental agency before it is fully operational, said James “Bud” Summers, the superintendent of Columbia’s water-delivery system. That approval is likely to come during the last half of the year because the new pumps require testing during peak summer demand, he said.
EPA Recognizes SCE&G with 2013 ENERGY STAR Award of Excellence - Utility Products Magazine
Specifically, SCE&G was recognized for its Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program that launched in April 2011. The program takes a "whole house" approach to home improvement for customers and participating contractors in South Carolina to help improve the comfort, energy efficiency, safety and durability of a home. By participating in the program, customers can receive rebates up to $2,500 for making home energy improvements recommended by a Building Performance Institute certified contractor.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Looming departures, changes at FCC - Tony Romm and Brooks Boliek - POLITICO.com
By TONY ROMM and BROOKS BOLIEK | 3/27/13 4:42 AM EDT
It’s almost impossible for Genachowski’s replacement to be confirmed in the few weeks before the sitting chairman officially departs. That only raises the likelihood that one of its sitting Democratic commissioners could take the helm in an interim capacity — a role that could fall to Mignon Clyburn, the next-most senior member.
It’s almost impossible for Genachowski’s replacement to be confirmed in the few weeks before the sitting chairman officially departs. That only raises the likelihood that one of its sitting Democratic commissioners could take the helm in an interim capacity — a role that could fall to Mignon Clyburn, the next-most senior member.
Santee Cooper promotes Armfield, Hood - Columbia Regional Business Report
Santee Cooper has promoted Jeff Armfield to senior vice president and CFO and Jane Hood to vice president of fuels strategy and supply, effective July 1.
Armfield replaces Elaine Peterson, who will retire June 30. Through this position he will also join Santee Cooper’s executive management team.
 Jeff Armfield |
 Jane Hood |
COLUMBIA, SC: Large amount of sewage spills into Crane Creek | Local News | The State
Heavy rains apparently allowed runoff to seep into a sewer line and overwhelm the wastewater collection system, causing sewage to spill from a manhole and into the creek, Columbia utilities director Joey Jaco said Tuesday. City inspectors discovered the leak Sunday at about 11:40 a.m. The area has had a history of sewer spills and signs are posted warning the public, Jaco said. The leak occurred at 5801 Brickyard Road in northeast Columbia.
“This is definitely the biggest spill we have had recently,’’ Jaco said.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Council to take final vote on proposed water and sewer rate chan - wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |
By Mary King - email
If approved the proposal would make two major changes. The first being a significant drop in rates for larger, more commercial-like customers, and the second being an eight percent increase for all customers.
City officials say rates increased last year after consideration to recommendations made in a 2011 rate study. City officials say there was about an eight percent increase last year on most customer's volumetric rate (Volumetric rate is based on customer usage).
Monday, March 25, 2013
Bosch to abandon solar energy business - Yahoo! News
BERLIN (AP) — German engineering company Bosch said Friday that it is abandoning its solar energy business, because there is no way to make it economically viable amid overcapacity and huge price pressure in the industry.
Friday, March 22, 2013
NEW YORK: FCC Chairman Genachowski to step down | National Business News | The State
His tenure has seen continued adoption of broadband and ever higher Internet connection speeds, especially on the wireless side, but consumer groups saw the approval of Comcast's acquisition of NBC as a mistake, while AT&T Inc. suffered a severe blow when its acquisition of T-Mobile USA was blocked.
Mysterious charge has many SCE&G customers crying foul - wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |
Essentially, it increases or decreases the price you're paying per kilowatt hour, based on a 15- year average of temperatures. It's not just the weather. Other factors go in. SCE&G breaks it down into 19 different WNA categories, based on your billing rate, house type, and the usage response to weather conditions. Then they factor in the month, the billing cycle, and heating degree days and cooling degree days.
"They may dispute this," said C. Dukes Scott with the Office of Regulatory Staff. "But I don't think there's but one person over there that understands it fully and that's the man who designed it."
"They may dispute this," said C. Dukes Scott with the Office of Regulatory Staff. "But I don't think there's but one person over there that understands it fully and that's the man who designed it."
Thursday, March 21, 2013
BMW Manufacturing Wins Duke Energy Power Partner Award - BMW Power
The Award comes as no surprise since almost 50% of the energy used by BMW Manufacturing at its plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, comes from methane gas generated at a landfill located near the plant. This way, the CO2 emissions are reduced by 92,000 tons per year.
