Looking back at 2025: a stronger system for South Carolina co-ops
Our planet, our power: how we’re building a greener South Carolina together
Earth Day is a time to recognize progress and renew our commitment to take care of our environment.
At Central, we are focused on delivering reliable, affordable power while advancing a more sustainable energy future. Since 2005, we have reduced coal’s share of our generation mix by 42 percent, moving toward a more balanced, lower-carbon portfolio. Below is a quick snapshot at Central’s energy portfolio with a more balanced, lower-carbon mix of generation sources:
Because of these efforts, more than 60 percent of our member cooperatives’ energy needs were met by zero-carbon or reduced carbon-emitting resources in 2024. While we are proud of this progress, we know there is more work ahead. Our team continues to explore innovative solutions to meet South Carolina’s growing energy needs responsibly.
The next chapter of clean energy
Since 2005, we have built a solid base with zero-carbon nuclear and solar energy. In the next ten years, we plan to grow these efforts to keep up with our state’s needs.
- Central currently has approximately 387 MW of solar generation under contract with various developers and will continue to evaluate additional opportunities that align with our commitment to reliability and cost-effective energy for our members. As part of our long-term planning, we will pursue future solar projects that make strong economic and operational sense.
- We are expanding battery storage initiatives, including a new Residential Battery Pilot. By analyzing how the 700-plus batteries in our system can be automated to support the grid, we can store clean energy during peak production and use it when demand is high, reducing reliance on traditional power plants.
Sustainability starts with smarter energy use
Improving energy efficiency is one of the most practical ways to advance sustainability. Central is proud to support several innovative programs developed by its member-cooperatives to increase energy efficiency, reduce peak power demand and support renewable energy development. Learn more here.
- Smart tech: We are launching a year-long pilot with Optiwatt for three-part rate co-op employee members using smart thermostats. These devices enable a whole-home approach to energy optimization, helping to reduce our collective carbon footprint.
- Participating in peak alerts: Reducing energy use during peak times helps maintain grid efficiency and supports environmental goals
- EnergySmartSC: We encourage everyone to visit EnergySmartSC.org to discover new ways to audit home efficiency and remember that your local cooperative is your Trusted Energy Advisor.
A greener grid for a growing state
As we reflect on Earth Day, we are excited to offer a new 2026 rate for major power users that makes sure these facilities pay for their own infrastructure and cut back on usage during shortages to keep the grid reliable.
By working alongside our statewide partners, we support long-term conservation by building underground transmission lines that protect local scenery and using AI to cut down on energy waste.
Together, we are creating a legacy of clean, reliable, and responsible power.
The modern lineworker: celebrating the backbone of our grid
When most people think of a lineworker, they picture someone climbing a wooden pole to repair the damage after a storm. But there is a lot more to the job we don’t see every day. These brave men undergo hundreds of hours of rigorous training to play an essential role in delivering reliable electricity to our homes, businesses and communities.
This April, we celebrate National Lineworker Appreciation Day by honoring the South Carolina electric cooperative linemen who work in hazardous and difficult conditions to ensure our communities stay connected. Here are a few ways Central supports these essential co-op employees.
Powering communities at the local level
Electric cooperative lineworkers are the ones members see in their communities—working long hours, often in challenging conditions, to keep the lights on. Whether responding to storms, upgrading aging infrastructure or connecting new services, their work directly impacts the reliability and quality of life for the people they serve.
Their role is both highly technical and deeply personal. They live and work in the same communities as the members they serve, and their commitment shows in every mile of line maintained and every outage restored.
Supporting reliability across the grid
In 2025, our transmission reliability reached its highest level in more than five years. This success was no accident. It came from:
- 79,000 miles of energized lines kept clear and functional.
- Persistent vigilance across all 46 counties.
And a standing principle of Cooperation Among Cooperatives. When local crews need backup, co-ops across the state send lineworkers to help. This coordination of mutual aid helps co-ops respond to major outages with the manpower of a big power company while retaining their local feel.
