The Official Web Site of the State of South Carolina

You can file a complaint and submit applications for licensing online. Filings you do not wish to make, or that are not available, online can be submitted via mail for processing.

Department staff is available to assist with any questions at (800) 922-1594 (toll free in SC) or 803-734-4200 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays. You can also email general questions to scdca@scconsumer.gov. 

 

SCDCA to Assist Consumers in Understanding Electric Bills and Recent Changes

Mon, 09/09/2024

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Billing changes are now underway for many South Carolina residential electric customers. Two of the state’s energy providers recently increased electric rates and an additional provider is seeking approval for an increase. With these changes, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) wants to ensure consumers understand their electric utility bill.

As the state’s consumer advocate, the Department intervened in the Duke Energy Carolinas and Dominion Energy electric rate cases earlier this year. The Public Service Commission recently finalized orders for both cases and the companies are implementing higher rates. Duke Energy Carolinas began charging an electric rate on August 1st that it says is an 8.7% increase for the typical residential customer. Dominion Energy’s electric rate increased 11.40% for the typical residential customer this month. Santee Cooper has also proposed a rate increase of 8.7% for residential customers that, if approved by its board, would take effect in April 2025.

To help consumers understand these changes and better read their utility bill, SCDCA will hold a free webinar “Understanding Your Electric Bill” Wednesday, September 11 at 10:30 AM. The presentation will walk consumers through utility bill examples, explain different types of rates and charges, and provide an overview of what to do if you find an error on your bill. Register here to watch/listen from any computer or smartphone.

For more information on the work of SCDCA’s Advocacy Division or for tips on how consumers can get involved when utilities seek to raise rates visit consumer.sc.gov/news/advocacy.

About SCDCA

Established in 1974, DCA has nearly fifty years of experience in protecting South Carolina consumers while recognizing those businesses that act honestly and fairly. Cultivating a marketplace comprised of well-informed consumers and businesses prevents deceptive and unfair business practices, allows legitimate business activity to flourish, resulting in the promotion of competition and a healthier economy.

 

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