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The rise of data centers
Co-ops adapt to serve massive new loads while protecting members
Cole Price figures he spends about 40% of his time on data centers these days, compared to “maybe 5 to 10%” just a few years ago.
“And that’s just me,” he says. “Other teams spend that much time or more.”
Price is executive vice president for member services at Central Electric Power Cooperative, a generation and transmission co-op based in Columbia, South Carolina, that currently provides power to one large data center, has reached deals with two more and has fielded dozens of inquiries from others.
“These projects can offer tremendous benefits to co-ops and their members,” Price says. “We know from experience that adding a data center to our system can reduce the fixed cost burden on everyday co-op members. Our job is to help our co-ops achieve those benefits while protecting their members from risk.
We have been focused on how to do that for a while now, and we are constantly refining our policies and practices as we learn more.”
As of early 2025, there were around 5,400 data centers in the United States. And they continue to proliferate, fed by the growth of artificial intelligence, which requires significantly more computing power than other internet transactions, and the seemingly inexhaustible desire for more online entertainment, commerce and information.
Nearly every state in the nation has data centers, with Virginia, Georgia, Texas and California among those where these facilities, often bunched along fiber backbones that can carry heavy internet traffic, are clustered.
They require large amounts of power to operate servers and cooling systems, with some hyperscale data centers, as the largest are known, drawing as much as a gigawatt of electricity.
The impact is being felt across the grid. After more than a decade of relatively flat demand, peak demand is forecast to rise by 151 gigawatts from 2025 through 2034, a 17% increase, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corp. NERC attributes much of this accelerating growth to demand from data centers and other large commercial and industrial loads.
“The data center trend is impacting co-ops across the board, whether a facility is located in their territory or not,” says Allison Hamilton, NRECA markets & rates director. “This wave of new large loads has the potential to transform the entire industry, and co-ops and G&Ts are drawing on their member-focused mission and community values to capture the benefits while mitigating the risks.”
Why do data centers need so much electricity? Why are they expanding so dramatically? How are cooperatives working to serve them while assuring the cost of meeting their requirements doesn’t impact other members? The answers start with a look inside a typical data center.
Tens of thousands of servers
Row upon row of metal cabinets with blinking lights, separated by aisles that provide room for maintenance and cooling. That’s the digital heart of a data center.
The cabinets hold racks of computer servers, net-worked to manage vast amounts of data and provide everything from streaming and AI to cloud computing, storage, e-commerce and cryptocurrency mining.
Data centers come in many sizes, but hyperscale centers can be massive, running more than a million square feet, or nearly 23 acres, and filled with tens of thousands of servers.
That much computing not only draws a lot of power; it also generates a lot of heat, and centers use various types of cooling systems to handle it. Some rely on air cooling, configuring the servers in alternating rows, with cold air intakes facing one way and hot air vents facing the other. This creates hot and cold corridors that, aided by fans, provide naturally cooling air flow.
Other centers rely on evaporative coolers, which blow moist, cold air. More heat-intensive servers use liquid cooling. Some of the most advanced systems place “cold plates” filled with coolant directly on top of computer components to draw heat away.
According to an EPRI study, the greatest surge in power demand from data centers is coming from AI, which can require 10 times as much electricity per inquiry as a traditional Google search. And use of AI is growing rapidly, becoming ubiquitous not only for internet searches and responses but in the internal operations of businesses.
As IT companies rush to meet the demand, electric cooperatives are adjusting to the priorities of these new members and meeting the challenges of serving their unique needs.
‘Timing and speed’
What’s the top priority when a company comes to a co-op looking to site a data center in their service territory? For Greystone Power Corp., a distribution co-op based in Hiram, Georgia, the answer is speed.
“They definitely want to know how quickly we can meet their ramp-up schedule,” says Creighton Batrouney, Greystone Power’s executive vice president of power supply. “Timing and speed to market is probably the No. 1 concern.”
Greystone Power serves two smaller data centers with loads of 8 and 20 megawatts. But it has three coming online in the next two years that are much larger: 85, 180 and 240 megawatts respectively.
“AI workloads are driving the size of the data centers and the number of data centers,” Batrouney says.
The co-op’s service territory covers portions of eight metropolitan Atlanta counties. The Atlanta region is the second-largest data center hub in the United States and the industry’s hottest market since 2023, according to analysis by CBRE, a commercial real estate firm. This growth has been fed by access to four essentials for data centers: power, land, a sturdy fiber-optic backbone and water for cooling.