Join us in showing appreciation
This month, when you turn on a light, take a moment to think of those who keep the power on. Share your appreciation using #ThankALineWorker.
Pilot Programs Supporting Smarter Energy Use
This year, Central Electric Power Cooperative is launching a series of pilot programs designed to better understand how emerging technologies, flexible resources and new rate structures can work together to benefit members, distribution co-ops and Central’s system. These pilots will help inform future program design while testing tools that support affordability, reliability and member choice.
Generator Pilot
Central is launching a generator pilot targeting commercial and industrial members with backup generators larger than 30 kW. The pilot aims to enroll 30 to 40 generators and will utilize Generac’s Blue Pillar devices to issue control and provide measurement.
Sites will be selected based on generator capacity, operational hours and business type to optimize performance while minimizing disruption. All participating generators must meet applicable fuel and emissions standards to ensure environmental compliance.
Participants will be eligible for upfront and performance-based incentives. A $1000 incentive will be awarded upon enrollment, with an additional $250 available for participants who complete a post-program survey and opt out of no more than one event. A $7/ kW per event incentive will be paid as well. This incentive includes an incentive to the member to participate, maintenance costs, and fuel costs associated with operating their generator.
The pilot will help Central evaluate whether the Blue Pillar device performs as expected, whether generators can be effectively controlled through distributed systems technology and whether the data collected supports broader program development. Central will also assess system-level and financial benefits, program management needs, incentive structures, promotion strategies and overall member satisfaction.
Three-Part Rate Education and Optimization Pilot
Central’s three-part rate initiative focuses on helping members understand how their electric rate works and how they can take steps to optimize energy use under a three-part rate structure.
The initiative begins with foundational education that explains what a three-part rate is, how it differs from traditional rate designs and what actions members can take to manage energy use more effectively. Educational content will also highlight technologies that can support optimization, including smart thermostats, electric vehicles and other connected devices.
To support this effort, Central will explore an interactive tool hosted on each participating co-op’s website. Similar to existing EV education tools, this platform would provide members with easy-to-understand, interactive information tailored to their usage patterns and rate structure.
In addition, Central will launch a year-long pilot with Optiwatt focused on members with smart devices—particularly smart thermostats such as Nest, ecobee and Honeywell. The pilot will begin with co-op employees during the first three to four months, enrolling approximately 200 participants, before expanding to up to 500 members.
Key research questions include whether technology-enabled tools increase participation in rate optimization, whether the benefits justify the cost of the technology, how members perceive the value of these tools and whether results differ between winter and summer months.
Residential Battery Pilot
Central is also launching a residential battery pilot for co-ops using two-part and three-part rates, building on the growing number of battery installations already in the Santee Cooper balancing authority.
Currently, there are more than 700 residential batteries across Central’s system. Of those, approximately 52 percent are Tesla systems, 20 percent Generac and 11 percent Enphase, with an average system size of 7.5 kW and 17.7 kWh.
The pilot will evaluate the value of residential battery systems for members and the system as a whole, particularly under alternative rate structures. Central will assess battery performance under two-part versus three-part rates and examine potential member benefits, system impacts and operational considerations.
As part of the pilot, Central will also evaluate original equipment manufacturer and vendor capabilities in coordination with ODEC for distributed systems technology integration. A key focus is enabling a whole-home approach to energy optimization by allowing members to automate smart devices, including thermostats, batteries, water heaters and EVs, to better align usage with a three-part rate.
2025 Annual Report Video
At Central, success starts with one principle: when unified cooperatives cooperate, we’re able to achieve more together. Since our founding, our role has been focused on serving our member cooperatives so they can better serve their communities across South Carolina.
After a strong year of serving our members and delivering on our commitments to the cooperative network, Central Electric Power Cooperative is proud to share highlights from 2025 in our first-ever Annual Report video.
