Central Electric Power Cooperative

What Central Electric Power Cooperative does

Central Electric Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative, founded in 1948 and headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. The company provides wholesale electric service to all 19 of South Carolina's electric distribution cooperatives, which collectively serve more than 2 million residents across 940,000+ meters and 70%+ of the state's land mass in all 46 counties. Central manages over 900 miles of transmission lines and coordinates power supply through long-dated contracts: approximately 79% of member power is sourced via the Santee Cooper Coordination Agreement (running through 2058), 20% via a Duke Energy Power Purchase Agreement (through 2045), and additional capacity from Southeastern Power Administration hydroelectric (200 MW) and the Catawba Nuclear Station PPA (2024–2043). Central also holds a 95 MW co-ownership stake in Duke Energy's 1,365 MW Anderson County natural gas combined-cycle plant (operations targeted early 2031) and is a partner in the 2,200 MW Canadys natural gas project.

The business operates on a cost-of-service model: as a member-owned cooperative, costs are passed through to members at cost without markup, with no equity holders extracting profit. Central's product portfolio is anchored by Wholesale Power Supply and Transmission Services, but increasingly includes demand-side and grid-innovation programs: the proprietary Demand Side Tools (DST) software platform (created in 2018) orchestrating thermostats, EV telematics, battery systems, generators, and load management devices; MeterHub (a member-facing metering data portal); Central File Hub; community solar (4.2 MW across 18 co-ops); GreenSC (market-based renewable energy credit program); EnergySmartSC (member education); Optiwatt EV-charging app; Peak Alerts demand response; and Broadband Infrastructure Services (pole attachments and excess fiber leasing under the SC Broadband Accessibility Act). Three 2026 pilots — residential battery, commercial generator (Generac Blue Pillar), and Optiwatt smart thermostat — are evaluating DER value stacking under alternative rate structures, with 700+ residential batteries already in the field (52% Tesla, 20% Generac, 11% Enphase). The portfolio is supported by 387 MW of solar under contract, 50 MW of battery energy storage (Ameresco), and a 2025 buildout of 11 transmission projects that delivered the highest reliability in over five years.

Commercially, Central sells exclusively to its 19 member co-ops on multi-year wholesale contracts (no direct retail customers), with a newly adopted Large Power User rate structure targeting 20+ MW data center and industrial loads under 15-year minimum contracts with prepayment. Generation mix has shifted dramatically: coal's share has been cut 42% since 2005, and in 2024 approximately 63% of member energy needs were met by zero- or reduced-carbon resources. The company is governed by a 38-member board of trustees (two per member co-op), has 101–250 employees, and has been named one of South Carolina's Best Places to Work for nine consecutive years (2017–2025). CEO Rob Hochstetler has led the organization since 2014.

Name

Central Electric Power Cooperative

Legal name

Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

Website

https://cepci.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Central Electric Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission cooperative, founded in 1948, providing wholesale electric power to all 19 South Carolina distribution cooperatives serving 2 million+ residents and 940,000+ meters across 70%+ of the state.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wholesale Electric Generation and Transmission Services

NAICS

Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution (22112), Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211), Solar Electric Power Generation (221114)

SIC

Electric Services (4911)

akta.pro primary industry

Electric Cooperatives (Rural/Member-Owned Utilities) (EUADABAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Green Tariffs & Utility Renewable Supply Programs (EUAGADAJ), PV Balance of System (BOS) & Electrical Infrastructure (Inverters, Transformers, Cabling, Substations) (EUACAGAC)

Keywords

• Wholesale power supply
• Generation transmission cooperative
• Demand response programs
• Renewable energy programs
• Transmission infrastructure services

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Wholesale Power Supply: Central provides wholesale electric power to 19 distribution cooperatives through long-term power supply contracts. As a not-for-profit cooperative, costs are passed through to members at cost-of-service rates without markup.
2. Transmission Services: Transmission services provided through agreements with Santee Cooper, Duke Energy, and SEPA. Central manages transmission access and delivery for member cooperatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Central Electric Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative that supplies wholesale electric power to all 19 South Carolina distribution cooperatives across 900+ miles of owned transmission lines. It sources power through long-term contracts with Santee Cooper (~79% through 2058), Duke Energy (~20% through 2045), and SEPA hydroelectric (200 MW monthly), and supports members with demand-side management programs, broadband infrastructure access, and grid-innovation initiatives including community solar, residential battery pilots, and EV charging management.

