South Carolina

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.

Links:

• The text of PSC Order, Docket No. 2005-387-E can be found here.
• For more detailed information about South Carolina interconnection standards, visit the DSIRE database

Contact:

Philip Riley
Public Service Commission of South Carolina
101 Executive Center Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Phone: (803) 896-5154
E-Mail: philip.riley@psc.sc.gov
Web Site: http://www.psc.sc.gov

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Description: The South Carolina Energy Office offers the ConserFund Loan Program to fund energy efficiency improvements in state agencies, local governments, public colleges and universities, school districts, and non-profit organizations. Priority is given to projects with a fast energy savings payback. “Cogeneration systems that produce electricity and process steam heat for use primarily within a building or complex of buildings” are eligible for loans. Organizations may finance one or multiple projects, covering up to 100% of eligible project costs, from $25,000 to $500,000. Implementation of the energy efficiency improvement must begin within six months of the loan closing and the proposed energy improvement must have long-term cost reductions to qualify.  
 
Links:

• Additional details of the loan program can be found in the DSIRE database.

Contact:
Elwood Hamilton
South Carolina Energy Office
1200 Senate Street
408 Wade Hampton Building
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 737-8030
Phone 2: (800) 851-8899
Fax: (803) 737-9846
E-Mail: ehamilton@energy.sc.gov
Web Site: http://www.energy.sc.gov/

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Description: Santee Cooper provides standby service to customers that contract for a specific amount of standby capacity. A demand-based reservation charge is assessed monthly. A high standby demand charge is assessed on usage that goes above the contract demand. Actual energy usage is billed through the customer’s regular tariff, with a high demand charge and a moderate energy charge. Billing demand is based on the maximum demand of the month or 80% of the contract demand, whichever is higher. This standby service is viewed as unfavorable toward CHP.

Duke Energy provides standby service to customers operating in parallel with the grid. Duke’s rates include a very high demand-based charge. A moderate reservation fee, based upon the contract demand, is assessed monthly. Actual energy usage is charged under a high demand-based rate. Billing demand is based on the maximum 30 minute demand during the month or 75% of the contract demand, whichever is higher. This service is also viewed as unfavorable toward CHP.

Links:

• Santee Cooper’s business and industrial rates can be viewed here
• Duke Energy’s South Carolina rates can be found here
• More information about best practices in utility rate design can be found on the EPA’s CHP Partnership website.

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