SC utilities say energy use down, despite the heat
The State reported the four major utilities serving South Carolina say energy use is either flat or down a bit, compared to last summer.
South Carolina Electric & Gas says residential use is down about 2 percent. Spokesman Robert Yanity says the economy is affecting the utility's 650,000 customers in the Midlands and Lowcountry.
State-owned utility Santee Cooper says peak use has been down 10 percent this year, compared to the hottest days last year.
Duke Energy's Paige Sheehan says the Charlotte utility expects sales to be flat. Duke has 600,000 customers in the Upstate.
Progress Energy says residential sales are growing, but industrial sales have dropped. Progress has about 200,000 customers in the Pee Dee.
Related News

Crews have restored power to more than 32,000 Gulf Power customers
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLA. - Less than 24 hours ago, Hurricane Micheal devastated the residents in the Florida Panhandle with its heavy winds, rainfall and storm surge.
Gulf Power crews worked quickly through the night to restore power to their customers.
Linemen crews were dispatched from numerous of cities all over the U. S. to help those impacted by Hurricane Michael.
According to Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power spokesperson; “This was an unprecedented storm, and our customers will see an unprecedented response from Gulf Power. The destruction we’ve seen so far to this community and our electrical system is devastating — we’re seeing damage across…