These questions are important, not only in the context
of an energy economy but also for kitchen table economics. According to a 2017 report from the Energy Department,
the average South Carolina household has the third­
highest energy burden (their electricity bill in proportion
to income) in the nation. This is not solely because of rates. South Carolina is a middle­of­the­road 33rd in that category. However, we use more electricity than the residents of 49 other states. Our houses are some of the least energy­effificient homes in the nation (we rank 42nd, according to DOE). We can assume that the statistics play out worse for our poorer citizens with less effificient housing, higher electricity use and lower incomes. Will the consumer who carries the heaviest burden continue to do so into our new energy future? Equipping them with demand­side tools like smart thermo­ stats, load control switches and other energy products could lighten some of their load.
People in the telecommunications industry know about this revolution. Technological advancements disrupted the market and created a new infrastructure. In a generation, we’ve forgot­ ten how to use a rotary phone, relegated payphones to antique
stores and given up on memorizing our family and friends’ phone numbers. Instead, in our pockets we now carry com­ puters connected to the rest of the world. But as telecommu­ nications consumers, what impact do we have on that market, beyond purchasing devices and using data?
It’s going to be different in the new energy economy, with new ways to supply and new types of demand. What may be most revolutionary is the potential empowerment of the consumer to have a greater ability to participate in the market. I hope we can embrace that change and prepare for it. I hope we can learn the lessons from our past and others’ experience.
GET MORE This is the third in a series of columns on the
issue of utility deregulation. Read the previous columns at SCLiving.coop/opinion/dialogue.
Overpriced tulips and our energy future—The utility sector is changing and electric cooperatives are working with the state legislature to study what that means for co-op members.
Questioning deregulation—Lawmakers will need to ask some hard questions before attempting to alter South Carolina’s electricity market.
SCLIVING.COOP | APRIL 2020 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING 9
ADAM NIKLEWICZ