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Santee Cooper and USC to partner on solar energy

Santee Cooper and USC to partner on solar energy

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. - Santee Cooper, the state-owned utility, has entered a partnership with The University of South Carolina to implement solar energy technology at the Blatt Physical Education Center, located at 1300 Wheat Street in Columbia.

This partnership is a part of the implementation of Santee Cooper's next phase of a multi-tiered renewable resource plan which includes the use of solar energy. The company recently announced solar projects with Coastal Carolina University and Clemson University as well.

A 25kW photovoltaic solar array, which will also serve as a shade screen, will be mounted above an elevated walkway overlooking the intramural playing fields at the Center. The system will be connected to the USC electric grid. An interactive and educational kiosk beneath the panels will describe the system and its operation, and system information will also be available via an internet website.

Lonnie Carter, president and chief executive officer for Santee Cooper said, "Working with USC is an opportunity to support the use of innovative technology to conserve our natural resources, reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources and engage in environmentally-friendly projects." Santee Cooper is providing $250,000 to USC through a grant for the project, which is expected to be complete in September 2006.

"Showcasing this project on campus demonstrates to our students, faculty and the community that using the sun to generate power makes good use of our natural resources and reduces long-term injury to the environment," stated Dr. Jeff Morehouse, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at USC. "Institutions of higher education should be leaders in the use of technology that will make our world a better place to live."

Santee Cooper entered the arena of Green Power in 2001, being the first electric in South Carolina to offer electricity which is made from renewable resources, like solar, wind and decomposing garbage at a landfill. "Our interest in renewable power generation reflects our progressive stance on protecting the environment while delivering quality products and services to our customers," said Carter.

Santee Cooper recently announced a five-year, statewide, multi-tiered renewable resource plan:

* Solar projects at state universities and in various South Carolina regions
* Potential wind demo projects
* Continuation of landfills across South Carolina

The University of S.C. is a part of the Sustainable Universities Initiative. The S.C. Sustainable Universities Initiative (SUI) was created in 1998 and member schools pledge to cooperate in leading the way toward a more sustainable future through teaching, research, community service and facilities management. To date, 13 four-year and technical schools have joined. SUI serves as a catalyst for activities that will make the universities and other educational institutions, and ultimately, the state as a whole, more sustainable.

Santee Cooper is South Carolina's state-owned electric and water utility and serves more than 150,000 residential and commercial customers in Berkeley, Georgetown and Horry counties. The utility also generates the power distributed by the state's 20 electric cooperatives to more than 665,000 customers in all 46 counties. Santee Cooper is the largest provider of electricity to South Carolinians. All total, more than two million South Carolinians receive their power directly or indirectly from Santee Cooper. For more information, visit www.santeecooper.com

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