Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.
Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (Central), based in Columbia, South Carolina, is a wholesale electric generation and transmission cooperative owned by the 19 independent, consumer-owned electric distribution cooperatives in South Carolina. Central was established in 1948 to provide wholesale power and transmission solutions in a reliable and cost-effective way to its member-cooperatives. Central also offers money-saving sustainable energy initiatives, pilots energy conservation programs and partners with cooperatives on economic development throughout South Carolina.
POWER SUPPLY
Central plays a pivotal role in powering South Carolina, primarily sourcing wholesale power through long-term contracts with Santee Cooper, Duke Energy Carolinas and the Southeastern Power Administration.
About 70% of Central's energy needs were met by zero-carbon or reduced carbon-emitting resources over the past few years.
TRANSMISSION
Central and its member-cooperatives manage transmission and distribution facilities across all 46 counties in South Carolina, delivering electricity to over one-third of the state’s population.
Today, these member-cooperatives serve more than 940,000 meters and more than 2 million residents, with 79,000 miles of power lines covering 70% of South Carolina.
Central has strategically invested in transmission lines to distribute energy efficiently and cost-effectively, particularly to remote areas.
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND CARBON REDUCTION
Central offers flexible cost solutions through a diverse generation mix. Current offerings include 200MW of new solar under development with an additional 1,500MW planned for the combined Santee Cooper - Central system.
Central works with industrial cooperative consumers to identify ways to meet sustainability goals, including through:
- On-site generation and storage solutions
- Market-renewable energy certificates
- Community solar
- Third-party partnerships
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Through Central, all 19 S.C. distribution electric cooperatives participate in all economic development investments, including the Site Readiness Fund, incentive offerings, grant programs and the South Carolina Power Team operating budget.
The net benefits from new and expanding industries are shared among all 19 cooperatives, benefitting cooperative consumers statewide through reduced power costs. With the complexity of large load projects, Central provides resource and transmission planning expertise that is essential to the success of economic development projects. Additionally, Central coordinates the development of new electric infrastructure required to serve these industries.
OUR HISTORY
Central is named one of the best places to work by the S.C. Chamber of Commerce for the seventh year in a row.
Central secures a power purchase agreement for a portion of the Catawba Nuclear Station, a nuclear power plant with a total output of 2,410MW.
Central’s first community solar project is created. Central’s Headquarters moved to 20 Cooperative Way.
Central collaborates with Santee Cooper in advocating for mobile home efficiency standards. Also in this year, Hurricane Hugo ripped through South Carolina, and more than 3,000 cooperative employees rebuilt more than 11,000 miles of power lines.
The first agreement between Santee Cooper and Central is approved. Central also becomes a member in the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.
Central holds a formal opening ceremony for its first standalone headquarters, unveiling a portrait to honor the late E. V. “Brick” Lewis in the process.
The Rural Electrification Administration loan program comes under threat from President Richard Nixon’s administration, leading to a period of high interest rates and uncertainty. Participants travel to the Rural Electric Rally in Washington, D.C., to persuade their representatives in Congress to restore the REA direct loan program.
The Grainger Generating Station in Conway is dedicated for Dolphus M. Grainger, a native of Horry County, pioneer in rural electrification and president of Central.
Central’s system spans over 1,000 miles. About 93% of South Carolina’s farms are electrified for the first time.
Central is approved for its first REA loan of $7.5 million to construct transmission lines. Nine additional member-cooperatives join Central.
Seven distribution electric cooperatives join forces to establish Central, originally headquartered in Sumter. At this point, just 3% of South Carolina farms have electricity.