In a contentious decision, the South Carolina Public Utility Commission voted to approve a rate increase for one of the state's major power companies on Thursday, February 17, 2026. The decision comes after months of hearings and debates between the utility company, consumer advocacy groups, and regulators.The power company, which provides electricity to millions of customers across the state, had requested the rate increase citing rising costs of infrastructure improvements and maintenance. The increase, which will amount to an average of 5% on customers' monthly bills, is said to be necessary to ensure the reliability and stability of the state's energy grid.Consumer advocacy groups, however, argued that the rate increase was unjustified and would place an undue burden on low-income and fixed-income customers. They pointed to the power company's recent profits and executive bonuses as evidence that the increase was unnecessary.Despite the opposition, the Public Utility Commission ultimately sided with the power company, stating that the rate increase was necessary to ensure the continued provision of reliable and affordable electricity to customers. The decision was met with disappointment from consumer advocacy groups, who have vowed to continue fighting for lower rates and greater accountability from the state's utilities.This decision comes at a time of increasing scrutiny and debate over public utility regulation in South Carolina. With growing concerns about climate change, the reliability of the state's energy grid, and the affordability of electricity, regulators are facing increasing pressure to balance the needs of both utility companies and consumers.The rate increase is set to go into effect in the coming months, with customers seeing their bills rise as early as April. As the debate over public utility regulation in South Carolina continues, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact consumers and the state's energy landscape in the years to come.