These accomplishments reflect the commitment and collaboration driving our work every day. Watch the full video below.
Focused on What Matters Most
Central’s success is measured by the value we deliver to our members. That focus is grounded in four key pillars:
- Competitive Rates
- Reliable Power
- High-Quality Work Product
- Member Directed
These priorities guide every decision we make, from long-term planning to day-to-day operations.
Investing in Growth and Reliability
South Carolina continues to grow at a rapid pace, and Central is working to ensure the power system keeps up. In 2025, that meant a continued focus on securing and delivering reliable power generation resources while managing costs for our members.
We worked closely with our power supply partners and continued investments in key generation assets, including:
- Catawba Nuclear Station
- Anderson Combined Cycle Plant
- Canadys Station project
At the same time, Central completed 11 transmission projects to support population growth and increased industrial demand across the state.
Delivering Strong System Performance
System reliability in 2025 reached one of the strongest levels in recent years. That performance reflects careful planning, disciplined operations, and the dedication of our team.
Reliable power doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of long-term investment coordination with our member cooperatives, and a constant focus on our system performance.
Power by People
Behind every milestone is the Central team. Their continued commitment to collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement drives everything we do. From engineering and operations to power supply and member services, our team works every day to support our members and strengthen the cooperative network across South Carolina.
Looking Ahead
The energy landscape is evolving, and so are the needs of our members. Central remains focused on improving system efficiency, strengthening infrastructure, and planning for the future.
The progress made in 2025 has positioned us well for what’s ahead.
We’re building today for the power needs of tomorrow: responsibly, collaboratively, and with our members at the center.
Here’s to a brighter, smarter South Carolina in 2026.
Ask the Expert: Why meter data matters
Meter data may not always be visible to the people who flip the switch, but it plays a critical role in how electricity is delivered, managed and billed across South Carolina. Kraig Peterson, supervisor of Meter Data Services at Central Electric Power Cooperative, shares insight into what meter data is, why it matters and how it supports Central’s work as a generation and transmission cooperative.
Background and basics
For those who may not be familiar, what is “meter data” and what types of information does it include?
When most people think of an electric meter, they picture the meter can on the side of a home that records how much electricity has been used. Traditionally, that meter displayed a running total, and a utility would record a start and stop reading and use the difference to determine total energy consumption for a billing period.
Meter data comes from that same basic concept. It measures, records and transmits information about how much electricity is being used.
At Central, the meters we manage are typically connected to substations and large industrial transformers rather than individual homes. Instead of only capturing a single total reading, many of these meters collect interval data, which shows how energy use changes at a more granular level. That level of detail provides a much clearer picture of when electricity is being used across the system and helps us better understand overall load behavior.
How has meter data changed over the years with advancements in technology?
Meter data used to come from that manual collection process in the field. Now, with newer meters and better communication networks, we get more reliable data, more frequently. As that data becomes automated, systems can move it quickly, share it across departments, and make it easier to communicate changes with our member co-ops and industrial loads. That helps everyone stay aligned and make better decisions.
What role does meter data play in supporting Central’s operations as a G&T cooperative?
Meter data supports how Central manages peak demand and recovers purchased power costs across its member cooperatives. While billing is often the first thing people think of, meter data also plays a critical role in forecasting and system planning.
The clearer the understanding of load behavior across the system, the better positioned Central is to manage costs responsibly for co-ops throughout the state.
Why meter data matters
Why is accurate and timely meter data so critical to Central and its member cooperatives?
Central operates on a structured monthly billing cycle, and everything begins with accurate meter data delivered on time. Each month, Central produces two types of invoices: industrial and wholesale. Industrial invoices are issued on the first business day of the month, and wholesale invoices follow on the third business day.
One of our rate components is calculated at month-end based on the most recent meter readings. Having every meter read and validated is essential to preparing accurate invoices and reports for the month ahead.
How does meter data support reliability, system planning and forecasting?
