2024 Top Utilities in Economic Development

COLUMBIA, SC (October 21, 2024) — The South Carolina Power Team has been named one of the Top Utilities in Economic Development by Site Selection magazine for the eighth consecutive year. This recognition underscores the South Carolina Power Team’s commitment to driving economic growth, supporting business expansions and enhancing community development throughout the region, with the support of the state’s 19 electric cooperatives.

Each year, Site Selection evaluates utilities nationwide, recognizing those that excel in infrastructure investment, job creation and economic development initiatives. The South Carolina Power Team’s continued recognition is a testament to the hard work of its dedicated team and its partnerships with the state’s electric cooperatives, local and state economic development agencies and community leaders.

In 2023, the South Carolina Power Team, in partnership with our electric cooperatives, facilitated more than $2.3 billion in corporate facility investments and supported the creation of 1,953 new jobs. These projects contributed 700 megawatts of new electric load to the electric cooperative system in South Carolina.

“We are honored to be named a top utility in economic development once again,” said James Chavez, President and CEO of the South Carolina Power Team. “This recognition reflects our commitment to driving economic growth and creating opportunities that elevate the electric cooperative-served communities and the entire state of South Carolina. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and are excited to continue building on this momentum.”

The South Carolina Power Team continues to prioritize workforce development through initiatives like the Upskill Incentive, which offsets training costs for businesses investing in new equipment and skills for their employees. In 2023, the program awarded eight grants totaling more than $95,000.

Since 2014, the Site Readiness Fund (SRF) has leveraged more than $224 million in matching dollars to develop industrial properties. In 2023, three major projects were announced on SRF-supported sites, accounting for $1.87 billion in capital investment and 137 new jobs.

About South Carolina Power Team

The South Carolina Power Team is powering growth in electric cooperative territory. It is a full-service, non-profit economic development organization representing the state’s 19 consumer-owned electric cooperatives.

The South Carolina Power Team was created by and for its members. The services they provide and the role they play in preparing communities for growth, investment attraction and job creation have been carefully crafted to play a critical role in the economic development process.