Calling all CMNA Members- The Beidler Forest Needs Our Help...

Santee Cooper is a state-owned electric utility that is proposing a new transmission line to transport power to its customers. Santee Cooper has had a 125-foot right of way through Francis Beidler Forest since the 1940s, where there is an existing transmission line now. They are proposing to build another, higher-voltage line in their right of way.

To construct the line, Santee Cooper is proposing to clear their entire right of way, including portions that have not been cleared for decades, if ever, and to remove “danger trees”—trees that could fall on the line—up to 100 feet on either side of the right-of-way. The construction and maintenance of this new transmission line would affect portions of the original-growth cypress forest, wetlands, and state-listed species like the spotted turtle.

This is a photo from the proposed clearing area.

What can you do?

For more information, you can contact the Commission at 803-896-5100 and ask for information about Docket Number 2025-177-E, or view the docket on its website at https://dms.psc.sc.gov/Web/Dockets/Detail/119400/. To weigh in on the transmission line proposal, email contact@psc.sc.gov or write to “Public Service Commission of South Carolina, 101 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, South Carolina 29210,” with a copy to “Stephen Pelcher, Santee Cooper, 1 Riverwood Drive, Moncks Corner, South Carolina, 29461.”