Meter data shows how load behaves across the system, from the power suppliers Central works with to the member cooperatives it serves. It helps us see when demand rises, how it shifts during peak periods and how different conditions affect usage. In most cases, it also captures electrical values such as voltage and reactive power, giving engineers a better understanding of how the grid is performing.
How does it impact billing and other financial processes?
Everything starts with the meter. If the data is incorrect at that point, everything downstream can be affected, from the billed invoice, to monthly accounting processes, and even regulatory reporting.
Accuracy affects how costs are allocated and how rates are applied across the system. When that data is right, the prices members see line up with how they actually use electricity.
Why is long-term data retention important?
Central maintains interval data at the station level for well over a decade, in order to support system studies, resource planning and cost validation. As visibility into retail-level interval data expands, the goal is to move beyond modeled or third-party assumptions and rely on actual South Carolina usage data.
Comparing what flows through Central’s meters with what is consumed at the end of the line provides a clearer view of system performance and strengthens forecasting and validation efforts.
Behind the scenes
How do you ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data?
Accuracy begins with daily review. Each morning, the team reviews midnight updates and flags anything that drops to zero, which could indicate a communication issue, or any readings that appear unusually high or low.
Daily voltage checks are also performed. Some meters report a single average value, while others display each phase separately. Those readings are compared to confirm they are consistent and within expected ranges.
Collecting data from every corner of South Carolina is a significant effort. That is why tools and techniques are continually refined to identify issues early and prevent them from affecting billing or reporting.
Automation and the future
How are automation and evolving data systems improving the way Central manages meter data?
Meter data management is becoming more structured and less manual. Much of the routine work now happens automatically in the background, creating a more dependable process.
Automation allows the team to focus less on repetitive tasks and more on analysis and support, equipping colleagues across the organization with clear, reliable information.
A personal perspective
What is one thing people might not realize about meter data and its importance?
As energy prices fluctuate, there are factors no one can control. What can be influenced is how well energy use is understood and managed.
Understanding usage patterns gives people more control than they might realize. Small changes in habits can reduce overall system costs. When the system operates more efficiently, it benefits everyone who pays an electric bill.
Definitions
- Meter Data: Information collected from an electric meter that shows how much electricity is being used or produced. Meter data can include detailed interval information such as kWh, kW, Volts, kVAR, and kVA.
- Energy use: The total amount of electricity consumed over a period of time. It is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the same unit that appears on an electric bill.
- Demand: The rate at which electricity is being used at a specific moment. It reflects how much power (kW) is needed at one time rather than the total used over time.
- Peak demand: The highest level of electric demand during a given period, such as a day or month. This usually happens when many people and businesses are using electricity at the same time.
- Billing determinants: The specific measurements used to calculate an electric bill. These can include energy use, demand levels and other factors defined in a rate structure.
- Interval data: Detailed meter data that records electricity use in regular time increments, such as every 15, 30, or 60-minutes. This helps show when energy is being used throughout the day.
- Meter level: Information collected directly from a specific meter. It represents the electricity flowing through that exact measurement point.
Central adopts new rate for data centers, other major power users
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina’s electric cooperatives have adopted a new rate that makes permanent their existing practices that protect Palmetto State families and businesses from energy costs created by data centers and other major energy users.
Today, the Central Electric Power Cooperative Board voted unanimously to formalize a set of consumer protections the Columbia-based generation and transmission cooperative and its 19 member cooperatives previously have employed on a case-by-case basis.
“Data centers can bring significant benefits to the power grid, creating efficiencies and paying for system costs that otherwise would have been borne by South Carolina co-op members. Our job is to maximize those benefits while minimizing risks and costs to our co-ops and the South Carolinians they serve,” said Central CEO Rob Hochstetler. “Our responsibility is to secure reliable electricity at the best price for the 2 million South Carolinians who rely on electric cooperatives for power. This new policy helps accomplish that goal.”
