Who We Are
Many organizations talk about specific sectors of the energy equation, and with lots of labels – clean, dirty, renewable, nuclear, natural gas, efficient, resilient among them. What is the future of energy in the Carolinas’ for consumers? Who owns and manages our energy supplies? Are there experts in reliable and cost-effective delivery of electricity? Are suppliers ready for and are they investing in the future? What are possible directions of delivering and using electricity? What are the roles of renewables, energy storage and base load generation? Where can people go to ask questions and get diverse feedback? Energy Consumers of the Carolinas' goal is to fill that need. These are critical questions. A lot of viewpoints. An evolution of ideas. Respectful approaches.
Percent from nuclear energy
Total energy consumed per capita
Percent from nuclear energy
Total energy consumed per capita
OUR TEAM
Scott Carlberg
Bea Wray
Latest News
It’s Back – Pumpkin Spice Electricity!
Kidding, just something for this time of year. Halloween, you know. Tricks. Treats. Electricity provides a lot of treats – charging your phone, streaming your favorite programs, maybe even powering voice commands for grocery orders. Electricity can play tricks, too. Energy Consumers of the Carolinas wants our readers to avoid being caught by surprise, so Read more about It’s Back – Pumpkin Spice Electricity![…]
PSC Hearing: Listen and Learn
Monday night I attended the Public Service Commission hearing in North Charleston on the proposed SCANA merger with Dominion. After the V.C. Summer nuclear debacle, I appreciate the regulatory scrutiny of the investor-owned utility. I also wonder about Santee Cooper, the state-owned partner of the energy project, which is not regulated by the PSC. My Read more about PSC Hearing: Listen and Learn[…]
An Energizing Benchmark for Electric Vehicles
The U.S. will have its one-millionth electric vehicle (EV) purchased in this month. The news of more EVs needs to be looked at in context of all vehicles out there, consumer choice and infrastructure. There were 272 million vehicles in operation in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2018 (source). So the news of Read more about An Energizing Benchmark for Electric Vehicles[…]
What is Energy Poverty?
Energy poverty is a phrase that is fairly new, getting traction let’s say in the last five years or so. It is being more finely defined as it gets debated. Energy Consumers of the Carolinas will take several looks at the topic in the next few months. This column, though, the basics, just to give Read more about What is Energy Poverty?[…]
It is Public Power Week October 7 – 13
All electricity is local, ultimately. All comes back to the customer and the hook-up to a home, school, or business. This week, October 7 to 13, is a time when local electric organizations are recognized in Public Power Week. The Carolinas have strong base of public power, organizations electric utility organizations that are community-owned and not-for-profit. Read more about It is Public Power Week October 7 – 13[…]
Electric Utilities Light up Economic Development
You selected your cell phone service and your access to cable TV provider, but yet you were told who to call for electricity, right? So, if electric utilities are not out trying to win your business, how do they go about building their business? They grow their business by growing business in the areas they Read more about Electric Utilities Light up Economic Development[…]
A Balancing Act – Low Electric Rates Can Still Mean High Bills
Here’s an energy paradox: “Some states have low electricity prices but residents pay more to power their homes, and others have high prices and low consumer bills. But the occurrence of high prices paired with high bills is rare,” noted Bloomberg News reporters. Doesn’t seem logical, but it is true and worth a look. Several Read more about A Balancing Act – Low Electric Rates Can Still Mean High Bills[…]
Changing Times – Changing Temperatures
Hurricane Florence was and continues to be a reminder of the impact weather has on our lives. Reports of power outages and flooding keep coming and many people are still facing devastation. What impact does weather have on electricity rates now and in the future? CNN argues that climate change is making storms even worse. The Read more about Changing Times – Changing Temperatures[…]
Why The South Carolina Public Utilities Review Committee Matters to Consumers
The Public Utilities Review Committee (PURC) in South Carolina has important duties, especially when there is so much energy industry change in the air. Information about this committee is here on the SC Legislative page. The page takes some study to get to know. Two PURC activities Energy Consumers of the Carolinas notes: First, the PURC reviews Read more about Why The South Carolina Public Utilities Review Committee Matters to Consumers[…]
Autumn Season Starts Heating Season – Ready?
The Carolinas moved from summer to autumn last week, so clicking on the heating system at home or in business is coming up fast. Energy Consumers of the Carolinas found a few hints about making sure your heating system is ready.* Note that there are various kinds of heating systems. Know your own system and Read more about Autumn Season Starts Heating Season – Ready?[…]