COLUMBIA, S.C. — A former state utility regulator has raised serious concerns about a proposed bill that would ease some of the state's regulations governing power companies.
Tom Ervin, who recently submitted his resignation letter to lawmakers last week, cited the bill's provisions regarding the construction of a new natural gas plant as a primary reason for his departure.
Ervin's resignation letter outlines several significant worries about the bill, notably its potential impact on solar companies and the level of public oversight it allows. He also issued a stark warning, cautioning that these proposed changes could lead to a recurrence of the costly V.C. Summer nuclear station debacle.
"Here it comes again, it's deja vu all over," said Ervin. “We need more information. What will it cost? How long will it take to build it? What's going to be the impact on ratepayers? And is it in our best interest? Or should we consider something like energy efficiency that actually studies have shown creates more jobs and costs less to ratepayers in the long run.”
The legislation under scrutiny would grant Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper permission to construct a large natural gas plant along the Edisto River in Colleton County.
Another notable aspect of the bill being considered by lawmakers is a proposal to reduce the size of the Public Service Commission to three members. Additionally, it would require regulators to consider the economic impact of new electric utility projects and permit off-the-record meetings with utility representatives.
"Decisions need to be made transparently, with a complete record of proceedings, to ensure accountability and transparency," Ervin added.
Environmental watchdog groups like the conservation voters of south carolina are also lining up against the bill.
“When you look at what's in the bill, I could understand how a commissioner wouldn't want to be put in the situation that bill puts them in. It's essentially a rubber stamp on plans that could, you know, really harm south carolina, its people, and the environment here,” said John Booker with the Conservation Voters of South Carolina.
Senator Brad Hutto, a co-sponsor of a similar bill in the Senate, acknowledged Ervin's concerns but emphasized the urgent need to address the state's energy crisis.
“If we're not going to cite another coal plant, we're not going to cite a nuclear plant, and it seems in a natural gas plant for South Carolina, is probably the best option. What it would take to cite a new gas plant here is the question,” said Hutto. “We'll just have to see what tweaks in the law, changes in the law we have to make to make that happen.”
Dominion Energy South Carolina responded to Ervin's claims, saying in a statement:
Our proposed plans to build a natural gas combined cycle resource is a key part of this commitment to help end reliance on coal as soon as possible. We must complete a thorough regulatory process with the Public Service Commission of South Carolina and other oversight agencies, which includes siting and permitting, to get approval on this proposed project – just as we would for any other project of this kind
While Speaker Smith was unavailable for comment Monday, House members are expected to discuss amendments to the bill later this week.
The General Assembly holds the authority to appoint Ervin's replacement, with the Governor able to make the appointment if they are out of session.