South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) represents the public interest of South Carolina in utility regulation for the major utility industries – electric, natural gas, telecommunications, transportation, and water/wastewater. The ORS also represents the public interest in safety oversight of the pipeline and railroad systems. The public interest, as defined by the SC General Assembly, is as follows: The concerns of the using and consuming public with respect to public utility services, regardless of the class of customer, and preservation of continued investment in and maintenance of utility facilities so as to provide reliable and high-quality utility services. Beyond regulatory responsibilities, the ORS is home to the State Energy Office, the Equipment Distribution Program (SCEDP), the Broadband Office (SCBBO), and the Digital Opportunity Department (SCDOD). The ORS also supports the SC Emergency Management Division through Emergency Support Function 12 (ESF-12).