South Carolina Held Hearings for New Power Plant
Officials reviewed environmental permits for a major natural gas facility proposed in Colleton County.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Should local communities have the final say on large-scale industrial infrastructure projects in their area?
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services held public hearings regarding environmental permits for the proposed 2,200-megawatt Canadys Station natural gas power plant. The facility is intended to help meet the state's growing electricity demand.
Why it matters
The proposed plant is designed to provide power to more than 1 million homes, addressing the increasing energy needs across South Carolina. Developers also expect the project to generate significant property tax revenue for Colleton County.
The proposed natural gas plant is designed to generate 2,200 megawatts, enough electricity to power more than 1 million homes. The current stormwater permit application covers the initial clearing and grading of 107 acres of land.
The players
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
This state agency is responsible for reviewing environmental permits and conducting public hearings regarding industrial projects.
South Carolina Public Service Commission
This regulatory body has the authority to approve or deny applications for new energy infrastructure projects within the state.
The details
The facility is proposed for a site near the Edisto River that formerly hosted a coal-fired power plant. The South Carolina Public Service Commission has already approved the project, which may also see future infrastructure expansion to provide excess gas.
Timeline
Public hearings and availability sessions were held on September 22, 2026.
The deadline for the public to submit written comments to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services is September 29, 2026.
Market Landscape
The Canadys Station project represents a significant shift in regional utility infrastructure as the state transitions toward increased natural gas reliance. This move follows the regulatory framework set by the South Carolina Coastal Zone Consistency requirements.
Local residents in Colleton County may see changes to the landscape near the Edisto River as clearing and grading work commences. The project is intended to support long-term electricity reliability for households across the state.
The takeaway
The development of large-scale energy infrastructure requires balancing the state's growing demand for power with rigorous environmental oversight. Residents should monitor future agency updates to understand how the project's construction phases may impact the local ACE Basin region.
Further reading
For more background on regional infrastructure, visit South Carolina Utilities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Live5news.
Live Poll
Should local communities have the final say on large-scale industrial infrastructure projects in their area?
