Monopoly Power Play in South Carolina Threatens Energy Freedom

COLUMBIA, S.C. and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Dominion filed a rate case that ignores the intent of the 2019 Energy Freedom Act in South Carolina. 

The act requires the state’s utilities to file net metering successor plans that avoid cost shifts and provide long-term stability for solar customers. Dominion’s filing would add grid access charges, a monthly subscription cost for solar customers, and a low export rate for net metering customers that would unnecessarily inflate solar costs and devalue these investments. 

Following is a statement from Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs at the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on Dominion’s actions:

“Dominion’s filing would wipe out the rooftop solar market in its South Carolina service territory, imposing egregious charges on solar customers. The 2019 Energy Freedom Act was enacted to protect customer choice and add stability for the growing rooftop solar market. Dominion’s actions are punitive and would undermine the intent of the law if approved by the Commission. The proposed charges are so high that they would stifle the local solar market, killing good-paying jobs that are driving economic development during the pandemic. 

“Rather than follow Duke’s example and conduct discussions with stakeholders, Dominion made decisions behind closed doors, resulting in another attempt to retain monopoly power and prolong the transition to clean energy.”

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About SEIA®: 

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 20% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is a national trade association building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact: 

Jen Bristol, SEIA’s Director of Communications, jbristol@seia.org, (202) 556-2886