COLUMBIA, SC: City of Columbia water, sewer rates to change | Local News | The State
— jmonk@thestate.com
COLUMBIA, SC — Columbia’s water and sewer rates will get a major overhaul this spring, with most residential customers getting about a $2 per month increase on their $46 current average monthly bills, and some big water users getting a decrease.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Duke Energy seeks 15.1% rate hike in SC - Charlotte Business Journal
John Downey
Residential customers would see the largest increase. Their rates will go up 16.3 percent. That will raise the average monthly bill for a typical customer to $118.28 per month. The current average monthly bill is $100.45, Duke says.
Residential customers would see the largest increase. Their rates will go up 16.3 percent. That will raise the average monthly bill for a typical customer to $118.28 per month. The current average monthly bill is $100.45, Duke says.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Columbia Regional Business Report | Columbia, SC
A J.D. Power and Associates’ survey of business customers ranked South Carolina Electric & Gas tops in the South and the nation among natural gas utilities in customer satisfaction.
SCE&G, principal subsidiary of Cayce-based SCANA Corp., posted a score of 725 on a 1,000-point scale. The national average was 657, down 17 points from 2012.
SCE&G, principal subsidiary of Cayce-based SCANA Corp., posted a score of 725 on a 1,000-point scale. The national average was 657, down 17 points from 2012.
US power grid costs rise, but service slips
An Associated Press analysis of utility spending and reliability nationwide found that electric customers are spending 43 percent more than they did in 2002 to build and maintain local electric infrastructure. Since then, power outages have remained infrequent; but when the lights do go out, it now takes longer to get them back on.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Obama revives green energy sales pitch - The Hill's E2-Wire
- 03/15/13 06:00 AM ET
President Obama will revive his green energy sales pitch Friday with a proposal to divert offshore oil-and-gas revenues to fund research into alternative fuel and vehicle technologies.
President Obama will revive his green energy sales pitch Friday with a proposal to divert offshore oil-and-gas revenues to fund research into alternative fuel and vehicle technologies.
COLUMBIA, SC: Report: Gov’t incentives favor nuclear over renewable energy in SC | Local News | The State
— sfretwell@thestate.com
The report, released Thursday through the University of Vermont’s law school, said ratepayers in the three Southern states are being soaked for the high costs of building atomic reactors. It recommends that the nuclear reactor projects be cancelled to save money in the long run because the projects are still years from completion and will cost billions more than originally projected.
The report, released Thursday through the University of Vermont’s law school, said ratepayers in the three Southern states are being soaked for the high costs of building atomic reactors. It recommends that the nuclear reactor projects be cancelled to save money in the long run because the projects are still years from completion and will cost billions more than originally projected.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Pelosi questions Keystone pipeline value - The Hill's E2-Wire
- 03/14/13 01:38 PM E
A day after President Obama indicated that there will soon be a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, the top House Democrat questioned the value of the controversial project.
A day after President Obama indicated that there will soon be a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, the top House Democrat questioned the value of the controversial project.
Cities Weigh Taking Electricity Business From Private Utilities - NYTimes.com
By DIANE CARDWELLPublished: March 13, 2013
Across the country, cities are showing a renewed interest in taking over the electricity business from private utilities, reflecting intensifying concerns about climate change, responses to power disruptions and a desire to pump more renewable energy into the grid.
Study sees treasure for SC in nuclear trash | Local News | The State
Commissioned by boosters of the Savannah River Site, the report says the state could land nearly 1,700 jobs and generate $12 million in taxes by taking the atomic waste and reprocessing the material in the Aiken area, which has the expertise to do the work.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
S.C. back in the hunt for developing small modular reactors
By Chuck Crumbo
ccrumbo@scbiznews.com
Published March 13, 2013
The U.S. Department of Energy said Monday that a portion of a $452 million grant is being offered to the U.S. nuclear industry to build and “certify innovative small modular nuclear reactors,” commonly referred to as SMRs.
ccrumbo@scbiznews.com
Published March 13, 2013
The U.S. Department of Energy said Monday that a portion of a $452 million grant is being offered to the U.S. nuclear industry to build and “certify innovative small modular nuclear reactors,” commonly referred to as SMRs.
