A critical discussion on the vulnerability of South Carolina's power grid took center stage during the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee's Public Utilities Subcommittee meeting on April 24, 2025. Ambassador Cooper highlighted alarming findings from a recent assessment of the grid in York County, revealing that the area is "totally vulnerable" to threats, particularly from electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and cyberattacks.

Cooper, a Clemson alumnus, collaborated with Duke Energy executives to evaluate the state's electrical distribution infrastructure. He emphasized that the cost to protect the grid is minimal—less than $100 per citizen for initial implementation and a fraction of that for ongoing maintenance. "Affordability is not the issue," he stated, stressing the need for awareness and action to safeguard critical infrastructure.

The discussion underscored the urgency of addressing these vulnerabilities, especially given the presence of large transformers sourced from China, which could pose significant risks. Cooper warned that adversaries like China and Iran are well aware of these weaknesses, making it imperative for South Carolina to take the lead in grid protection initiatives.

Major General Lehi Eisner echoed Cooper's sentiments, referencing the Lake Wylie Project, which identified critical nodes in the grid that require protection. He noted that the costs associated with safeguarding these infrastructures are not as prohibitive as previously thought, countering claims that previous proposals would cost around a billion dollars.

The meeting concluded with a call for further action and collaboration among state leaders, industry partners, and military officials to develop a comprehensive plan for grid protection. As South Carolina continues to grow, the potential consequences of a grid failure could be catastrophic, making the discussions from this meeting not just timely but essential for the state's future security.