MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – The Santee Cooper Board of Directors today approved $1.7 billion in non-fuel operations and maintenance costs and capital spending for 2026, as part of its annual budget review for the utility.
Of that total, approximately $1.1 billion is for capital needs, primarily for transmission and distribution systems and system-wide improvements.
Including anticipated fuel and purchased power needs for the electric system, financing costs and payments in lieu of taxes, Santee Cooper is budgeting $3.8 billion for 2026. The fuel and purchased power budget is $1.2 billion, or about 44% of anticipated electric system needs.
“This budget supports our strategic objectives and priorities as we work to meet growing customer demand while also continuing to invest in improvements and necessary maintenance on our electric and water systems. We’re growing alongside South Carolina’s communities and businesses while also providing the safe, reliable and affordable service our customers expect and deserve,” said Jimmy Staton, Santee Cooper President and CEO.