Comparing the Proposed Benefits of Electricity Deregulation in South Carolina to the Electricity Deregulation Outcomes Experienced in Maryland: A Primer on Electricity Deregulation in South Carolina for Residential Ratepayers

Abstract

This project provides a historical overview of regulated and deregulated electricity markets in the United States, South Carolina, and Maryland, along with a comparative analysis of the proposed benefits of electricity deregulation for ratepayers in South Carolina based on the findings and recommendations of the South Carolina Market Reform Measures Study Report (SCMRMSR) to the outcomes of electricity deregulation experienced by Maryland ratepayers. The historical overview of regulated and deregulated electricity markets and the results of the SCMRMSR provide the foundation necessary to appreciate a comparative analysis of the proposed benefits of electricity deregulation to South Carolina ratepayers as stated in the SCMRMSR to the actual outcomes of electricity deregulation experienced by Maryland ratepayers. This project intentionally refrains from making judgments or recommendations about electricity deregulation in South Carolina and Maryland, as this project aims to educate rather than persuade.