ORANGEBURG, S.C. — After nearly 100 years, Orangeburg's Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is changing their supplier from Dominion to Duke Energy.
According to the city of Orangeburg, since 1927 about 75,000 utility customers have received their power from Dominion Energy. Now the department explains that's changed to Duke Energy.
According to the DPU, it has agreed to a 15-year contract worth about $818M beginning January 1, 2024.
"We have a responsibility to our customers to make sure that we provide the very best rates that we can. And not only the rate part of it, but we also look forward to the delivery of the electricity," said Randy Etters, Orangeburg DPU business development coordinator.
Etters explains that the department needed to look toward the future and what's best for locals.
"We were working with another supplier. That deal fell through at the last minute, and so we had to basically pick up the ball and start the process over again, so it went well beyond our target date and we got signatures on the contract in December and our power literally was going to be changed on December 31st," Etters said.
Etters added that the initial goal date to have a supplier buttoned up was June 2023. But he explains the department found technical issues with the initial supplier, so they started negotiating with Duke Energy, the next best option.
As of now, Etters tells News 19 it's too soon to say if rates will change. He explains they may go up and down a little, but that DPU doesn't anticipate a rate increase.
Residents News 19 spoke with explain they either had no idea about the change from Dominion to Duke Energy, they have no issue with the change, or they have questions about what this means for rates.
"I am very curious, as everyone else, as to their rates," Desiree Englehart, Orangeburg resident said.
"I've never heard that DPU was planning to work with a different company. That's what was most concerning," Hilary Watkins, Orangeburg resident said.
Out of eight perspective providers, DPU tells News 19 Duke Energy was who they were most confident in.
“Our DPU team conducted an extensive search for a new provider as our contract with Dominion was coming to an end,” said Mayor Michael Butler. “Our main criteria included finding a provider that prioritizes safety, reliability, fair pricing, and sustainable energy. I'm pleased to say that Mr. Harley and his team have successfully fulfilled our instructions. We welcome Duke Energy to Orangeburg. We are excited to enter into this partnership.”
"Duke Energy is happy to be serving Orangeburg today and looks forward to powering the city for years to come," said Ryan Mosier, company spokesman from Duke Energy.
The city of Orangeburg tells News 19 it is planning a more formal press conference about this on January 9, 2024 at 11 a.m. ET with Duke Energy representatives and town leaders.