Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Commissioners and how are they elected?

The most up to date commissioner information can be found under the “Commissioners” tab on the PSC website.

The State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee screens and nominates candidates to the General Assembly.  The Commissioners are elected by the General Assembly and serve staggered four-year terms.

 

What is the Commission’s Role and Responsibility?

The Public Service Commission of South Carolina has exclusive jurisdiction to establish fair and reasonable rates for services of the utilities under the Commission’s jurisdiction.  It must balance South Carolina’s citizens’ need for reliable services and reasonable rates with the need for utilities to earn a reasonable return on investment.  The Commission protects the consumers’ interests’ while abiding by legal standards in setting rates.

All matters scheduled for public hearing are heard by the Commissioners or in special cases, by an appointed hearing examiner in open session.

In regulating cases, the Commission does not guarantee profits to service providers.  It is the company’s responsibility to make prudent, sound business decisions to produce earnings.

Assisting the Commissioners are experts on utility operations. The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) is a party to every proceeding before the Commission and may provide testimony and/or make recommendations.

 

Why can’t I talk to the Commissioners or Commission Staff about my case or any other proceeding before the Commission?

In accordance with SC Code Ann. § 58-3-260, the Commissioners and the Commission Staff are not allowed to communicate, directly or indirectly, regarding any issue that is an issue in any proceeding or can reasonably be expected to become an issue in any proceeding with any person without notice and opportunity for all parties to participate in the communication.  Further, no person shall communicate, directly or indirectly, regarding any issue in any proceeding or can reasonably be expected to become an issue in any proceeding with any Commissioner, hearing officer, or Commission employee without notice and opportunity for all parties to participate in the communication.

 

Answers to common questions about electric bills:

Because electricity service is so crucial to daily life, questions and concerns about electricity service and payments are common.  The PSC’s FAQs for Residential Electric Consumers addresses issues related to billing, rates, deposits, payments, termination of service, time of use rates, and tree trimming.