Santee Cooper looking for public input on first potential rate hike since 2017

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) - For the first time in years, Santee Cooper is proposing a rate increase.

The potential increase would help the company invest in its electric system, but an increase is also leaving some long-time customers worried.

”People can’t take anymore. They can’t. Households are going to break. They’re going to break down,” said Horry County resident Wayne Purdy.

Purdy said he has seen all of his bills go up and is frustrated that his electric bill could be next. He is now advocating against the newly proposed rates.

”They didn’t foresee and work into their budget, as far as what was going to be needed for the future and they waited until now?!” said Purdy.

In June the power company sold its board of directors on the changes, that would move prices from a current flat rate to a demand charge during peak hours. That means you would pay more for electricity from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer, and from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the winter.

While the proposed increase could cause some to pay more, Santee Cooper said if you shift your electricity usage from the peak hours, you could actually save on your bills.

”It costs us more when everybody is using power at the same time. So if we could move people off of the peaks, then everybody could save money,” said Santee Cooper spokeswoman Tracy Vreeland.

If approved, the adjustment would increase residential bills by an average of 8.7%, starting in April 2025.

“That’s too much in one year. That’s way too much. Especially under the current economic situation,” said Purdy.

While Santee Cooper continues to work through the details, some residents said they just hope the lights stay on.

“What I’d like to see them do is at least understand that people can’t take this all at once and start stepping these increases,” said Purdy.

If you’re curious about how the proposed rates could impact you, click here for a rate comparison tool on Santee Cooper’s website.

The company plans to host several public input meetings between August and October. To see the time and location or to submit a written comment online, click here.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.

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