The new rate, which applies to large consumers that need 20 megawatts of electricity or more, includes the following protections, all of which have been endorsed by third-party advocates as pro-consumer:
- 15-year minimum-term contracts with early termination penalties
- Prepayment for necessary electric infrastructure upgrades
- Provisions for ramping down electricity use during potential energy shortages
- Cash deposits and other financial security requirements
- Monthly energy demand minimums, which ensure sufficient revenues are generated to cover system costs.
Central’s board, which consists of representatives from South Carolina’s 19 electric cooperatives, adopted the rate after a months-long study process that examined industry best practices.
“All of our ratemaking decisions are about fairness,” said Berl Davis, chairman of Central’s board and CEO of Palmetto Electric Cooperative. “South Carolina families and businesses shouldn’t subsidize the energy costs of major corporations. We have always recognized and ensured our rates were consistent with that ideal, and this rate reinforces that approach.”
Electric cooperatives currently serve one data center in South Carolina, which established operations in 2007. Three others are under development, and the contracts that govern those relationships already include the consumer protections outlined in the new rate.
Central’s new rate requires long-term commitments from major energy users that will provide the certainty Central and its member cooperatives need to make capital-intensive investments to the electric grid, including adding power generation resources, transmission lines and substations.
“We need accurate plans and solid commitments from large consumers so the right facilities are built at the right time and for the right price,” Hochstetler said. “This will help us keep South Carolina open for business and protect our members from unnecessary costs while we invest in the reliability of our power grid.”
About Central Electric Power Cooperative
Central is a Columbia-based not-for-profit generation and transmission cooperative that secures reliable, affordable power for South Carolina’s 19 electric distribution cooperatives and the 2 million South Carolinians they serve. Formed in 1948, Central helps its member cooperatives compete in a complex and capital-intensive industry by negotiating and managing long-term power supply contracts, coordinating transmission access, facilitating demand-response programs and managing fuel and market risk. Central and its member cooperatives together serve more than 70% of the state’s land mass, including consumer-members in all 46 counties.
Together as one voice: advocating for South Carolina cooperative members
2026 Co-op Day at South Carolina State House
On February 19, 2026, Central Electric Power Cooperative attended the 2026 Co-Op Day, alongside electric cooperative leaders from across the state, to advocate for the needs of rural communities.
As lawmakers discussed the future of energy in our state, we ensured that the voices of our more than 2 million South Carolinians served by co-ops were heard.
This annual event at the South Carolina State House provides an opportunity for electric co-op leaders and employees in South Carolina to highlight the importance that cooperatives play in their local communities. It is also a time to build strong relationships with legislators and meet with them about issues that matter to their constituents.
We are proud that South Carolina electric cooperatives currently power 70% of our state, delivering safe, reliable and affordable electricity across all 46 counties. That’s channeled through more than 79,000 miles of power lines.
Central is honored to be part of this not-for-profit network, as we continue to advocate for the needs of rural communities throughout our state.
Thank you for being a proud member of your local co-op. And thank you to our lawmakers for their time during Co-op Day and continued advocacy throughout the year.
Together, as the South Carolina Electric Cooperative network, we are working to ensure the voices of all members across the state are heard.
Winter peak demand: when it is & how Central helps keep energy affordable
Cold winter mornings in South Carolina often lead to a sharp increase in electricity use across the region. At Central Electric Power Cooperative, we work year-round to provide reliable power, while keeping electricity as affordable as possible for the members we serve.
When does winter energy demand peak?
During winter, the electric cooperatives typically see the highest electricity use between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. This is when most households are waking up, heating their homes after a colder night, turning on lights and running appliances.
When thousands of members use electricity at the same time, demand on the grid surges, along with the cost to supply that power. Winter peak demand happens regardless of whether your local electric cooperative has a traditional two-part rate or newer three-part rate structure. The impact of peak demand affects the entire electric system.
Why reducing peak demand matters
Those chilly early mornings put added pressure on the electric grid. Heating systems kick into high gear just as homes and businesses across the state are starting their day.