For cooperatives, these projects can bring benefits that go well beyond electricity sales. The size of data center loads often necessitates transmission and distribution system upgrades, which can contribute to reliability across the board.
Greystone has worked with Georgia Transmission Corp., the Tucker-based transmission co-op owned by 38 member distribution co-ops, on system upgrades, many of which are paid for upfront by the data centers, with GTC assisting with construction and design.
“They’re essentially paying their share of the cost for these transmission upgrades,” Batrouney says.
Other potential advantages include improved systemwide load factor, smoothing out peaks and valleys and making the overall system more efficient. The predictable, around-the-clock nature of these loads can also create steadier revenues and support more stable rates for the entire membership. These projects can also bring new tax base, jobs and investment, often attracting additional businesses that want to locate near the facility.
“If co-ops take the time to understand and manage the challenges on the front end—whether it’s infrastructure upgrades, rate design or contract terms—there can be significant upsides once the load comes online,” Hamilton says. “Co-ops are uniquely positioned for this work. Their commitment to serving all members, not just the large load, means they approach these projects with care, collaboration and a focus on long-term community benefit.”
‘Stick to your process’
The first data center to come to one of Central Electric Power Cooperative’s member co-ops arrived way back in 2007.
“It’s not what you see today,” says Price. “It was a lot smaller.”
The next didn’t come under contract until 2024, after nearly two years of weekly talks and negotiations in what Price called the “old-fashioned approach to interconnection and engineering” based on standard service requests and long lead times.
Around that time, a third data center requested interconnection. A Central member cooperative inked a deal with that facility after six months of study and negotiation.
“Our process has improved a lot over the past few years,” Price says, noting their tightened timelines and new cost structure agreements. “We know what questions to ask. We know what they need from us, and we know what we need from them.”
On the heels of those project announcements, other data centers began reaching out to Central and its member cooperatives.
“Different groups wanted to ride the coattails of those big providers,” Price says. “They see filings at the Public Service Commission for large transmission service requests and say, ‘Can we get any of the extra capacity?'”
Central buys wholesale power from Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state-run utility, as well as Duke Energy. When a data center comes calling, they coordinate closely with their generation providers on capacity needs and planning. Their goal is to encourage responsible growth without putting affordability and reliability at risk.
Photo Courtesy: Equinix
“We’re trying to shore up resources for the next few years, to maintain reserves as larger system investments come to fruition,” Price says.
Central, whose member territories sit near the terminus of major undersea fiber cables, estimates by the end of the decade, they’ll likely have at least 2 GW of data center load on their system.
Price’s top piece of advice for co-ops negotiating with data centers is “stick to your process.”
“Develop a formal process and follow it,” he says.
“That process is there for a reason: to maximize benefits and minimize risk. Do not let anyone push you out of that.”
Central’s process is for the member services and engineering groups to engage right away after a member co-op is contacted by a data center. First, a deposit is collected and a 30-to-60-day initial study—which the data center pays for—is conducted to determine scope and overall needs. The client then has 30 days to decide if they want to go forward with a more detailed FEED (front-end engineering design) study, which they also pay for. Agreements for energy sales and construction are then drawn up, and if the project moves forward after the completion of the FEED study, work on the data center and any electrical infrastructure upgrades can begin.
“We try to communicate transparently throughout the process,” Price says. “We may come back after the initial conversation and say, ‘Save your money on the study; we know we won’t be able to meet your timeline.'”
Price’s second piece of advice is to “put your risk tolerance on paper.”
Risks can range from stranded assets and other cost recovery issues if a data center ceases operations early to supply chain issues to interconnection delays.
“Know what that tolerance is at the local level and at the G&T level,” he says. “Both the upfront risk and the long-term risk.”
Price’s third rule is transparency—with the data centers, with member co-ops and with the public.
“The more transparent you can be—and each jurisdiction is different—the better the partnerships you’ll have.”
Price says by and large, his interactions with data center representatives have been positive.
“We’ve probably talked to over 100 developers,” he says. “Some of the smaller ones can be less than transparent, but the big ones, I’ve had good experiences with them. They know what they want, and they are serious about not becoming a detriment in the communities that they operate in.”
He says Central works to be realistic about the challenges of this new load while capitalizing on the benefits.