Product overview

Central Electric Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative that provides wholesale electric service to South Carolina's 19 electric distribution cooperatives. The company operates as a unified platform combining power supply procurement (through long-term contracts with Santee Cooper, Duke Energy, and SEPA), transmission infrastructure management, and demand-side programs. Key product offerings include: Demand Side Tools (DST) software platform managing thermostats, EV telematics, battery systems and generators; Community Solar (4.2 MW across 18 cooperatives); EnergySmartSC educational platform; GreenSC renewable energy credit program; Optiwatt EV charging app; Peak Alerts demand response; Smart Thermostat Program; MeterHub member-facing metering portal; Central File Hub document management; Broadband Infrastructure Services (pole attachments and fiber leasing); and C&I programs for commercial members. Generation resources include Catawba Nuclear, Sandersville Gas Combustion Turbines, Utility-Scale Batteries, Santa Rosa Combined Cycle, and approximately 387 MW of solar under contract.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EnergySmartSC: A campaign to help members understand distributed energy resources such as solar, electric vehicles, and generators while positioning cooperatives as Trusted Energy Advisors.
• GreenSC
• Demand Side Tools
• Central Spark
• Central Meter Hub

Products and services

• Wholesale Power Supply Services Wholesale electric generation and transmission (G&T) services that supply reliable, cost-effective power to 19 South Carolina distribution cooperatives through a diversified portfolio: Santee Cooper (~79%, agreement through 2058), Duke Energy (~20%, PPA through 2045), and SEPA hydroelectric (200 MW monthly), with co-ownership in new combined cycle generation.
• Transmission Services Operation, planning and construction of Central's 900+ miles of high-voltage transmission lines interconnecting with Santee Cooper, Duke Energy Carolinas, and Dominion Energy South Carolina, with delivery to all 19 member cooperatives. Includes active system planning, 11 transmission projects completed in 2025, and the Windsor-New Ellenton 115kV line targeted for 2029.
• Demand Side Tools (DST) Central's proprietary software platform developed to manage demand-side programs and devices across the cooperative system, including thermostats, EV telematics, battery systems, generators, and traditional load management devices. Flexible and cost-effective, designed for the cooperative model.
• Community Solar Community solar portfolio totaling 4.2 MW (generating approximately 42 GWh annually) developed across 18 member cooperatives in ground-mount and canopy configurations, allowing members to lease solar panels without installing systems on their own property.
• GreenSC Renewable Energy Credit Program Market-based renewable energy credit (M-REC) program designed to meet member owners' sustainability and renewable energy goals. Cooperatives opt in by specifying allocated amount and type of REC.
• Smart Thermostat Program Smart-thermostat based demand-side program using devices such as Nest, ecobee, and Honeywell to manage home heating and air conditioning during high-demand periods, reducing members' bills and grid strain; runs an Optiwatt-integrated pilot starting with ~200 co-op employee participants and expanding to up to 500 members.
• Peak Alerts Free, voluntary demand-response initiative where members sign up to receive alerts asking them to reduce electricity use during peak demand times. Central coordinates peak alert communications through its Demand Side Tools platform.
• Dual Fuel Heat Pump Program Rebate program offering members rebates for dual-fuel heat pump installations that replace gas heating systems, increase kWh sales, and avoid system peak usage; heat pump cuts off at a set temperature with gas furnace providing heat below that temperature.
• C&I Audit and Demand Management Program offering incentives to assist commercial and industrial member-owners in auditing their facilities' electrical power usage and identifying feasible solutions to reduce energy use and/or peak demand.
• C&I Lighting Program Incentives to commercial and industrial members that reduce the purchase price of premium, energy-efficient lighting products, lowering electric bills, improving lighting quality, and helping avoid costly new electric generation.
• Volvo Solar Project (Berkeley County) 6.5 MW AC solar power purchase agreement supporting Volvo's manufacturing site sustainability goals, operational since March 2020.
• Horry County Schools Solar Projects Rooftop solar installations at St. James Intermediate and Socastee Elementary in Horry County (combined 860 kW AC), enabling schools to offset energy needs and earn net metering credits.
• Broadband Infrastructure Services (Pole Attachments and Fiber Leasing) Access services for broadband and telecom providers operating under the South Carolina Broadband Accessibility Act. Transmission pole attachments priced at $140.49 per pole per year (annual billing) and excess dark fiber leasing at $62.39 per fiber per mile per month.
• MeterHub Member-facing portal providing transparency into metering data for member cooperatives, including reporting tools, data analytics, and meter validation information.
• Central File Hub Workspace portal for file management and collaboration for Central's member cooperatives, integrated into Central's cooperative services platform.
• Commercial Backup Generator Pilot Program Pilot program that taps commercial backup generators as distributed energy resources for grid resilience, targeting 25 MW of new DER capacity. Uses Generac Blue Pillar devices for control and measurement, enrolling commercial backup generators larger than 30 kW with $1,000 upfront incentive, $250 survey completion payment, and $7/kW per event payments.