Central must purchase enough power to meet demand at all times. During peak periods, the cost of electricity rises sharply, placing additional pressure on both the system and long-term power costs.
Managing winter peak demand helps control these costs, reduces strain on the grid, and lowers the risk of extreme system stress that can lead to outages. Small changes during peak hours can make a meaningful difference in keeping electric rates stable and affordable for all cooperative members.
Simple ways to help beat the winter peak
You don’t need major changes to make an impact. Here are a few easy ways to reduce electricity use during peak morning hours:
- Adjust your thermostat slightly lower during the 6-9 a.m. window to ease heating demand.
- Delay use of large appliances, like dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, until later in the day.
- Seal air leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to help keep warm air in and cold air out.
- Shift hot water use, such as showers or laundry, to non-peak hours when possible.
- Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics before leaving home.
When these small adjustments are multiplied across thousands of households, they help reduce system-wide demand and costs.
Stay informed with peak alerts
One of the easiest ways to help is by staying informed. Members can sign up for peak alerts to receive notifications when electricity demand is expected to be high. These alerts give members a heads-up so they can take simple steps to reduce usage during critical times.
Sign up for peak alerts at energysmartsc.org/peakalert
How Central supports affordable power
As the generation and transmission cooperative serving South Carolina’s 19 independent, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, Central plays a vital role in managing power supply and planning for seasonal demand. By preparing for winter peaks and coordinating resources across the state, we help ensure reliable electricity at a fair price.
Because Central and the cooperatives we serve are not-for-profit, our mission is simple: deliver safe, dependable, and affordable energy to the people and communities who own us.
By working together to manage winter energy use, we protect what matters most: affordability, reliability, and the cooperative difference.
’Tis the season: Central employees share their holiday traditions
The holidays are a time for connection, reflection and a little friendly debate—especially when it comes to trees, music and decorations. To celebrate the season, we asked Central employees a few lighthearted questions about their holiday preferences and traditions. Their responses highlight what makes this time of year meaningful: time with family, shared memories and traditions that grow richer each year.
Real tree or artificial?
While the classic scent of pine still has its fans, convenience won out overall.
75 percent of employees prefer an artificial tree, while 25 percent are firmly team real tree.
When does the holiday music start?
Holiday playlists spark plenty of opinions. Half of respondents say it is acceptable to start playing holiday music after Thanksgiving. Another 25 percent prefer to wait until December, while a smaller group—13 percent—start before Thanksgiving. A dedicated 13 percent say holiday music is welcome year-round.
Decorating the house
For most employees, Thanksgiving is the unofficial starting line. 87 percent believe decorations should go up after Thanksgiving, while 13 percent are ready to decorate as early as Nov. 1. No one voted for waiting until Dec. 1.
Favorite holiday movies
From classics to comedies, Central employees have eclectic taste. Favorites included Elf (the most-mentioned), Die Hard, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Polar Express, The Grinch and A Charlie Brown Christmas, along with several heartfelt and lesser-known picks that reflect personal tradition.
Traditions that matter most
Beyond surveys and statistics, employees shared the traditions that make the season special:
- Decorating the house and tree together—often with music playing and phones put away—to truly focus on family time.
- Hanging years’ worth of Christmas cards and photos with Santa to reflect on how families have grown and changed.
- Fun traditions like Saran Wrap balls, gingerbread houses and baking days filled with cookies and conversation.
- Creative twists on holiday meals, including friendly cooking challenges that encourage trying something new.
- Simple joys like driving around to look at Christmas lights with hot chocolate in hand.
- Meaningful Christmas Eve gatherings, from spending the night with parents to neighborhood soup potlucks.
- Thoughtful rituals such as opening gifts slowly to savor the moment, or writing personal letters to children and loved ones to reflect on the year and express gratitude.
- Collecting ornaments from trips and life milestones, turning tree decorating into a walk through shared memories.
