(The Center Square) – South Carolina is 17th in energy affordability in the Energy Affordability 2026 report from the American Legislative Exchange Council.
ALEC released its analysis on Wednesday. North Dakota and Louisiana were the leaders in the review of electricity prices and energy affordability indicators is measured for each of the 50 states.
South Carolina was 22nd a year ago. The report uses the most recent information available for consistency; this means electricity price data is from 2024, and gasoline and diesel fuel prices are from 2025.
Additionally for context, the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, and the prices of fuel have climbed since. Global energy infrastructure has been impacted by the action and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
ALEC says, “South Carolina benefits from a generation mix led by nuclear energy, supported by natural gas and coal, with smaller contributions from solar and hydroelectric power. As a net exporter, the state produces more electricity than it consumes, helping maintain competitive retail rates.
“In 2014, the state established a net metering program and a Renewable Portfolio Standard of 2% renewable generation by 2021. This target was met and has not been expanded upon since. The absence of broad mandate-driven energy policies helps contain costs and preserve generation reliability.”
ALEC suggests statutory guidance with priority on affordability, reliability and domestic production “could further reinforce long-term grid stability cost stability and economic competitiveness.”
The report says the average retail price in cents per kilowatt-hour is 10.90. Total retail sales in megawatt-hours are 100.4 million.
Nuclear (54%), natural gas (23%), coal (17%), solar (3%) and hydroelectric (2%) represent the top generation sources.
The state does not have a cap-and-trade. This means permits are not issued for trade to incentives for emission reductions.