• Residential Battery Pilot Pilot evaluating residential battery systems for members and the grid under alternative rate structures, with over 700 residential batteries deployed (approximately 52% Tesla, 20% Generac, 11% Enphase), average system size 7.5 kW and 17.7 kWh.
• Large Power User Rate (Data Centers / Major Industrial) Tariff designed for commercial and industrial operations requiring 20+ MW of power under a hybrid pricing model with minimum 15-year contracts, prepayment for infrastructure upgrades, early termination penalties, and provisions allowing cooperatives to reduce power during shortages to protect residential ratepayers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 42% reduction in coal's share of generation mix since 2005
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Duke EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 March 2026Duke Energy is constructing a 1,365 MW natural gas combined cycle power plant in Anderson County, SC (first new generation in SC in a decade). Central Electric Power Cooperative holds 95 MW co-ownership stake in the project, with North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation holding 100 MW. Project expected to support 2,200+ jobs annually during construction and generate $84 million annual economic impact once operational. Construction begins summer 2027, operations expected early 2031.
• Santee CoopercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSantee Cooper (South Carolina Public Service Authority) is Central's primary power supplier through a Coordination Agreement providing approximately 79% of electricity to member cooperatives. The agreement bundles generation and transmission services through 2058. Central accounts for over 70% of Santee Cooper's firm demands and about 70% of its energy sales. Joint committees oversee system operations including the Joint Planning Committee and Joint Operating Committee.
• Duke Energy CarolinascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDuke Energy provides 20% of member cooperatives' electricity needs through a Power Purchase Agreement running through 2045, regulated by FERC. Central also has a Network Integration Transmission Service Agreement (NITSA) with Duke ensuring equal treatment for delivery points and Duke's retail loads.
• Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEPA provides hydroelectric power from Thurmond, Russell and Hartwell reservoirs. Benefits all 19 member cooperatives, reducing costs and decreasing reliance on Duke and Santee Cooper. SEPA supplies 200MW of capacity and energy monthly, with costs passed directly to each cooperative based on allocation. Central manages contracts as their agent.
• Catawba Nuclear StationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExisting nuclear facility in South Carolina with PPA in effect from 2024 through 2043. Produces low-cost, carbon-free energy as part of Central's diversified resource portfolio.
• Dominion Energy South CarolinacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint project partner in the 2,200-megawatt Canadys natural gas power plant in Colleton County. The project was recently approved by the S.C. Public Service Commission as part of meeting South Carolina's growing energy needs. Central and Santee Cooper are collaborating on this initiative.
• Carolina ConnectminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBroadband provider accessing Central's transmission infrastructure and excess fiber to build out retail broadband service in South Carolina pursuant to South Carolina Broadband Accessibility Act.
• RiverNet ConnectminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBroadband provider accessing Central's transmission infrastructure and excess fiber to expand broadband service in South Carolina communities.
• TriCoLinkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBroadband provider accessing Central's transmission infrastructure and excess fiber for broadband buildout in South Carolina.
• Upcountry FiberminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBroadband provider accessing Central's transmission infrastructure and excess fiber for broadband expansion in South Carolina.
• The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc. (ECSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide service and trade association for South Carolina electric cooperatives. Provides essential services including communications, legal services, personnel training, safety programs, and public and government relations. Members include 18 member-owned electric cooperatives, one wholesale power supply cooperative, one transmission service cooperative, and one materials supply cooperative.
• South Carolina Power TeamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit economic development organization representing South Carolina's consumer-owned electric cooperatives. Facilitates growth of jobs, investment and electric load through attraction of new industrial and commercial activity, and expansion and retention of existing businesses in cooperative service areas.
• CEEUS, Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMember-owned electrical supplier for electric cooperatives, municipalities, and utilities throughout South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Provides materials at cost-effective prices through collective buying power, introducing innovative technologies and solutions.
• New Horizon Electric CooperativeminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCooperative service provider of substation design, project management, construction, maintenance and testing for five distribution cooperatives in South Carolina's Upstate region. Uses latest technology, engineered software, products and practices to deliver affordable and reliable energy.