“Large data centers won’t necessarily land in all 19 of our co-op service territories,” Price said. “But all 19 co-ops will benefit directly or indirectly regardless of where the data centers locate. These are opportunities for our co-ops to improve their systems, benefit from economies of scale, get higher load factors and enhance grid efficiency.”
‘They really like dealing with co-ops’
East Kentucky Power Cooperative, a G&T with 16 member co-ops based in Winchester, Kentucky, is also managing a flood of contacts from data centers.
“We get called almost daily,” says Don Mosier, EKPC’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.
They’re drawn to the region by low electrical rates but also its generation infrastructure, he says. EKPC is planning an additional 1,100 megawatts of generation over the next decade, Mosier says.
The G&T proposed a special data center tariff, which the Kentucky Public Service Commission recently approved, that requires data centers to pay the upfront costs for generation and transmission upgrades and includes a fee for studies to determine interconnection costs.
“Data centers will provide the infrastructure enabling the next era of progress in science, technology, productivity, communications and even national security,” says EKPC President & CEO Tony Campbell.
“This tariff ensures all cooperative members are treated fairly when data centers are developed in Kentucky and consume large amounts of electricity.”
Among other facets, the tariff applies to data centers with more than 15 MW of load, ensures data centers bear the cost of new infrastructure dedicated to their service and requires developers of data center projects exceeding 250 megawatts to provide a power supply plan.
“The tariff identifies all the costs that a data center would uniquely cause to occur and makes sure those are incurred within the data center class,” says EKPC General Counsel David Samford.
Mosier says data center developers are generally on board with measures that insulate other co-op members.
“They’re very keen on getting these facilities up and running as fast as possible,” he says. “And they really like dealing with co-ops. They say we’re much easier to work with than IOUs, because we make decisions quicker.”
This article was originally published on cooperative.com by Scot Hoffman and Reed Karaim.
Giving thanks this season
Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on the people, communities and moments that make life meaningful. At Central Electric Power Cooperative, we have many reasons to give thanks this year, from the resilience of our communities to the dedication of our staff and member cooperatives.
Thankful for our Members
Across South Carolina, 19 electric cooperatives provide reliable, affordable electricity to over 2 million local residents. Today, these co-ops serve more than 940,000 meters with 79,000 miles of power lines covering over one-third of our state’s population.
Thank you to each of our South Carolina electric cooperatives:
- Aiken Electric Cooperative
- Berkeley Electric Cooperative
- Black River Electric Cooperative
- Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative
- Broad River Electric Cooperative
- Coastal Electric Cooperative
- Edisto Electric Cooperative
- Fairfield Electric Cooperative
- Horry Electric Cooperative
- Laurens Electric Cooperative
- Little River Electric Cooperative
- Lynches River Electric Cooperative
- Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative
- MPD Electric Cooperative
- Newberry Electric Cooperative
- Palmetto Electric Cooperative
- Santee Electric Cooperative
- Tri-County Electric Cooperative
- York Electric Cooperative
We’re thankful for the partnership and dedication of these cooperatives, whose commitment to serving their communities is unwavering and essential to the work we do at Central.
Thankful for storm preparedness
We’re also grateful for a safe hurricane season. Throughout this year, co-op leaders held collaborative discussions on lessons learned from Hurricane Helene, creating relationships with local hotels and vendors, identifying fuel partners and designating key emergency point-of-contact employees across departments.
We’re grateful to our fellow co-ops for their mutual aid coordination and practical solutions that helped ensure South Carolina remained safe and prepared for any future challenges
Thankful for our team
Our team is the heart of our cooperative. This year, we were proud to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work for the ninth consecutive year, which is a reflection of hard work, teamwork and innovation. We’re grateful for each staff member who helps keep our communities energized and our operations running smoothly.
Thankful for our community
Giving back is essential to who we are. From engaging today’s youth with opportunities to learn about careers at co-ops to supporting environmental initiatives, our community service efforts strengthen the places we call home and build the next generation of leaders.
We’re thankful for the opportunity to make a difference and for the communities that welcome and support our efforts.
From all of us at Central, we wish you a happy, safe and joyful Thanksgiving.
Thank you for being a part of our cooperative family.
Ask the expert: how right-of-way management supports energy reliability in South Carolina
As South Carolina continues to grow, so does the demand for reliable electricity. At Central Electric Power Cooperative, maintaining clear and well-managed rights-of-way is essential to meeting that demand safely and efficiently. Right-of-Way Agent Brian Moran explains how his team’s work, often happening long before new lines are energized, helps power the state’s future.
