South Carolina House Unanimously Passes SC Energy Freedom Act

H3659 protects clean energy jobs and bill savings for residents, businesses

The South Carolina House of Representatives passed H3659, the SC Energy Freedom Act, by a vote of 110-0. The bipartisan Energy Freedom Act resolves overly restrictive net metering limits, giving more South Carolina families and businesses the choice to save money with solar while protecting the state’s growing solar workforce, which now employs nearly 3,000 South Carolinians.

Co-sponsored by more than 40 legislators, H3659 was strongly supported by the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee where it was championed by Chairman Bill Sandifer and Vice Chairman Mike Forrester. Clean energy advocates, the solar industry, and utility representatives from SCE&G and Duke Energy came together to support the compromise bill, which also increases competition in the energy sector, launches a renewable program for large energy users, and establishes the framework for a community solar program.

“The SC Energy Freedom Act is exactly what South Carolinians need right now,” said Thad Culley, Regional Director of Vote Solar. “We are thankful that the SC House, led by Reps. Sandifer, McCoy, and so many others, were able to act quickly to address the impending net metering cap crisis. Vote Solar stands with energy leaders across South Carolina in supporting this bill to protect ratepayers and clean energy jobs.”

The bill will receive a third reading in the House this week before moving to the Senate next week. If passed, the SC Energy Freedom Act would be a huge step forward for South Carolina, where energy has become a leading issue among its citizens.