Fund That Subsidizes Internet for Schools Should Expand, a Senator Says - NYTimes.com
By EDWARD WYATT Published: March 12, 2013
Senator John D. Rockefeller IV, a West Virginia Democrat who is chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, said that the fund should be used to create one-gigabit connections to every school in America — a speed that is 60 to 100 times faster than most schools or homes now receive — and wireless connections in every school building.Tuesday, March 12, 2013
S.C. Con Artists Target Hispanics with Fake Overdue Utility Bills - HispanicBusiness.com
The customer followed the caller's directions, hurried to a nearby store and bought a $200 MoneyPak card to send money to avoid being disconnected.
But the caller was a con artist.
But the caller was a con artist.
DukeNet expands fiber network in S.C
Charlotte-based DukeNet Communications said it has expanded its high-bandwidth, regional fiber network to include three cities in South Carolina.
Joining the 8,000 route mile fiber-optic network are Charleston, Columbia and Greenville.
Joining the 8,000 route mile fiber-optic network are Charleston, Columbia and Greenville.
In U.S., nuclear energy loses momentum amid economic head winds, safety issues
The Washington Post
By ,
Only five years ago, industry executives and leading politicians were talking about an American nuclear renaissance, hoping to add 20 or more reactors to the 104-unit U.S. nuclear fleet.But today those companies are holding back in the face of falling natural gas prices and sluggish and uncertain electricity demand. Only five new plants are under construction, while at least that many are slated for permanent closure or shut down indefinitely over safety issues.
Concrete slab poured at V.C. Summer nuclear power plant - Electric Light & Power
South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. (SCE&G), principal unit of SCANA Corp. (SCG), completed on March 11, 2013, placement of the nuclear
island basemat for V.C. Summer Unit 2 in Fairfield County, S.C. This is
the first new construction nuclear concrete to be poured in the U.S. in
three decades, according to SCE&G.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Obama announces nominees for energy secretary, EPA chief and budget director - The Washington Post
President Obama on Monday nominated MIT professor Ernest Moniz as energy secretary, Environmental Protection Agency official Gina McCarthy as EPA administrator and Wal-Mart executive Sylvia Mathews Burwell as White House budget director.
Monday, February 25, 2013
S.C. Public Service Commissioner to co-chair Washington watchdog panel
S.C. Public Service Commissioner Nikiya “Nikki” Hall has been appointed as a co-chair of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ Washington Action Program.
The association represents the nation’s state utility regulatory commissions, including the Public Service Commission of South Carolina. The Washington Action Program serves as the association’s watchdog on the happenings in Washington
The association represents the nation’s state utility regulatory commissions, including the Public Service Commission of South Carolina. The Washington Action Program serves as the association’s watchdog on the happenings in Washington
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers more open to cabinet post? VIDEO - Charlotte Business Journal
John Downey
“What I would bring is someone that’s been in the industry a long time and understands the importance of getting the balance right between cheap, affordable energy and meeting our environmental goals,” Rogers replied.
“What I would bring is someone that’s been in the industry a long time and understands the importance of getting the balance right between cheap, affordable energy and meeting our environmental goals,” Rogers replied.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
AT&T to Buy Alltel Wireless in S.C.
By James T. Hammond
jhammond@scbiznews.com
Published Jan. 22, 2013
AT&T has agreed to buy the assets of the Alltel wireless system, a transaction Alltel officials said would give Alltel customers access to a nationwide system and expand AT&T’s reach into Alltel’s mostly rural territories in six states, including South Carolina.
jhammond@scbiznews.com
Published Jan. 22, 2013
AT&T has agreed to buy the assets of the Alltel wireless system, a transaction Alltel officials said would give Alltel customers access to a nationwide system and expand AT&T’s reach into Alltel’s mostly rural territories in six states, including South Carolina.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Mignon Clyburn
Overall, a Clyburn chairmanship may be more collaborative than combative. On occassion, Ms. Clyburn has noted that she prefers collaboration to regulation. ” … I will be the first to admit that regulation is not always the most prudent way to go about achieving our desired objectives. Collaboration is sometimes a necessary or even preferred means of addressing issues and concerns in this rapidly changing marketplace …”
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Senate Confirms Mignon Clyburn for 2nd FCC Term, Joshua Wright to Join FTC
The Senate voted unanimously voted late Tuesday night to confirm Mignon Clyburn for a second term at the Federal Communications Commission and Joshua Wright as a new commissioner for the Federal Trade Commission.
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