Last Monday, the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC) released a report titled “Education Scholarship Trust Fund, Year One (School Year 2024-25): A Formative Review of Data Quality and Transparency.” What followed was a barrage of criticisms looking to cast a shadow on the program, much of which lacks context. We want to take a
I recently had the opportunity to join Stephen Biddix from WIS10 to discuss some of the work that South Carolina is doing to address teacher vacancies. To check out the video interview, you can view the original article here. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – As South Carolina continues to work through a teacher shortage, one organization
When NextEra Energy proposed to “combine” (merge) with Dominion Energy and Dominion Energy South Carolina, for a brief moment it was what one observer called a “sleepy energy story.” Utilities merge all the time. So what? But then elected officials and policy groups from both left and right began to take a closer look at
This new report explores the ongoing development of SMRs in the United States and abroad. This technology could be important for South Carolina’s future growth as the energy grid becomes increasingly pressured. DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT. What is the current state of energy in South Carolina? Due to increased growth, in-migration and aging power plants,
New York’s Climate Superfund Act, passed in 2024, sought to require American energy producers to pay roughly $3 billion per year for 25 years based on their emissions from 2000–2024. This would result in $75 billion being paid to reverse alleged environmental damages caused by these emissions. South Carolina was part of a coalition of
On August 25th and 26th, many on the Palmetto Promise team attended the State Policy Network (SPN) Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. There, policy organizations from across the United States gathered to discuss freedom, federalism, and imminent threats to each. Organizations discussed freedom wins for their states on matters including education, energy, taxation, and regulation.
Nearly two years ago, South Carolina lawmakers debated merging the state’s fragmented health care agencies. The proposal was controversial; members of the South Carolina House Freedom Caucus warned the merger would concentrate too much power in a single person, creating a “health czar”. Today, the consolidation is showing results. In 2024, Palmetto Promise Institute produced
South Carolina’s electricity market remains a regulated monopoly. Utilities operate within fixed territories, leaving customers with no choice of provider, while the state government sets the rates. Palmetto Promise Institute has long advocated for Limited Retail Choice (LRC). This proven reform allows customers to purchase electricity from alternative suppliers rather than being locked into service
As we all know, energy demand is a pressing issue for South Carolina. According to EIA data, South Carolina energy rates went up more than 9% last year and show no sign of slowing down. That being said, South Carolina has historically boasted energy rates below the national average, a trait that makes it very attractive to both manufacturers and residents. Recently, PPI laid out a case for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a primary solution to this
