Electric cooperative leaders swarmed the state capitol last week for an annual event that was formally dedicated as “Electric Cooperative Day at the State House.”
Co-op CEOs, trustees and staff — including linemen — spent quality time with their representatives in the State House lobby and at a luncheon on the capitol complex grounds. Both the House and Senate passed resolutions honoring the co-ops for their service to rural South Carolina, including their heroic response to Hurricane Helene last fall.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Sen. Michael Gambrell noted that co-ops had restored power to all their members just two weeks after Helene took down half the co-op system.
“That’s a testament to your work ethic,” Gambrell said. “That’s a testament to what you mean to the state of South Carolina.”
The co-ops also met with Gov. Henry McMaster, who last month honored cooperative linemen for their work after Helene.
“I appreciate you being here and appreciate what you do,” the governor told an assembly of co-op trustees in his office. “The state depends on you. You are a great partner.”
The annual gathering at the State House came just a day after the S.C. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that would help South Carolina bring more power capacity online by speeding up permitting for generation and transmission projects. The State newspaper published a breakdown of the bill’s major points.
ECSC had photographers on hand to document the occasion. You can find a photo gallery of the 2025 Co-op Day at the State House here.
Source: South Carolina Living magazine