Scale indicators27 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Seminole Electric Cooperative: Not-for-profit generation & transmission cooperative in Florida serving member distribution co-ops with wholesale power and transmission services. Most directly comparable G&T cooperative peer to Central Electric given aligned cooperative ownership model, wholesale-only customer base, and integrated supply/transmission role.
• PowerSouth Energy Cooperative: Generation & transmission cooperative based in Andalusia, Alabama serving member distribution co-ops across Alabama and northwest Florida. Closely comparable as a regional G&T cooperative pooling power-supply contracts and managing transmission assets for multiple member distribution systems.
• Associated Electric Cooperative: Springfield, Missouri-based G&T cooperative supplying wholesale power to member systems across Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Comparable scale and cooperative-owned model, with diversified generation mix and long-term PPAs analogous to Central's Santee Cooper/Duke agreements.
• Oglethorpe Power Corporation: Generation & transmission cooperative serving 38 Electric Membership Corporations across Georgia, with substantial nuclear (Plant Hatch/Vogtle) and combined-cycle capacity. Most direct Southeast US G&T peer to Central given similar member-owned structure and diversified wholesale supply mission.
• Buckeye Power: Ohio-based generation & transmission cooperative serving Ohio's 25 electric distribution co-ops. Comparable G&T cooperative operating wholesale-only with member-owned governance and a similar mix of baseload and renewable procurement for distribution members.
• Hoosier Energy: Generation and transmission cooperative serving member distribution systems across Indiana and Illinois. Central CEO Rob Hochstetler previously served as VP of Power Production there, and Hoosier operates a directly analogous G&T cooperative business model with similar transmission and wholesale-supply responsibilities.
• North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC): North Carolina's G&T cooperative serving the state's member distribution co-ops. Direct co-investor with Central Electric in Duke Energy's 1,365 MW Anderson County CCGT (100 MW stake) and structurally analogous as the neighboring Carolina states' cooperative G&T.
• East Texas Electric Cooperative: Texas-based generation & transmission cooperative serving member distribution co-ops. Central CFO Ryan Thomas previously served as CFO and then CEO/GM there; directly comparable cooperative G&T model and rural-utility mission.

Broad incumbents

• Duke Energy Carolinas: Investor-owned utility operating across the Carolinas with generation, transmission, and retail distribution. Long-term PPA partner to Central (through 2045) and co-developer of the Anderson County CCGT — comparable in serving South Carolina load but as a broader IOU rather than a member-owned cooperative.
• Santee Cooper (SC Public Service Authority): South Carolina state-owned utility providing approximately 79% of Central's member-cooperative power under the Coordination Agreement through 2058. Operates generation, transmission, and retail in parallel — comparable in scale and footprint but as a state-owned rather than member-owned cooperative.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/central-electric-power-cooperative

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Central Electric Power Cooperative