COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Public Service Commission of South Carolina has approved an application by South Carolina Water Utilities (SCWU) to expand its service territory to support the upcoming Scout Motors manufacturing facility at Blythewood Industrial Park.
The approval authorizes a memorandum of understanding between SCWU, Richland County and the City of Columbia, establishing a framework for wastewater service rights and addressing potential conflicts over service areas as development continues in the region.
The Scout Motors facility is expected to generate thousands of new jobs in Richland County and contribute to the area’s economic growth.
SCWU President Craig Sorensen said the agreement will help ensure the infrastructure needed to support future development is in place.
“The partnership between SCWU, Richland County, and the City of Columbia serves the public interest by promoting growth while ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place for our future,” Sorensen said. “This approval by the PSC ensures that local needs for wastewater services are met efficiently and effectively.”
The service territory expansion builds on existing franchise agreements and the Central Midlands Council of Governments Water Quality Management Plan.
According to SCWU, the PSC determined that the changes would not disrupt existing utility services and are consistent with efforts to support coordinated growth in Richland County.
SCWU is the state’s largest private provider of water and wastewater services, serving thousands of customers across the Lowcountry, Midlands, Piedmont and Upstate. The company recently completed a consolidation with Blue Granite Water Company, described as the largest water utility consolidation in state history.