Whether rooted in long-standing family traditions or new ideas created along the way, these stories reflect the heart of the season. From all of us at Central, we wish you a holiday filled with warmth, connection and moments worth remembering.
Looking back at 2025: a stronger system for South Carolina co-ops
As we close out 2025, we’re reflecting on a year marked by steady progress, thoughtful planning and continued commitment to the consumer-members served by South Carolina’s electric cooperatives. Central entered the year focused on reliability, affordability and innovation, and those priorities guided every decision we made. Together with our 19 distribution cooperatives, we advanced projects and initiatives that strengthen our statewide system and support a resilient energy future.
Strengthening our financial foundation
Central’s financial health remains a critical component of our ability to deliver reliable and affordable power. This year, both Fitch and S&P affirmed Central’s A+ credit rating — a strong endorsement of sound financial management, strategic planning and long-term stability. In addition, S&P revised its outlook on Central from negative to stable, reflecting confidence in our direction and performance.
To further modernize and fortify Central’s financial framework, the Board adopted three new policies: a comprehensive financial policy, a hedging policy to support prudent risk management and a trading authority and sanctions policy to ensure clear governance of trading activities. These updates enhance transparency, improve internal controls and position Central for continued financial strength.
Advancing major power supply initiatives
Central made meaningful progress this year across several major power supply initiatives. Central’s Board agreed to participate in two new generation resources with Santee Cooper and agreed to a potential joint ownership arrangement with Duke Energy. These actions are expanding collaborative opportunities and reinforcing long-term resource adequacy for South Carolina’s growing energy needs.
Renewable energy development continued with the commercial operation of the Lambert I and Lambert II solar projects. These new resources add clean, zero-emission generation to the portfolio and deliver long-term value through predictable, affordable energy.
System modernization and technology advancements
Throughout 2025, Central continued to strengthen the systems and tools that support operational awareness, planning and long-term grid reliability. Several projects identified in the 2024 energy management and systems integration (EMOSI) project were completed or are currently underway. Central made progress on integrating distribution retail meter data and completed the buildout of historical meter data access, providing enhanced visibility for analysis and forecasting.
A number of key modernization initiatives were also completed or progressed this year, including the implementation of Power Monitoring Expert (PME), enhancements to GIS capabilities, targeted cybersecurity analysis supported by artificial intelligence and continued improvements to real-time telemetry and SCADA systems. Additional work remains underway on the development of a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan and the establishment of an off-site datacenter, both of which will strengthen resiliency and support long-term operational continuity.
Central also continued upgrades on Demand Side Tools (DST) that improve visibility into consumer-level programs and support future distributed energy resource integration. In addition, Central began upgrading DST to integrate all legacy load management processes into a single platform. This upgrade is designed to improve response time, expand operational capabilities and strengthen system reliability. By enabling communication with thousands of smart, dynamic devices, the upgraded platform will support Central in fully utilizing distributed energy resources as a system resource and capturing the value these member programs provide.
Central launched a full market potential study to evaluate opportunities with demand side management and continued progressing its retail meter data initiative, both of which support long-term forecasting and resource planning.
Investing in our people
This year, Central was named one of the Best Places to Work, a recognition that reflects our commitment to a positive, supportive workplace culture rooted in service and collaboration. Our people remain one of our greatest strengths.
Central expanded its benefits package in 2025, introducing new offerings to support employees and their families, including adoption assistance. The board also approved adding Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a company holiday and establishing an IVF medical expense reimbursement plan, both effective in 2026. These enhancements underscore Central’s commitment to supporting employees through every stage of life and providing meaningful benefits that reach beyond the workplace.
Looking ahead
The work we accomplished in 2025 reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable, affordable power to about 2 million South Carolinians served by our member cooperatives. We are grateful for the dedication of our teams, the leadership of our board of trustees and the collaboration of our partners. Together, we look forward to building on this momentum in 2026.