Major Overhaul of Santee Cooper Board in South Carolina

News Summary

Governor Henry McMaster plans to make significant changes to the Santee Cooper utility board by replacing nearly half of its members, many of whom were involved in the V.C. Summer nuclear project’s failures. Six nominees have been submitted for confirmation by the state Senate, including former U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan. This shake-up aims to improve management and accountability following the controversial nuclear project collapse. The governor also supports seeking investors for the unfinished reactors, with a deadline for proposals set for May 5.

Big Changes Coming to Santee Cooper Board in South Carolina!

Columbia, South Carolina—Exciting times are ahead for Santee Cooper as Governor Henry McMaster gears up to make some major changes to the utility board! In an unexpected move, the governor plans to replace nearly half of the current board members, a decision that has sparked conversation across the state. This fresh start aims to remove the remaining directors who were at the helm during the infamous collapse of the V.C. Summer nuclear project.

A New Slate of Nominees Submitted

On March 25, Governor McMaster officially submitted a list of six nominees to the S.C. Senate, who will soon be stepping into new roles at Santee Cooper. His office assured everyone that these appointments are seen as routine and they are optimistic about a swift confirmation from the Senate. Among the nominees, former U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan stands out with his political experience, which could bring a valuable perspective to the board.

The proposed board members also include the likes of Robert Bolchoz, a respected Columbia lawyer and previous chairman of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. Brian Frerichs, a financial planner from Sumter, and James P. “Pat” Howle, the retired CEO of Horry Electric Cooperative, are also part of this exciting new team. Rounding out the list are Timothy M. Tilley, who is president of EnviroSep in Georgetown, and Hugh L. Wilcox Jr., a Florence attorney.

What’s the Big Picture?

The shake-up involves replacing directors whose terms have expired, including Kristofer Clark, Stephen Mudge, Charles “Herb” Leaird, Dan Ray, David Singleton, and Merrell W. Floyd. You might be wondering why all this is happening now. Well, it stems from the aftermath of the V.C. Summer nuclear expansion project, which was tragically abandoned in mid-2017, leading to extensive financial losses for Santee Cooper.

After that setback, Governor McMaster began advocating for the privatization of Santee Cooper, hoping to find better management options moving forward. In 2020, a reform bill was passed that introduced stricter oversight from the legislature and mandated the introduction of new directors, specifically those appointed after 2018.

Future Plans and Extended Terms

S.C. Senator Larry Grooms has expressed his respect for the governor’s decision, particularly in replacing directors with expired terms. He also mentioned that the confirmation hearings for these new nominees could take some time—possibly more than a month! On top of all this, McMaster has suggested extending the terms for two recently appointed directors, Charles Dalton and Stacy Taylor, until 2029, ensuring consistency during this transitional period.

What has many still talking is that the governor also supports Santee Cooper’s efforts to seek out investors interested in completing the unfinished reactors at V.C. Summer. If everything goes smoothly, a response deadline for potential investors has been set for May 5, which could pave the way for exciting new developments!

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the proposed shake-up of the Santee Cooper board is a bold step toward revitalization and accountability. As changes loom on the horizon, the community is eager to see how these new nominees will shape the future of energy in South Carolina! Keep an eye out for the upcoming Senate hearings and any new updates as this story unfolds, because you won’t want to miss what happens next!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

South Carolina Jury Awards $700 Million to Drexel Family
Dominion Energy Supports Small Businesses in South Carolina
South Carolina Jury Awards $700 Million to Drexel Family
Fairfield County Residents Support Nuclear Power Expansion
South Carolina Revives V.C. Summer Nuclear Project
Santee Cooper’s Ambitious Plans to Revive VC Summer Nuclear Project
South Carolina’s Nuclear Expansion Faces Renewed Interest
Governor McMaster Advocates for VC Summer Nuclear Revival
Renewed Interest in South Carolina’s Nuclear Power Reactors
Exploring the Future of Nuclear Energy in South Carolina

Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Big Changes Coming to Santee Cooper Board
• Wikipedia: Santee Cooper
• SC Daily Gazette: Gov. Henry McMaster Wants SC to Usher in a Nuclear Power Renaissance
• Google Search: Santee Cooper nuclear project
• The State: Environment Section News Article
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Nuclear Power
• WLTX: Failed VC Summer Nuclear Project Could See New Life
• Google News: Santee Cooper changes