Help paying your electric bill in South Carolina
South Carolina got $49.4 million in the HHS table, about $24 for each of its 2,070,390 households. Income limit 60% of state median income; public line 803-734-0662. Heating help reached 17,420 households in FY2024.
Who to call in South Carolina
- South Carolina LIHEAP public line803-734-0662
- State program siteoeo.sc.gov/managedsites/prd/oeo/programs.html
- Public Service Commission of South Carolina803-896-5100 · psc.sc.gov (links checked 2026-10-02)
How heavy is the energy bill in South Carolina?
10.0% of income in low-income households, 2.4% overall. Ranking, South Carolina prices.
| Group | Count | South Carolina detail | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 60% of median income | 542,488 households | 10.0% of income; $1,857 a year on $18,514 | rank 14 of 51 |
| All households | 2,023,085 households | 2.4%; $2,056 on $85,581 | rank 27 of 51 |
| Below poverty line | 293,507 households | 14.2% of 2,070,390 | U.S. 12.5%; rank 9 of 51 |
| Home price 2025 | 14.96 ¢/kWh | bill $161 a month at 1,076 kWh | U.S. 17.30 ¢, $152 |
CSV
CSVWhere South Carolina's low-income bills bite hardest
- Highest burden: Allendale County 16.5% (1,589 households); Bamberg County 15.2% (2,058 households); Barnwell County 15.2% (3,416 households); Calhoun County 15.0% (1,941 households).
- Most low-income households: Greenville County 46,071 (8.2%); Richland County 44,839 (11.9%); Horry County 36,506 (7.5%).
46 counties.
South Carolina in numbers
- South Carolina ranks 43rd of 51 on FY26 LIHEAP dollars per household ($24), 9th on households below the poverty line (14.2%) and 14th on low-income energy burden (10.0%).
- Per household below the poverty line (293,507 of them) the FY26 funds come to $168, rank 45th of 51: 9% of a typical year's electricity ($1,931). (even split, not a payment amount)
- 53,927 households got help in FY2022 against 542,488 at or below 60% of state median income in the 2022 LEAD file: about 10% (mixed years).
- Average heating benefit FY2022: $1,000, 52% of that year.
- Heating season: October 1 - April 30. Counted FY2024: heating, cooling, crisis, weatherization.
- Neighbours: FY26 dollars per household run from $24 (Georgia) to $25 (North Carolina); low-income burden from 8.4% (North Carolina) to 8.8% (Georgia). South Carolina: $24 and 10.0%.
LIHEAP in South Carolina: money, limits, people helped
| Measure | South Carolina | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Funds FY2026 | $49,367,067 = $44,430,360 + $0 IIJA + $4,936,707 | FY26 table |
| Income limit | 60% State Median Income Weatherization: 200% Federal Poverty Level | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
| Benefits FY2026 | Heating: $200 minimum, $850 maximum Cooling: $200 minimum, $775 maximum Crisis: $1,000 maximum | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
| Helped FY2024 | Heating: 17,420 Cooling: 3,994 Crisis: 36,538 Weatherization: 476 | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
| Program dates | Heating: October 1 - April 30 Cooling: April 1 - September 30 Crisis: Year-round Weatherization: April 1 - September 30 | snapshot 20 Apr 2026 |
CSV
CSVAm I likely eligible in South Carolina?
South Carolina sets its limit at 60% of state median income; no estimate here. Median household income is $66,818.
Shutoff rules and moratoria in South Carolina
South Carolina: cold weather by none listed; hot weather by none listed; health or age needs yes.
| Protection | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Health or age needs | Those with special needs can receive a certificate that allows them to receive their electrical utilities despite being unable to make the installments. |
Clearinghouse, April 2026; cites South Carolina Rural Development Act of 1996 - Section 58-27-250.
Rule text read, 2 October 2026: S.C. Code Regs. 103-342 and 103-352 (Procedures for Termination of Service); 103-345. SC rule requires 10 days' mailed notice, a deferred plan (at least 1/6 of balance over up to 6 months), and a final reminder 2-3 business days before. December-March, a physician certificate of health danger plus inability to pay blocks termination for 31 days, renewable three times. Disconnections only Monday-Thursday daytime. Quote: “service to a residential customer during the months of December through March will not be terminated where such customer”. Source: text of the rule (Cornell LII).
| Point | South Carolina: S.C. Code Regs. 103-342 and 103-352 (Procedures for Termination of Service); 103-345 |
|---|---|
| Winter / cold | December through March: no termination of residential service if customer or household member furnishes a physician-signed certificate that termination would be especially dangerous to health, plus customer states inability to pay by installments. Not a blanket ban; no temperature trigger found. |
| Who is protected | Physician certificate (at least 3 days before termination or to crew at time) valid 31 days from physician signature, renewable up to 3 times for 30 days each. Special needs customers terminated only per S.C. Code 58-27-2510 et seq. (cited in rule, not read). |
| Notice | At least 10 days mailed notice of termination with payment/installment info and ORS contact; also reasonable effort to phone or visit no more than 2 business days before, or mail notice no more than 3 business days before. Termination only Mon-Thu, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., not day before office closure. |
| Payment plan | Utility must arrange a deferred payment plan for residential customers unable to pay: not less than 1/6 of balance, term not over 6 months, customer keeps account current; no termination unless customer informed of plan. |
| Who the rule covers | Rules refer to 'the electrical utility' under SC Public Service Commission (ch. 103 Electric Systems); co-op/muni coverage not read. |
| Complaints | Complaints to Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) investigation (103-352(a)(4)); service not discontinued while ORS investigates; customer may request commission hearing in writing within 15 days of ORS results (103-345). Phone not read in this session. |
Not found in the text we read: heat; verify with the commission. Did not read S.C. Code 58-27-2510 et seq., utility tariffs or co-ops; 103-352 reflects 2024 amendment.
Paraphrase, not legal advice. Rules change; see the shutoff rules guide.
Utility and state bill programs in South Carolina
None listed for South Carolina in the snapshot of 20 Apr 2026; ask the utility.
Next to South Carolina
Georgia, North Carolina. Most FY26 funds per household: North Carolina, $25. South Carolina: $24. All 51.
South Carolina on the map
5 steps if you get a shutoff notice in South Carolina
- Note the notice date.
- Call the utility (Public Service Commission of South Carolina sets rules).
- Call 803-734-0662 or 211.
- Ask about none listed-based or health protection.
- Unresolved: Public Service Commission of South Carolina, 803-896-5100.
Sources
Linked above; list on the hub.
Last verified: 2 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Questions
Can South Carolina utilities cut power in winter or summer?
none listed for cold; none listed for heat.
How big is the energy burden in South Carolina?
10.0% of income for low-income households, 2.4% for all; $1,857 a year for the first group.
How many South Carolina households got energy help?
53,927 in FY2022, 17,420 heating in FY2024, average heating benefit $1,000.
Is LIHEAP money enough for a South Carolina bill?
$168 per poor household, 9% of $1,931.
How much LIHEAP money does South Carolina get?
$49.4 million in FY2026, $24 per household, rank 43 of 51.
What income limit does South Carolina use for LIHEAP?
60% of state median income; median household income $66,818; FY2022 heating standard 150% for four.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in South Carolina?
Call 803-734-0662. Site: https://oeo.sc.gov/managedsites/prd/oeo/programs.html