1. What exactly does a Right-of-Way Agent do at Central, and why is that role so important to its mission?
A Right-of-Way Agent is ultimately responsible for acquiring the easement area for new transmission line projects. We serve as the primary contact between Central and affected landowners, handling all communication and negotiations. It’s our job to balance the needs of Central and our Members with the concerns of landowners while ensuring each project moves forward smoothly and on schedule.
2. You came to Central with a background in forestry and land management. How has that experience shaped the way you approach right-of-way work today?
South Carolina has a large amount of timberland, and many of our transmission projects cross those areas. My background in forestry has been a big advantage in those situations. It allows me to work closely with our consulting forester when assessing timber value as part of the easement appraisal process. It’s also helpful during the clearing phase of construction, especially when identifying danger trees, trees that could fall on the line in the future.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
That really depends on the phase of the project. Some days, I’m in the office creating documents, updating landowner files, and coordinating with consultants. Other days, I’m out in the field, anywhere in the state, meeting with landowners or conducting site visits.
I meet with landowners to present projects, obtain survey permissions, share initial offers, and work through negotiations to reach final settlements. I also manage title research and coordinate with appraisers and timber consultants who determine easement values. Once the easements are secured, I’m often in the field during right-of-way clearing to help ensure that process runs smoothly.
4. Can you walk us through the lifecycle of a transmission project from a right-of-way perspective?
From a right-of-way standpoint, the process begins with our portion of the Alternate Route Cost Study. During that phase, we estimate the acquisition and clearing costs for each potential route provided by the transmission design team.
Once the Route Selection Committee finalizes the route, I start building landowner folders and preparing documents needed for the survey permitting phase. We notify affected landowners by letter and begin meeting with them to explain the project, answer questions, and request survey permission.
After survey permission is granted, either directly by the landowner or through a court order, we move into the survey and appraisal stage. While engineering completes the survey and environmental work, we obtain appraisals and title reports for each tract.
Once the appraisals and survey data are complete, we meet with landowners again to begin the easement acquisition process. Negotiations often take place over several meetings. After all required easements are secured – whether voluntarily, through mediation, or by condemnation – we move on to the clearing phase. Once clearing is complete, engineering can finalize construction and energize the line. Then, we start the process again with the next project.
5. What’s one of the biggest challenges people might not realize about acquiring easements or clearing rights-of-way, and how do you and the team work through it?
One of the biggest challenges people don’t always see is how personal land can be to its owners. Our transmission projects directly impact our Members’ consumer-members, many of whom have deep, generational ties to their property. That can make negotiations emotional or even adversarial at times.
Our job is to balance that sensitivity with our responsibility to keep projects on schedule and ensure reliable service for the people of South Carolina. Navigating those conversations with professionalism and transparency is key to achieving that balance.
6. How does Central’s approach to right-of-way management support long-term system reliability and safety, especially as South Carolina’s demand for power grows?
We have several upcoming projects that will strengthen overall system reliability. We’re also very proactive during the initial clearing phase, identifying and removing danger trees that could pose future risks to the lines. In addition, we work closely with New Horizon and Santee Cooper to coordinate ongoing right-of-way maintenance and manage potential encroachments. That cooperative approach helps ensure long-term reliability and safety across the system.
7. What excites you most about the future of transmission infrastructure and right-of-way work in the electric cooperative industry?
The growth happening across South Carolina is what excites me most. We’re busier now than at any point in my nine years at Central, with several major projects kicking off soon. It’s rewarding to be part of that growth and to know our work directly supports the state’s expanding communities and energy needs.
Stronger together: celebrating South Carolina’s electric cooperatives
October is National Cooperative Month, a time to recognize the power of the cooperative model and the people behind it. Across South Carolina, 19 local electric cooperatives serve more than 2 million people. Each of these cooperatives is deeply rooted in the communities it serves.
At Central Electric Power Cooperative, we’re proud to support these co-ops by providing affordable, reliable power for our members. As the generation and transmission cooperative serving all of these not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, Central plays a unique role in helping ensure our members have the resources, infrastructure and power they need to keep homes, businesses and communities energized.
Each of the cooperatives is strong on its own. But we are even stronger when we work together. This past year offered powerful reminders of that strength.
