How South Carolina Electric & Gas Works and What to Know About Your Bill

South Carolina Electric & Gas is the main utility serving most of the state

South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCEG), part of the Dominion Energy family, supplies electricity and natural gas to roughly 3.5 million customers across South Carolina. If you live in the Midlands, Lowcountry, or parts of the Upstate, SCEG is likely your utility—meaning they own the lines running to your home, read your meter, and send your bill. Understanding how the company operates, what your bill covers, and how to manage your account helps you navigate service issues, understand charges, and find programs that may lower your costs.

SCEG operates under regulation by the South Carolina Public Service Commission, which reviews rate changes and service standards. This means you cannot choose a different electricity provider in SCEG's service area—the utility is a monopoly in its territory. However, you do have options for managing your account, reporting problems, and understanding what you owe.

Key Takeaways

• SCEG serves most of South Carolina and is the only electricity provider in its service territory, so you cannot switch companies based on price.
• Your bill includes the cost of electricity or gas, delivery charges, taxes, and sometimes seasonal adjustments or fuel surcharges that SCEG does not control.
• SCEG offers budget billing, which spreads your annual costs into equal monthly payments, and energy assistance programs for customers with low income.
• You can report outages, pay bills, and manage your account online through SCEG's website or by calling customer service.
• If you have a billing dispute or service complaint, the South Carolina Public Service Commission can investigate on your behalf at no cost.

What your SCEG bill includes

Your monthly bill breaks down into several parts. The energy charge is what you pay for the actual electricity or gas you used, calculated by multiplying your usage (in kilowatt-hours for electricity, therms for gas) by the rate per unit. This rate varies by season and customer type—residential rates differ from commercial rates, and some utilities charge more during peak summer or winter months.

The delivery charge covers the cost of maintaining the poles, wires, pipes, and equipment that bring energy to your home. This charge exists even if you use no energy in a given month. SCEG also adds taxes (state and local sales tax) and may include a fuel surcharge or cost recovery adjustment, which reflects changes in the wholesale cost of fuel or other factors SCEG passes through to customers. These adjustments are reviewed by the Public Service Commission and change periodically.

If you have a time-of-use rate plan or live in an area with demand charges, your bill may also reflect when you used energy (higher rates during peak hours) or the highest amount of power you drew in a single hour. Ask SCEG which rate structure applies to your account.

Budget billing and payment options

SCEG's Budget Billing program calculates your average monthly bill based on your usage over the past year and charges you the same amount each month. This smooths out seasonal spikes—so you do not pay $300 in July and $80 in April. Instead, you might pay $150 every month. At the end of the year, SCEG reconciles the difference: if you owe more, you pay it; if you overpaid, you receive a credit or refund.

To enroll in Budget Billing, contact SCEG through their website or by phone. You can also set up automatic payments from your bank account, which prevents late fees and ensures your bill is paid on time. SCEG accepts payment by phone, online, by mail, or in person at authorized payment locations.

If you struggle to pay your bill, SCEG offers the Energy Assistance Program for customers with household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty line. This program provides one-time bill payment assistance. You will need to contact SCEG or a local community action agency to learn about current availability and what documents to bring.

Reporting outages and service problems

When the power goes out, you can report it to SCEG through their website, mobile app, or by calling their outage line. SCEG's system will show you an estimated restoration time based on the outage's scope and location. During widespread outages, SCEG updates the website and app frequently; you can also sign up for text or email alerts about your specific outage.

If you experience a service problem—a meter that seems to run fast, a gas leak smell, a downed line near your property—report it immediately. For gas leaks or downed lines, call SCEG's emergency line right away. For billing or meter concerns, you can file a service request online or by phone, and SCEG will investigate.

If SCEG's response does not resolve your issue, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Public Service Commission. The Commission is an independent state agency that oversees utilities and can investigate disputes at no cost to you. You can file a complaint online at the PSC website or by mail.

Understanding rate changes and regulatory review

SCEG's rates are not set by the company alone. The South Carolina Public Service Commission reviews rate change requests and holds public hearings before approving them. When SCEG requests a rate increase, the PSC examines the company's costs, profits, and service quality. Customers and advocacy groups can participate in these hearings to voice concerns.

Rate changes typically take effect after PSC approval and are announced in advance. SCEG will notify you by mail or email if your rates are changing. You can read the details of any rate case on the PSC website, which posts all filings and hearing schedules.

Fuel surcharges and cost recovery adjustments may change more frequently than base rates—sometimes monthly or quarterly—because they reflect wholesale fuel costs or other pass-through expenses. These adjustments are also subject to PSC oversight, though the review process is faster than a full rate case.

Energy conservation and bill reduction programs

SCEG offers several programs designed to lower your energy use and reduce your bill. The Energy Efficiency Program provides rebates for upgrading to ENERGY STAR appliances, installing insulation, or improving your heating and cooling system. Rebate amounts vary by measure and change seasonally; check SCEG's website for current offers.

SCEG also runs a Home Energy Audit program in some areas, where a technician visits your home, identifies where you are losing energy, and recommends improvements. Some audits are free or low-cost depending on your income and location.

For customers with low income, SCEG's Weatherization Assistance Program may cover the cost of insulation, air sealing, or HVAC repairs. This program is often run in partnership with local community action agencies. Contact SCEG or your local agency to learn whether you may be may be able to access and how to request a weatherization visit.

Managing your account online and by phone

SCEG's website and mobile app let you view your current bill, pay online, set up automatic payments, report outages, and manage your account settings. You can also see your usage history, which helps you spot unusual spikes and understand seasonal patterns. Many customers use this data to identify which appliances or behaviors drive their bill up.

If you prefer to speak with someone, SCEG's customer service team is available by phone during business hours and through chat on the website. You can also visit an SCEG office or authorized payment location in person. When you call or visit, have your account number ready—it appears on your bill and speeds up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch to a different electricity provider in South Carolina?

Not in SCEG's service area. South Carolina does not have retail choice for electricity, meaning SCEG is the only provider in its territory. You cannot shop for a lower rate from another company. However, you can reduce your bill through conservation, rebate programs, and budget billing.

Why did my bill go up so much this month?

Seasonal changes are the most common cause—heating in winter and air conditioning in summer drive usage up. A fuel surcharge increase, a rate change, or an unusually hot or cold month can also raise your bill. Check your usage on the SCEG website to compare this month to last year. If usage looks normal but the bill is high, contact SCEG to ask about rate changes or surcharges.

How do I report a gas leak?

Call SCEG's emergency line immediately—the number is on your bill and on their website. Do not use your phone near the leak, do not light any flames, and leave the area if the smell is strong. SCEG will dispatch a technician to check for leaks and repair any problems at no cost.

What happens if I cannot pay my bill?

Contact SCEG before your bill is due to discuss payment options or hardship programs. SCEG may offer a payment plan, budget billing, or a one-time assistance payment through their Energy Assistance Program. The sooner you reach out, the more options you have—waiting until after disconnection is threatened limits your choices.

How do I file a complaint about SCEG?

Start by contacting SCEG directly to try to resolve the issue. If SCEG does not respond or you disagree with their answer, file a complaint with the South Carolina Public Service Commission online or by mail. The PSC will investigate at no cost and can order SCEG to take action or refund money if warranted.