The Energy Office serves as the principal energy planning entity for the state. The mission of the Energy Office is to advance South Carolina’s energy strategy and policy through education and outreach. The Energy Office promotes the efficient use of all energy sources. In addition, the Energy Office encourages energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation through a broad range of initiatives that include:
- Providing Technical Assistance
- Offering Financial Assistance
- Conducting Education and Outreach
- Maintaining an Energy Data Resource
- Developing the State Energy Plan
Structure
The Energy Office is a department within the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS). SECTION 48-52-410 of South Carolina law established the Energy Office within the ORS. The Energy Office is funded by the US Department of Energy’s State Energy Program (SEP).
South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff
The ORS represents consumers of investor- owned utilities in South Carolina before the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSC). The PSC is the state agency that sets utilities’ rates. The ORS must look at the impact to the consumer and utilities’ continued investment in reliable and high-quality services.
The Energy Office is one of seven departments in the ORS:
- Administration
- Audit
- Broadband, Communications, and Safety
- Energy Office
- Information Services
- Legal
- Utility Rates and Services
US Department of Energy’s State Energy Program
Every state in the nation, and each of the territories, has an Energy Office. These energy offices are funded through a formula grant through the US Department of Energy’s State Energy Program (SEP). SEP provides funding and technical assistance to states, territories, and the District of Columbia to enhance energy security, advance state-led energy initiatives, and maximize the benefits of decreasing energy waste. SEP emphasizes the state’s role as the decision maker and administrator for program activities within the state that are tailored to their unique resources, delivery capacity, and energy goals.
National Association of State Energy Officials
The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) is the only national non-profit association for the energy officials from each of the 56 states and territories. Formed by the states in 1986, NASEO facilitates peer learning among state energy officials and serves as a resource for and about state energy offices. The Energy Office is an official member of NASEO.