Resilience and cooperation during storm devastation
When Hurricane Helene caused widespread outages across the state, South Carolina’s co-ops responded with speed and determination. Roughly 3,400 lineworkers, including crews from across the country, worked around the clock to restore power to more than 425,000 members. Thanks to strategic planning, seamless coordination and the spirit of cooperation, South Carolina’s cooperatives were able to restore power to most of those members in just a few days – and all of them in just two weeks.
Every cooperative played a role in the response. After wrapping up restoration at home, crews from 11 S.C. co-ops volunteered to help restore power for their sister co-ops across the state.That’s the cooperative difference in action.
Investing in South Carolina’s energy future
This year also marked a major step forward for our state’s clean energy and long-term grid resilience. Our local distribution co-ops continue to explore opportunities to advance community solar, energy efficiency programs, and grid modernization initiatives—all designed to improve service and reliability while managing long-term costs.
At Central, we work hand-in-hand with our member cooperatives to navigate a rapidly evolving energy landscape. From resource planning to design and construction, we ensure our co-ops are well-positioned to meet growing demand and support economic development across all 46 counties in South Carolina.
More than a utility
Electric cooperatives are more than power providers. We are community builders. Born out of a spirit of local ownership and democratic control, electric co-ops continue to operate with one goal in mind: to serve people, not shareholders. That purpose is woven into everything we do at Central. We are guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles, and we work every day to deliver power that is reliable, affordable, and forward-looking.
Celebrating National Cooperative Month
This October, we celebrate not only the cooperative model, but also the people who make it all possible. From lineworkers and engineers to community leaders and member-owners. Together, we are shaping South Carolina’s energy future. One that is smarter, more resilient, and rooted in the communities we call home.
Thank you for supporting and believing in the cooperative difference. We are stronger together and prouder than ever to serve as your generation and transmission partner.
Concern for community: Central in action
At Central Electric Power Cooperative, our mission goes beyond keeping the lights on. One of the seven cooperative principles that guides our work is Concern for Community—and we take that to heart. Our team is proud to support efforts that make a difference in the Midlands and across South Carolina.
Here are just a few ways we’ve been giving back:
Back-to-school supplies
Each year, Central provides students with the tools they need to start the school year strong. From backpacks to notebooks, we want to help local children feel prepared and confident in the classroom. This year, we donated school supplies covering all grade levels to William S. Sandel Elementary School.
Career day
Investing in the next generation is part of our responsibility as a cooperative. In March 2025, Central employees Arlene Anderson and Jalen Dawkins participated in Career Day at Pontiac Elementary School. They shared their knowledge about careers in the electric cooperative network, answered questions and sparked interest in energy, technology and public service. Students received “I ♥ My Co-op” stickers and umbrellas before participating in a hands-on experiment that demonstrated how electricity travels from power lines into homes and schools.
Step up challenge
A friendly challenge for a wonderful cause! Central employees teamed up to compete in a walking challenge against employees at CEEUS. Team Central logged 3,515 miles during the month-long challenge. As part of this year’s fundraising effort, Central donated $1,200 to the Fallen Linemen Foundation, while CEEUS matched the donation to the South Carolina Cooperatives Care Foundation.
Project Angel Tree
The holiday season is brighter thanks to The Salvation Army Angel Tree. Central employees sponsored four children in 2024, providing gifts, clothing and essentials to ensure every child experiences the joy of Christmas morning.
Adopt-a-Highway
In November 2020, Central Electric Power Cooperative joined the Keep the Midlands Beautiful Adopt-a-Highway program. Central employees participate in quarterly litter pickups on Burning Tree Road through 2026, helping keep our community clean and green.
These activities are just a snapshot of how Central lives out its cooperative values each day. We believe strong communities make strong cooperatives, and we’re committed to doing our part.
Learn more about Central’s Concern for Community.
Central Named One of the State’s Best Places to Work for 9th Consecutive Year
Central Electric Power Cooperative is proud to announce that for the ninth consecutive year, our organization has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. This year, Central placed 18th overall in the Medium Employer category.
The Best Places to Work in South Carolina ceremony is presented annually by SC Biz News, in partnership with Best Companies Group, and honors organizations that excel in creating positive and supportive work environments. Rankings are based on both company policies and employee feedback.
This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace culture that makes employees feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work. At Central, we believe that when our team thrives, the members and communities we serve benefit too.
