Energy Efficiency

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR "DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS", "COST-EFFECTIVE", AND "DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PILOT PROGRAMS"; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-20, RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF PROCEDURES ENCOURAGING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION, SO AS TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO ADOPT PROCEDURES TO REQUIRE ELECTRICAL UTILITIES AND ENCOURAGE GAS UTILITIES TO PLAN FOR AND INVEST IN ALL COST-EFFECTIVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND DEMAND-SIDE RESOURCES AND TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION TO REVIEW ANNUAL REPORTS FROM THE UTILITIES; BY AMENDING SECTION 58-37-30, RELATING TO REPORTS ON DEMAND-SIDE ACTIVITIES OF GAS AND ELECTRIC UTILITIES, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; AND TO REQUIRE THE OFFICE OF REGULATORY STAFF TO STUDY POTENTIAL COSTS AND BENEFITS OF ESTABLISHING A THIRD-PARTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND OTHER DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS STUDY.