Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. is an electric cooperative in Columbia, SC. It is a wholesale electric generation and transmission cooperative owned by the 19 independent, consumer-owned electric distribution cooperatives in SC. Established in 1948, the organization provides wholesale power and transmission solutions to its member-cooperatives, helping them compete in a complex industry by negotiating long-term power supply contracts, coordinating transmission access, facilitating demand-response programs, and managing fuel and market risk. The cooperative and its members serve more than 2 million South Carolinians across all 46 counties, covering 70% of the state’s land mass.

Central sources wholesale power primarily through long-term contracts with Santee Cooper, Duke Energy Carolinas, and the Southeastern Power Administration. Santee Cooper’s Coordination Agreement supplies approximately 79% of the electricity, while Duke Energy’s Power Purchase Agreement provides 20%. The cooperative has diversified its generation mix, with about 63% of energy needs met by zero-carbon or reduced carbon-emitting resources in 2024. It manages an extensive transmission system comprising over 900 miles of lines and has invested in new solar capacity, including 200MW under development with an additional 1,500MW planned for the combined Santee Cooper and Central system.

The leadership team includes President and CEO Rob Hochstetler, who has served since 2014, and Executive Vice President of Administration and CFO Ryan Thomas. Outside General Counsel Alex Hall provides strategic counsel on legal matters. The cooperative also supports economic development through the Site Readiness Fund, incentive offerings, grant programs, and the SC Power Team. These collaborative efforts aim to share the benefits of expanding industries among all 19 cooperatives to reduce power costs for consumers statewide. Central also provides resource and transmission planning expertise to support large-scale industrial projects and coordinates the necessary electric infrastructure to serve them.

Central has been named one of the best places to work by the S.C. Chamber of Commerce for eight consecutive years. The cooperative adopted a new rate structure for large consumers requiring 20 megawatts or more, featuring 15-year minimum-term contracts with early termination penalties. Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. delivers reliable, affordable power to SC’s rural and suburban communities through a diverse energy portfolio and strategic infrastructure investments.

BizScoreAI gives Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. a Technical score of 89 out of 100, which ensures the website is secure and readable for search engines. The cooperative also earns a Content Quality score of 75 out of 100, meaning the site clearly answers customer questions so AI assistants can quote it directly.

Services:

• Power Delivery
• Renewables and Sustainability Projects
• Wholesale Electric Service