Santee Cooper plans to begin replacing its aging Winyah power plant in Georgetown County next year, as part of a new energy roadmap aimed at addressing growing electricity demand. The utility anticipates a significant increase in power requirements—projected to rise by over 23% to 7,246 megawatts by 2040.
Key components of the plan include:
- Investment Commitment: A $5 billion gas plant will be built in Colleton County in collaboration with Dominion Energy.
- Emission Targets: The utility aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to approximately 43% of 2005 levels within the next decade.
- Future Resource Planning: Alongside new large power plants, Santee Cooper will explore interim upgrades to existing sites to meet peak demands.
CEO Jimmy Staton emphasized the need for flexibility in the energy plan to support economic development and adaptability to regulatory changes. The board unanimously approved the 2026 integrated resource plan for submission to the S.C. Public Service Commission, with a hearing scheduled for May.
Santee Cooper, which serves around 2 million residents in South Carolina, will commence the due diligence phase next year to establish the new gas plant intended to replace the Winyah coal facility, ensuring the utility’s ability to meet ongoing load growth.
