Are SC utilities ready for snow, ice and freezing temps? New report sheds light

Looks like South Carolina’s energy services could be put to the test this weekend.

Icy, possibly snowy weather is forecast for much of the state.

The S.C. Office of Regulatory Services released results of a months-long study of South Carolina’s energy providers at the end of 2021. It centered on whether utilities could handle major winter storms like those that knocked out power across Texas almost a year ago.

The survey showed most in South Carolina were in good shape.

The largest electric utilities — Dominion Energy South Carolina, Duke Energy and Santee Cooper — all were found to be better than average, while natural gas suppliers Dominion and Piedmont were considered adequate.

But some of the smaller gas utilities such as those in Laurens, Greenwood and Union need to improve emergency plans, staffing and a host of other risk factors, the report showed.

Gov. Henry McMaster asked the Office of Regulatory Services to study whether the state would be as vulnerable as Texas last February when three storms knocked out power to 4.5 million homes and businesses, resulting in at least 210 deaths.

Nanette Edwards, executive director of South Carolina’s regulatory office, said a key difference between South Carolina and Texas is less dependence in the Palmetto State on natural gas for heating. In Texas it’s 50%; 30% in South Carolina.

Half of South Carolina’s energy comes from nuclear plants, which are less susceptible to storm damage.

Edwards said another significant difference is South Carolina is part of a coalition of energy providers in other states that can be called upon to buttress utilities experiencing storm-related trouble.

The statewide report noted weather threats to South Carolina would more likely be related to heat, humidity and flooding, all situations the state trains for regularly.

The report suggested similar exercises be conducted for extreme weather more frequently.

The report encouraged providers to bury distribution lines in “limited, appropriate circumstances based on the exposure to the threat of severe winter events” and to use drones to check power lines in less-accessible areas.

One problem Texas utilities experienced was frozen natural gas wells. The South Carolina survey recommended assessing vulnerabilities and back-up fuel supplies.

“This is about strengthening procedures,” Edwards said. “There is always room for improvement.”

This story was originally published January 14, 2022 at 5:00 AM.