South Carolinians Concerned About Energy Affordability, New Poll Finds

According to a new poll, eight in 10 South Carolina voters are concerned about electricity affordability and costs. The statewide poll, commissioned by Choose Who You Use, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit educational and issue advocacy coalition, also found that an overwhelmingly clear majority of South Carolina voters support allowing large commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses to choose their electricity supplier by a margin of 81 percent.

Commenting on the poll findings, Choose Who You Use coalition member, Michael Wright, who serves as Executive Director of the Palmetto Industrial Energy Association, said:

"South Carolina consumers and families are demanding action from state leaders to address their concerns around energy affordability and cost savings. Our state continues to experience significant, nation-leading growth, and if we're to maintain and fully maximize this important economic opportunity, consumers and large job creators alike need solutions from Columbia."

To address this clear concern and challenge, South Carolina lawmakers are currently considering legislation that would enable large C&I businesses to choose their power provider. Through this policy's enhanced and voluntarily choice, more electricity would be available for consumers and small businesses through their current utility providers, helping to stabilize costs for South Carolinians.

The poll also found that 90 percent say the electricity system in South Carolina could be improved upon, and a similar share do not see the current system as completely fair.