CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston wrapped up a new franchise deal with Dominion Energy South Carolina on Tuesday, Nov. 10. It supersedes the electric and gas agreements dating to 1996. The deal sets aside direct money for moving utility lines underground.
For 2026, the agreement lists a contribution of $1,286,770 from the city and the same amount from Dominion. Every year, each side is to commit 0.5 percent of Dominion’s electric sales inside the city, and the city would also match the utility dollar for dollar on each project. Projects that improve reliability and safety get priority, and City Council will approve the list of projects.
The agreement also changes how projects move up the list. Right now, burying lines cannot start until every affected property owner signs on, and neighborhoods can wait years. Under the new terms, a project that fails to lock down its easements in the six months after Dominion sends draft paperwork drops off the list, and the next one advances. Where a project touches over 25 customers, the city could set up an underground utility district.
The franchise lasts two decades and can be renewed once for 10 more years. In exchange for the right to provide service and work in public rights-of-way, Dominion pays the city a share of what it collects from customers, and the city says rates will not be hurt. Council gave first reading on Oct. 13 and passed second reading Oct. 27, then waited on final approval so residents could ask questions.
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