Today's Quote
"Even in the face of increasing power-production fuel prices for coal and natural gas, we must look for ways to grow the state's economy."
-Ron Calcaterra, Central Electric Power Cooperative CEO, announcing a lower rate structure this week to promote expansion of industry in South Carolina.
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e-blast is a weekly electronic newsletter created to help provide key cooperative leaders with the latest work of your state association, news from our member electric cooperatives and progress on issues important to us all.
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New co-op rates support S.C. economic development
South Carolina's electric
 | Ron Calcaterra speaking about the co-ops' plan to encourage economic growth in South Carolina
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cooperatives and Santee Cooper announced new rates this week designed to support the state's economic development. A special power rate for new and expanding industries can save those companies as much as 20 percent on electricity costs.
The new rate will be offered by the 20 co-ops in the Central Electric system, effective February 1, though the final rate may not be completed for several weeks. Projects already underway will have access to the new rate, which will reduce electric bills during the first four years after a qualifying industry begins operating. Companies must meet employment and capital investment requirements to get the rate."Governor Nikki Haley has emphasized employment growth, new jobs, as being key to a healthy state economy," said
Mike Couick, Statewide CEO. "We're glad to do our part."
Related Stories: Rate cuts for new, expanding industries could help bring jobs to South Carolina
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Vandals cause Horry outage, reward offered 
Power was out for more than 4,500 members in Longs and Little River Monday after vandals broke into Horry Electric's Brooksville substation. Electricity was fully restored seven hours later.
Horry Electric is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or people responsible.
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Efficiency as tool for EPA compliance | | Report: Improving energy efficiency can help utilities meet new federal requirements |
Improved energy efficiency can be used to meet new federal pollution standards, says a report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The report maps areas where increased energy efficiency can have the greatest impact.
This report is the second in the "Path to Compliance" series by ACEEE that outlines a track for the U.S. to transition to a cleaner, more reliable energy future. "Energy efficiency can play a major role in regulations like the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and multiple federal permitting rules," said Rachel Young, Research Analyst ACEEE and coauthor of the report.
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Fairfield Electric hits one million mark | | Bill Hart, left, receives a plaque in honor of Fairfield Electric's work record. |
Congratulations to Fairfield Electric Cooperative, which has been recognized by Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange for reaching 1 million hours with no lost work time.
In presenting the award, Federated representative Brian Grogan noted that this is only the seventh time in Federated's history this milestone has been reached. Grogan made the presentation Thursday at the statewide association board meeting. CEO Bill Hart later noted with pride that this is actually the second time Fairfield has received the honor.
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