Utilities are taking steps to allow for a return to normal business operations, while continuing to provide flexibility and assistance to consumers. View the ORS Utility Consumer Alert and the sections below for more information.
Utility Contact Information
If you are behind on your utility service payments, do not wait until you receive a notice of disconnection to discuss payment options. Contact your utility as soon as possible.
- South Carolina Electric Utilities—Contact Information
- South Carolina Natural Gas Utilities—Contact Information
- South Carolina Telecommunications Providers – Contact Information
Deferred Payment Plans
To help consumers, the PSC has allowed regulated utilities the ability to offer consumers a longer deferred payment plan to pay utility bills.
“Safety Net” Programs
Regulated electric and natural gas utilities offer “safety net” programs or benefits to help consumers in certain situations who may struggle to pay their bills.
Financial Assistance
The ORS does not provide direct financial assistance but can share resources to help consumers with managing utility bills. Consumers are encouraged to contact local community organizations after contacting their utility to ask about financial assistance.
- Contact your local Community Action Agency or fill out the South Carolina Community Action Network Online Application for:
- The Salvation Army Energy Assistance program provides support for consumers with immediate energy assistance needs. For more information, please contact Salvation Army Energy Assistance.
- The SC Department on Aging’s GetCareSC website lists providers that may be able to offer financial assistance with paying utility bills.
- The US Department of Veterans Affairs has made rental or utility assistance funding available to qualified South Carolina veterans through the Alston Wilkes Society’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.
- United Way’s SC 211 lists additional local resources to help consumers with utility bills. Use their website to search for assistance funding from local churches, non-profits, and other agencies.
- United Way launches ‘Keep the Lights On’ to help Greenville County families facing utility crisis
- Those who qualify for SC Housing's SC Stay Plus program may receive up to 12 months of assistance for late rent payments and late utility payments dating back to March 13, 2020.
- The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
- Additionally, use the Energy Office's Energy Saver Tool to help you determine what opportunities may be available to you.
ORS Consumer Services
If you’ve spoken with your utility, and the utility is regulated by the PSC and the ORS, and you still need help, ORS Consumer Services can contact the utility on your behalf. ORS can check to see whether the utility has followed all applicable regulations. The ORS can also direct you to social services agencies that may have available funds to assist with your utility bills.
Utility Scams
Consumers need to recognize scams. Utility companies will not call and threaten disconnection of service. If you see a scam, report the scam immediately.