We’re grateful to our dedicated employees who make Central not only one of the best places to work, but also one of the best places to grow, collaborate and serve.
Congratulations to our member-cooperatives York Electric Cooperative, Palmetto Electric Cooperative and Berkeley Electric Cooperative, who also placed this year. View all winners here.
Below are team members from Central at this year’s ceremony.
Powering through the storm: how co-ops prepare for hurricane season
Hurricane season in the Southeast is a time when preparation becomes more than just a good idea, it’s essential. Here in South Carolina, the possibility of severe weather is always present. Strong winds, heavy rains and flooding can cause widespread outages and damage to the electric grid.
At Central Electric Power Cooperative, our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity to our member cooperatives year-round — and that means getting ready long before a storm hits.
Just recently, Broad River Electric Cooperative welcomed teams from Edisto Electric Cooperative, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Little River Electric Cooperative, Laurens Electric Cooperative and York Electric Cooperative for a collaborative discussion on mutual aid coordination, logistical challenges and practical solutions. This included initiatives like creating relationships with local hotels and vendors, identifying fuel partners and designating key emergency point-of-contact employees across departments.
How we and our member co-ops prepare before the first storm forms
Long before a storm appears on the radar, our cooperative teams are:
- Inspecting and reinforcing the system — Crews patrol lines, check substations and trim vegetation around power lines to prevent damage from falling limbs.
- Stocking critical materials — Transformers, poles, wire and other equipment are strategically stored so they can be accessed quickly for restoration.
- Training for rapid response — Employees participate in storm simulations and safety drills to ensure everyone knows their role in a restoration effort.
During and after the storm
When severe weather is imminent, co-ops go into full readiness mode:
- Monitoring weather updates and positioning crews ahead of landfall.
- Restoring power first to critical facilities like hospitals, emergency shelters and water treatment plants before moving to homes and non-essential businesses.
Working together across the co-op network
One of the greatest strengths of the cooperative model is mutual aid — and we’ve seen that in action time and again.
When Hurricane Helene struck in 2024, it left 1.25 million South Carolinians without power, including 425,000 electric co-op members. The storm damaged more than 5,000 power poles, toppled transmission lines and left over 80 substations offline, making it one of the most devastating storms in decades.
Our 19 member-owned co-ops responded immediately. Every cooperative in the state deployed line crews, with 12 co-ops sending mutual aid crews: Berkeley Electric, Black River Electric, Coastal Electric, Edisto Electric, Fairfield Electric, Horry Electric, Lynches River Electric, MPD Electric, Palmetto Electric, Santee Electric, Tri-County Electric and York Electric. Partners like Santee Cooper and Duke Energy played key roles in re-energizing substations.
Help came from far beyond our borders, with crews from 23 states, including California, Maine and Texas, arriving to assist. Our materials supplier, CEEUS, delivered 20–30 truckloads of equipment daily, a response that rivaled Hurricane Hugo’s recovery effort in 1989. This kind of collaboration truly embodies the cooperative principle of “Cooperation among Cooperatives.”
What co-op members can do to prepare
While co-ops work to strengthen the grid and plan for emergencies, our members can take simple steps to protect their home and family:
- Assemble an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, water and nonperishable food.
- Charge your devices ahead of a storm and keep backup power banks ready.
- Stay informed with local news and weather alerts.
- Report outages promptly so crews can prioritize repairs.
Hurricanes test the strength of our communities, but they also reveal the power of working together. By preparing in advance, collaborating with co-ops near and far and staying committed to our members, Central Electric and our cooperative partners ensure we can weather the storm and restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Together, we’re more than ready for whatever this hurricane season brings.
Stay connected.
Staying informed means staying prepared — before, during and after the storm.
Check The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina’s Storm Outage Map, where you can track power outages by county or cooperative 24/7 to stay informed during severe weather.
Beat the Peak: Why Timing Energy Use Matters
Summer is in full swing across South Carolina, bringing long, sunny days, high temperatures, and plenty of time inside to cool off from the heat. It’s also the season when our state’s electricity use is at its highest, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
At Central Electric Power Cooperative, we’re dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity to the member cooperatives we serve across South Carolina. During the summer, when air conditioners are running nonstop and households are using more energy, the demand for electricity skyrockets, putting pressure on the grid and driving up the cost of electricity.
