our readers write

Ijust looked at my SCE&G bill. I should be happy for the credits resulting from the “H.4375 Decrement Rider.” I am, but the company did not include a refund of the franchise fee paid to West Columbia that was based on the charge SCE&G overcharged customers. I just spent an hour discussing this with SCE&G Customer Service and with their accounting department. Apparently, my evaluation of the issue is correct – that as customers we have been overcharged – but SCE&G’s position that, as with any franchise fee, they are simply an agent in the transaction. They collect money and pass it through.

After the conversation, I was even more concerned. Apparently SCE&G pays the city the anticipated amount in advance. The estimated 5% charge anticipated for 2017 was paid at the beginning of 2017 based on an estimate calculated on 2016. Any franchise fee based on overpayment has already been paid to the city. As I understand it, the overpayment of the franchise fee is owed to residents by the city. I think the issue is compounded when business’ bills are considered since state sales tax is charged on business utility use. If you have overpaid the city, Lexington County or South Carolina, you deserve a refund of that amount. When we consider the number of residential customers in West Columbia, say, and the number of businesses, if these overpayments are refunded. It will have a large impact of the city and state’s budgeting. I appreciate the time the SCE&G representative took explaining this but it is still a conundrum to me. I haven’t read all of your articles on SCE&G but this may be a facet that hasn’t been uncovered yet.

Ralph Jarrells, West Columbia

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