Resources

Utilities

Investor owned utilities in South Carolina are regulated by the Public Service Commission, a seven-member body elected by the state’s General Assembly.  The Public Service Commission grants certificates of public convenience and necessity, sets rates, and approves siting applications.

The Public Service Commission is a quasi-judicial body governed by the Code of Judicial Conduct.  The Office of Regulatory Staff, an independent agency, represents the public interest before the Public Service Commission.  The state’s Consumer Advocate may also intervene in rate cases.

Electric cooperatives in South Carolina are self-governed and are generally not regulated by the Public Service Commission.  The Public Service Commission also does not regulate utilities run by public service districts or governmental bodies.

• South Carolina Utility News Digest– a blog published by the Terreni Law Firm, LLC.
• State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee
• Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina
• Public Service Commission of South Carolina
  • PSC Docket Management System
  • PSC Calendar of Meetings and Hearings
  • PSC Order Index
  • E-Tariff Page
  • SC Utility Consumer

• The Office of Regulatory Staff
  • Consumer Services
  • Staff Directory

• South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

While the S.C. Supreme Court certifies mediators and arbitrators in South Carolina, certification is not required to serve as a mediator or an arbitrator.  Parties may choose their own neutrals.  Court annexed ADR processes are governed by the Supreme Court’s ADR Rules.  Arbitration forums such as the American Arbitration Association also have their own rules governing dispute resolution.

• South Carolina Supreme Court ADR Rules
• American Arbitration Association

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) operates the largest securities dispute resolution forum in the United States.  FINRA arbitrates disputes between securities brokers, firms, and customers.  FINRA arbitrations are conducted before three-person panels of arbitrators, for claims over $100,000 or a single arbitrator, for claims up to $100,000. FINRA has both public and industry arbitrators.  The makeup of FINRA arbitration panels depends on the type of case; it is possible for an investor case to be arbitrated by an all-public panel.  FINRA also offers mediation services.

• Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Election, Campaign, Ethics and Public Interest Law

The South Carolina General Assembly conducts redistricting every ten years following the decennial census.  Local governments, such as county councils, city councils, and school boards conduct similar decennial redistricting.

Election protests in South Carolina are heard by the State Election Commission, county or city election commissions or by the executive committees of political parties depending on the race.

The State Ethics Commission resolves civil complaints involving the state’s ethics and campaign finance laws.  The State Ethics Commission also has the authority to issue advisory opinions to individuals requesting guidance on compliance.

• South Carolina General Assembly
• South Carolina Governor
• SC Supreme Court
• SC Election Commission
• SC Ethics Commission
• SC State Government
• Federal Election Commission
• US Census Bureau
• US Supreme Court

Disclaimer

Information and links to websites or informational resources are provided as a convenience only, and are not legal advice.  The Terreni Law Firm, LLC is not responsible for the contents of these websites or materials.