South Carolina H 4531: Public Service Commission

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 4531 Text of Previous Version (May. 08, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 4531

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

TO DECLARE ENERGY 
BURDEN A CRISIS IN SOUTH CAROLINA, TO CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AND ACTION 
TO ADDRESS ENERGY AFFORDABILITY CHALLENGES, AND TO RECOGNIZE SEPTEMBER 24, 
2025, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA ENERGY JUSTICE DAY."

Whereas, energy burden 
refers to the percentage of a household's income spent on energy costs, which 
can be disproportionately high for low-income communities, particularly in 
rural, marginalized, and vulnerable communities; and

Whereas, some of South 
Carolina's most vulnerable residents face significant energy burdens, with many 
households spending a disproportionate share of their income on electric 
utility bills; and

Whereas, energy burden 
and ensuing electricity disconnections result in serious negative impacts for 
the affected families and communities throughout this State; and

Whereas, serious 
negative impacts that result from energy burden and electric utility 
disconnections include, but may not be limited to: (1) health risks and 
complications when a family cannot heat their home during the winter or cool 
their home during the summertime, particularly for children, the elderly, 
disabled, and those with pre-existing medical conditions; (2) economic hardship 
as families may be forced to choose between paying electric bills or buying 
other necessities, such as food and medicine; and (3) increased stress and anxiety 
as individuals and families face uncertainty and worry about how to meet their 
basic needs, straining mental health and community cohesion; and

Whereas, the lack of 
energy efficient housing and a reliance on an outdated, inefficient electric 
infrastructure strains the electric grid and is a key contributor to energy 
burdens in this State; and

Whereas, disproportionately 
homes in low-income areas are often poorly insulated, resulting in higher 
energy consumption, wasted energy, and unnecessarily high electric bills; and

Whereas, energy 
efficiency plays a critical role in reducing energy costs and addressing energy 
burdens. Upgrading energy efficiency in homes through improved insultation, 
energy efficient appliances, and weatherization programs can lead to 
significant energy savings for families, as well as create healthier living 
conditions; and

Whereas, energy 
efficiency also contributes to a reduction in emissions and helps this State 
build a more resilient, sustainable energy system; and

Whereas, the expansion 
of energy efficiency programs, the introduction of affordable energy solutions, 
and a commitment to equitable access to clean, affordable energy for all South 
Carolinians, especially those in rural and underserved communities, benefit all 
in this State; and

Whereas, raising public 
awareness and collaboration among stakeholders is essential to addressing 
energy inequities and advancing solutions that ensure clean, affordable, 
reliable, and accessible energy for all South Carolinians; and

Whereas, energy 
efficiency programs should be a focal point in energy discussions throughout 
this State; and

Whereas, electric utilities and 
stakeholders throughout South Carolina are encouraged to actively engage, 
identify resources, and strive to provide increased and meaningful energy 
efficiency opportunities for all South Carolinians, with a focus on how to 
alleviate burdens on those in rural and underserved communities; and

Whereas, "South 
Carolina Energy Justice Day" should raise awareness and promote engagement 
among electric utilities and all South Carolinians in an effort to find 
solutions and expand upon resources in achieving equitable access to clean, 
affordable, and reliable energy for all in this State, and to recognize how 
energy burden impacts the lives of South Carolinians, especially those who live 
in rural, marginalized, or vulnerable communities; and

Whereas, the South 
Carolina Energy Justice Coalition submits that energy burden is at a crisis 
level in the State of South Carolina due to its ubiquitous nature, rate of 
growth, and worsening outlook. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House 
of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of 
Representatives, by this resolution, declare energy burden a crisis in South 
Carolina and call for immediate attention and action to address the energy 
affordability challenges faced by our residents. In response to this crisis, 
the State should consider the following measures: 

 (1) work with utilities to establish 
affordable energy rates that reflect the economic realities faced by low-income 
households and vulnerable communities; 

 (2) promote energy efficiency programs 
that provide support for weatheriz