The Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee's Public Utilities Subcommittee convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding grid protection and the implications of proposed legislation on public utilities in South Carolina. The meeting featured significant contributions from various members, particularly Jonathan Yarbrough, who raised concerns about the focus of the legislation on "behind the meter" installations rather than broader grid protection measures.

Yarbrough emphasized that the proposed section 1-1-18102 b primarily addresses behind-the-meter issues, which could necessitate the hiring of new personnel and the creation of an administrative process. He cautioned that this shift could lead to increased costs for ratepayers, as utilities would need to borrow funds to finance these initiatives. "Utilities are not banks," he stated, highlighting the financial implications of the proposed changes.

The discussion also touched on the need for expertise in managing these installations. While Yarbrough confirmed that the utility has in-house experts for grid protection, he noted that they lack the necessary personnel for behind-the-meter installations. This gap could complicate the implementation of any new plans aimed at enhancing grid resilience.

Subcommittee members, including Representatives Guffey and Wooten, sought clarification on the potential impact of these changes on ratepayers and the feasibility of bringing in external experts to address the challenges posed by the proposed legislation. Yarbrough reiterated that any new administrative processes would likely result in costs that would ultimately be passed on to consumers.

As the meeting concluded, the subcommittee members acknowledged the need for further discussion and potential amendments to the bill, indicating that the conversation around public utility management and grid protection in South Carolina is far from over. The implications of these discussions will be closely monitored as the committee continues to evaluate the best path forward for the state's utilities and their customers.