That’s why we’re working with member co-ops to help their members “Beat the Peak” by using electricity more efficiently during high-demand hours.
What are Peak Hours?
These are the times of day when electricity consumption is at its highest. Electricity usage typically peaks during 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. during the summer months.This is the hottest time of day as well as the most active time for a household. During the winter, those times are usually 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
When everyone uses a lot of electricity at the same time, it creates high demand and strains the energy grid. Meeting that demand generally requires additional power generation which induces more costs. Over time, those added costs can make a large impact on all cooperative members.
Why this Matters
South Carolina summers are incredibly hot, making air conditioning essential. In our region, AC is one of the biggest factors driving electricity use. When demand rises during the afternoons and early evenings, the cost to provide electricity surges, and the grid faces additional pressure.
That’s why Central Electric is encouraging our members to make small changes to their daily power use during peak hours.
Easy Ways to Beat the Peak
There is an easy solution to this problem and it doesn’t require you to lessen your electricity intake, it only asks that you be smart about when you use it. Here are a few tips to help your co-op and you:
- Run large appliances outside of peak hours: Run the dishwasher, wash clothes, and dry laundry at other times of the day, such as the morning or later in the evening.
- Adjust your thermostat: Cool your home early in the day before the heat kicks in, and allow your AC to be turned down during those peak hours.
- Charge your electronic devices overnight: Avoid charging your phones/tablets/laptops between 3-6 p.m. unless absolutely necessary. Instead, schedule charging overnight or during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower rates and reduce grid pressure.
- Utilize ceiling fans and blinds/curtains: Shut blinds and curtains during peak hours to keep hot sunlight out, and turn on ceiling fans rather than immediately bumping up the AC.
By implementing these simple steps into your daily routine, you’re helping your co-op reduce demand and keep electricity flowing for your community.
As South Carolina continues to grow, our energy demand will also increase. That’s why Central Electric is always looking for ways to expand our energy portfolio and innovate the way we generate electricity. Learn more about our energy portfolio here and what we’re doing now to look out for the future of South Carolina.
Ask the Expert: How Does Hot Weather Strain the Energy Grid?
As South Carolina faces another extremely warm summer, Central Electric Power Cooperative is working tirelessly to ensure our member cooperatives continue to receive the energy they need at affordable rates. To better understand exactly what Central is doing behind the scenes, we interviewed our Power Supply Portfolio Manager, Steven Harrington, to dive into how the hot weather impacts our electric power grid and what we’re doing to support the state’s needs.
1. Why is the grid more strained during the summer months?
When we experience multiple days with temperatures in the 90s to 100s, our air conditioners are working overtime and run more frequently, increasing peak demand on the grid. Peak demand causes our power plants to run at maximum capacity throughout the day to ensure there is enough power to meet demand. We typically have enough planning reserves to meet excessive demand, but it is possible for the grid to become too strained, leading to potential unplanned outages.
2. Explain ‘peak demand’ and why it matters.
Peak demand refers to the highest level of electricity use during a given hour each day. It typically occurs between 3 to 6 p.m. in summer and 6 to 9 a.m. in winter. Utilities must accurately forecast peak demand to ensure enough power is available. If supply falls short, temporary outages may be necessary to maintain grid stability.
3. What role does Central play in increasing grid reliability?
Central plays a huge role in increasing grid reliability and has implemented several programs for members to help better manage our loads and reduce peak demand. Examples of these programs include Beat the Peak, smart thermostats, water heater controls, voltage controls, and controls to bring large industrial members temporarily offline during peak demand. These programs save members money and help support the grid during critical times in the summer and winter.
4. How has population growth impacted the grid in the past several years?
South Carolina’s population and economic growth are putting more stress on the grid. Industrial expansion, residential development, and interest from large data centers all contribute to higher demand and thus a need for more generation. Central works closely with power suppliers to ensure current and future energy needs are met, without disrupting service to existing members.
5. What are utilities doing to strengthen the grid and prepare for summer surges?
Utilities continue to plan and prepare to either build or purchase additional power resources to meet current and future demand. We also work closely with our power suppliers to ensure members receive reliable, affordable energy for years to come.
The programs like Beat the Peak and the smart thermostats make a huge difference, so Central also works closely with member cooperatives to provide these educational resources for their members. Some members are also implementing time-of-use rates to incentivize members to reduce energy usage during peak hours during the day, which has been very successful in lowering energy use during peaks and the grid strain.
