COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gov. Henry McMaster is urging lawmakers to pass a bill quickly to ensure South Carolina’s power supply remains stable for years to come. Despite the urgency, the bill may not reach the governor until 2025.
McMaster emphasized the immediate need for action, stating that the issue is pressing and cannot be delayed. The fate of the energy reform bill is uncertain, as the General Assembly recently adjourned its regular 2024 session without finalizing the legislation.
The “South Carolina Energy Security Act,” a key initiative spearheaded by Speaker of the House Murrell Smith, aims to address the state’s power generation and transmission challenges. The House passed the bill after extensive review and public input, including measures to streamline permitting processes, reform the Public Service Commission, and approve a partnership for a new natural gas plant.
However, the Senate made changes to the bill, reducing it to a nonbinding resolution due to time constraints. The differences between the House and Senate versions will need to be reconciled by a conference committee for the bill to move forward.
While House members are eager to resolve the differences and move forward, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey has indicated that negotiations may take time. The legislature has until November to reach a compromise before the bill would need to be reintroduced in the new year.
Both chambers are committed to finding a solution to the energy challenges facing South Carolina, with hopes of passing legislation that will ensure a reliable power supply in the state. If an agreement is not reached this year, the process will resume in the next legislative session.