Bill would reform electric co-ops after spending scandal

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – A new bill at the Statehouse would allow a state watchdog agency to review South Carolina’s electric cooperatives for the first time.

The bill would allow the Office of Regulatory Staff to audit a co-op and let them know if they were spending their money properly and following state law. Regulators couldn’t change rates.

Democratic state Rep. Russell Ott of St. Matthews told The State newspaper that the paper’s coverage of excessive spending by Tri-County Electric prompted the proposal , which is in a House committee.

The bill also would require co-ops to post their board members pay, benefits and expenses on its websites, post notices of meetings 10 days in advance and have early voting for board members.