On May 12, 2025, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed the South Carolina Energy Security Act (Act 41) into law.
The South Carolina Energy Security Act introduces major reforms to ensure long-term energy reliability, grid modernization, and economic growth in the state. Here are the key provisions:
Comprehensive Energy Assessment and Planning
The Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) must prepare a 10-year statewide energy assessment and action plan, recommending actions to secure an adequate, reliable, and economical supply of electric power and natural gas.
Advanced Nuclear and New Generation Resources
The Act promotes development of new generating resources, especially advanced nuclear (including small modular reactors). It expands the Nuclear Advisory Council and allows joint ventures for new natural gas and nuclear plants.
Renewable Energy and Storage Procurement
Establishes a framework for competitive procurement of renewable energy and utility-scale energy storage — including dual-state procurement programs — and modernizes standards for oversight and cost recovery.
Streamlined Project Review
All state agencies must expedite energy infrastructure reviews and permit decisions for energy projects within six months; this provision expires in 2035.
Transmission and Grid Modernization
Utilities’ integrated resource plans must now include enhanced transmission planning, grid reliability, and stakeholder involvement.
Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management
Utilities are directed to invest in cost-effective demand-side management and energy efficiency programs and file annual reports on these initiatives.
Economic Development Rates
Creates new economic development rate schedules for large power users and qualifying manufacturing, incentivizing major business investment in the state.
Zoning and Siting for Solar
Large solar projects (over 13 acres) in counties lacking rural zoning rules must now meet new design and development standards. This would directly apply to Saluda County.
Overall, the Act aims to strengthen South Carolina’s energy infrastructure to support rapid economic growth, increase grid reliability, promote nuclear and renewable energy development, streamline regulatory approval, and modernize utility oversight and rate structures.
How did Saluda County’s Elected Officials Vote?
The SC Energy Security Act was primarily sponsored by Jay West (R-Anderson) in the House and Senator Tom Davis (R-Beaufort) in the Senate.
Here is how each legislator you asked about voted on the South Carolina Energy Security Act (House Bill 3309):
Voting YES:
Cal Forrest (R – House District 39): Forrest is listed as one of the co-sponsors of H.3309, and House roll calls show support for the bill.
Bill Clyburn (D – House District 82): Voted in favor of the SC Energy Security Act. Clyburn is listed among the House members who voted “yea” on H.3309’s passage
Billy Garrett (R – Senate District 10): Senate roll call records list Garrett as a “yes” vote on the bill’s passage.
Voting NO:
Shane Massey (R – Senate Majority Leader): Voted against the SC Energy Security Act. Massey was one of only three senators to vote “no” on final passage in the Senate.
