SC Electric Co-ops Close Incentive Gap for Commercial Members

배경:  Manufacturing contributes 16% of South Carolina’s gross domestic product (GDP). The state aggressively recruits new industry, and encourages existing industries to expand, with a variety of incentives including rewards for the creation of new jobs.

도전:  In South Carolina, it is common for manufacturers to make capital investments in new machinery or equipment upgrades that expand production capacity, but do not create new jobs. While the investments may qualify for certain property tax incentives, the manufacturer is not able to access many discretionary incentive programs due to the lack of new job creation. New machinery often requires existing employees to be trained. There is no grant program that offers reimbursement for training existing employees on new equipment.

해결책:  To address the identified gap in incentives for its commercial members, South Carolina’s 19 electric cooperatives directed the South Carolina Power Team (SCPT) to develop the Upskill Incentive. Funded by the electric cooperatives and administered by SCPT, the Upskill Incentive is a grant program. Industrial/commercial members of a South Carolina electric cooperative may apply for an Upskill Incentive award, a reimbursement for a portion of out-of-pocket costs to train existing employees on new or upgraded equipment.

결과:  In the first three years of the Upskill Incentive, SCPT approved more than $240,000 in grant awards for projects promising the upskilling of more than 500 workers at existing, co-op powered industries in South Carolina. Beyond measurable outcomes, the program fosters stronger companies, safer workplaces, higher wages, and an improved quality of life, benefiting not only the businesses and workers but also the broader electric cooperative membership base. The Upskill Incentive stands as a replicable model for communities nationwide facing similar incentive gaps and workforce challenges.