6. Are renewable energy sources, like solar, playing a role in relieving some of the pressure?
Yes, solar helps relieve some of the pressure on natural gas and coal plants, especially during the summer months. With the peak demand happening between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., the sun is still out and can help generate energy to support the grid. However, solar doesn’t fully cover all generation needs since the sun is not always out. We are also investing in battery energy storage systems that store energy during low-demand periods, which can be deployed during peak hours.
7. What can households do to help lessen the strain on the grid in South Carolina?
Households can sign up for peak alerts and participate in programs from their utility providers. If they are cooperative members, there are several programs in which they can participate that help the cooperative reduce peak demand.. Ultimately, the more households working together to reduce demand during peak periods, the greater impact we will see on the grid.
8. Are there any long-term strategies being discussed to help boost grid reliability in South Carolina?
The largest impact will be the South Carolina Energy Security Act (H.3309) the South Carolina General Assembly passed earlier this year. This bill enables more in-state power generation, streamlines regulations, and prioritizes long-term grid reliability. It’s a strong example of state leaders responding to energy needs.
To ensure we continue meeting future grid demands and provide affordable, reliable energy, we will need to continue collaborating between utilities and lawmakers. Strategic partnerships and smart investments in our state’s energy ensure a brighter, safer future for South Carolina.
Outdoor Summer Safety Tips: Power Lines, Cookouts and Landscaping Projects
Summer is officially here in South Carolina, bringing more time outdoors for cookouts, gardening and making memories with family and friends. June is also National Safety Month – a timely reminder to brush up on a few simple ways to stay safe while enjoying the season.
At Central Electric Power Cooperative, safety is always a top priority—for our 19 member cooperatives and the more than 2 million South Carolinians they serve. As the wholesale power provider for South Carolina’s electric cooperatives, we support the transmission infrastructure that keeps homes and businesses across all 46 counties powered. But with great power comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to electrical safety.
In recognition of National Safety Month, here are a few key tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe around electricity this summer.
Be Aware of Power Lines
Power lines are essential for delivering electricity but can be extremely dangerous if you’re not aware of their location. Always look up and identify overhead power lines before beginning outdoor activities like landscaping, planting trees, playing outside or setting up for a cookout.
Trees often grow near power lines, and our member cooperatives regularly perform right-of-way maintenance to keep those areas safe. If you have concerns about trees near power lines, contact your electric provider. Never attempt to trim or remove trees near power lines yourself—leave that to the professionals.
South Carolina’s summer storms can also bring down power lines. If you see one, do not touch it. Call your local utility immediately. Even if the line appears inactive, it could still carry a live current. Stay at least 50 feet away.
Call 811 Before You Dig
Before you dig—whether you’re planting a garden, installing a mailbox or starting a larger landscaping project—always call 811. This free, statewide service will mark underground utility lines so you can avoid hitting electric, gas or water lines.
Knowing what the colored flags or spray paint represent can keep you safe:
- Red – Electric power lines
- Yellow – Gas, oil, or steam
- Orange – Communication lines, cables, or conduit
- Blue – Potable (drinkable) water
- Purple – Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
- Green – Sewer and drain lines
- Pink – Temporary survey markings
- White – Proposed excavation
Even a small project can become dangerous if you accidentally strike a utility line. If that ever happens, call 911 and your electric provider right away.
Outdoor Electrical Safety
Enjoying summer in South Carolina means spending time outside—but always be cautious when using electricity outdoors. Keep these safety tips in mind:
- Keep all electrical appliances and cords away from water, including sprinklers, pools and wet grass.
- Use outdoor-rated, weatherproof outlets equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), which quickly cut off power if a fault is detected.
- Use extension cords sparingly, and only those labeled for outdoor use. Make sure cords are in good condition—no fraying, cracking or exposed wires.
- Leave electrical work to licensed professionals. DIY electrical jobs may seem like a cost-saving idea, but hiring a qualified electrician ensures the work is done safely and correctly.
Safety Starts with Awareness
At Central, we’re proud to support the safe, reliable transmission of electricity across South Carolina. But safety starts at home. By staying alert and following a few simple precautions, you can help ensure your summer is safe and enjoyable.
Learn more about seasonal safety tips from one of our member cooperatives, Mid-Carolina Electric, at https://www.mcecoop.com/outages-safety/safety-tips/.