Two Lexington County senators will head efforts to decide Santee Cooper’s fate.

The taxpayer-owned giant that supplies powet to Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative is an estimated $8 billion in debt.

Half that is due to its partnership with SC Electric & Gas in a failed $9 billion nuclear project.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey and Minority Leader Nikki Setzler who represent Lexington County will lead the Santee Cooper Select Committee.

Senate President Harvey Peeler said, “Every option is on the table. I want this committee to do what is in the best interest of San-tee Cooper ratepayers and South Carolina taxpayers.”

Also appointed to the committee is Sen. Tom Davis, sponsor of bills to inject competition into the electric power industry.

SC ratepayers’ charges fir electricity ares among the highest in the US.

- Jerry Bellune