Thanks to feedback from our current readership, we’ve updated the look of the PSC Newsletter and better tailored the content to suit your needs! We've analyzed your feedback and have reworked the newsletter to include new features to spotlight information relevant to the utility industry and ratepaying public and are excited about what the new fiscal year will bring for the newsletter.

If you have further suggestions on content you’d like featured in upcoming newsletters or other feedback, reach out to Rob Bockman at [email protected] or call 803.896.5100. 

The Public Service Commission has set a series of in-person public hearings on December 8^th, 12^th, and 13^th in Docket No. 2022-254-E (Application of Duke Energy Progress, LLC for Increase in Electric Rates, Adjustments in Electric Rate Schedules and Tariffs, and Request for an Accounting Order). These hearings will begin at 6 p.m. on each of the scheduled dates and will take place in Bishopville, Sumter, and Florence at the following locations. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and hearings will last until all those who wish to testify have been heard. 

December 8, 2022:

Lee County Courthouse

123 South Main Street

Bishopville, SC 29010

December 12, 2022:

Sumter High School Auditorium

2580 McCray’s Mill Road

Sumter, SC 29154

December 13, 2022:

Florence County Public Service Building

Auditorium

2685 S. Irby Street

Florence, SC 29505

Preregistration is open now to those who wish to testify at these public hearings via one of the following ways:

• Email [email protected] with your name, telephone number, physical address, and whether you intend to testify in Bishopville, Sumter, or Florence.
• Complete the survey at this link.
• Call 803.896.2639 and leave a message with your name, telephone number, physical address, and whether you intend to testify in Bishopville, Sumter, or Florence. 

Please register by 4 p.m. on December 7th. The Commission will call the names of those persons who pre-register to testify first.

These hearings will be held in person. 

For those unable to attend these hearings or who would like an alternate way to be heard, virtual hearings will be held beginning on January 3rd. More information will be forthcoming on these virtual hearings and can be found at www.psc.sc.gov. 

For more information, please reach out to the Public Service Commission at [email protected] or at 803.896.5100.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to honor those affected by this disease, Public Service Commission staff, led by Gwen Richardson, held a door decoration contest! PSC employees showed off their creativity and humor in a concerted effort to raise awareness of breast cancer and to help celebrate those in the organization who have been affected by or have survived breast cancer--with a Halloween-centric touch. While it was difficult to pick a winner from among the participants, the top prize went to Melissa Purvis, the PSC's Livestream Producer, for her macabre and hilarious display, with Gwen Richardson and Jo Wheat also claiming prizes for their decorating acumen. See some of the winners below and help us raise awareness of breast cancer in your own life as we close out October!

Upcoming Events: November 2022

November 3rd at 10 a.m.: Hearing in 2022-5-G [Annual Review of Purchased Gas Adjustment and Gas Purchasing Policies of Dominion Energy South Carolina, Incorporated (For Potential Increase or Decrease in Gas Adjustment)] (Watch Live)

November 8th at 10 a.m.: Hearing in 2022-151-WS (Joint Application for Approval of the Sale of Assets and Transfer of Facilities, Territory and Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from Total Environmental Solutions, Incorporated to CSWR South Carolina Utility Operating Company, LLC) (Watch Live)

November 28th at 9 a.m.: Hearing in 2022-259-E (Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc.'s Application for a Mid-Period Adjustment to Increase Base Rates for the Recovery of Electric Fuel Costs) (Watch Live)

You can watch these meetings, briefings, and hearings live at the links above, or you can call in to the PSC's toll-free listen line by dialing +1-855-797-9485 and entering the access code of 2306 156 7308. 

What is "FOIA?"

“FOIA” stands for the “Freedom of Information Act” and refers to a 1978 South Carolina Act to increase transparency in government. The Act allows any member of the public to submit a Freedom of Information request to a state agency and requires that agency, if possible, to provide all documentation requested by the public within a reasonable timeframe at a reasonable cost.

You can read the full text of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act at this link, and you can also read a synopsis of the Act from the SC Press Association at this link. The Public Service Commission has also prepared a Frequently Asked Questions document below to help you understand this powerful tool for transparency:

PSC FOIA FAQs

What information can I seek from the PSC via the FOIA process?

You can send a Freedom of Information request to the PSC to get documents from a PSC docket or records from a meeting, allowable ex parte briefing, or hearing held at the Commission.

If you’re seeking information from the PSC, you may not need to file a Freedom of Information request—we’re here to serve the public, and that includes answering your questions and providing materials. Before you file a FOI request, you may want to email the Commission at [email protected] or call 803.896.5100 to ask your question.

What information can’t the PSC provide?

The Public Service Commission regulates utilities—that is, the companies that provide your electricity, your wastewater services, transportation companies, and other utilities as defined by the South Carolina Code of Laws. We are not the Department of Transportation, which oversees roads and roadwork in South Carolina, or the Department of Public Safety, which can provide accident documentation and police records. If you have a FOI request involving roadwork, you can follow the process outlined here. If you need help with accident reports or criminal records, you can follow the process outlined here.

How long until I hear back?

Under the Freedom of Information Act, agencies are required to respond within ten business days.

What if I don’t hear back on my FOIA request?

The PSC will always give you a response, even if it’s to let you know that you’ve contacted the agency in error and to point you in the right direction. We never ignore a FOI request and will follow up with you within ten business days of receipt of your request. If you have sent in a FOI request and it’s been longer than ten days, you can call 803.896.5100 or email [email protected] to speak to us directly.

How much does it cost?

While there is no cost to file a FOI request with the PSC, there may be a charge for the materials produced. Costs of search, retrieval, or redaction will be charged in accordance with the statute. If physical copies are required, the Commission will charge 10 cents per letter or legal-size page, plus the actual cost of staff time expended in copying the documents. Fees may be waived or reduced where the Commission determines such waiver or reduction to be in the public interest.

Where can I find the FOI request form?

You can download the FOI form at this link. Please note that this form is only applicable to the Public Service Commission—please do not use this form for any other purpose aside from mailing, emailing, or faxing to the Public Service Commission in order to make a Freedom of Information request of that agency. Once you’ve filled out your form, you can hand-deliver it or mail it to:



The Public Service Commission of South Carolina

Attention: Rob Bockman

101 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100

Columbia, South Carolina 29210

You can also fax your request to 803.896.5231.

If you have further questions about this process, reach out to us directly at [email protected] or call 803.896.5100—the Freedom of Information Act is an important tool to keep the public aware and informed, and we’re always available to help you understand how to use it.

The Public Service Commission has a YouTube page where we host video content, including instructional videos and messages from the Commission. Visit our page at this link to watch videos and learn more about topics crucial to the public's understanding of our work and capabilities.