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.