Palmetto Power Cities
Palmetto Power Cities
Twenty of the state’s 21 municipal electric utilities belong to the Palmetto Power Cities (PPC). Originally, PPC existed solely to help one another during times of disaster. Although mutual aid is still the backbone of PPC, it has expanded its scope to include legislative initiatives, public relations programs and training for electrical personnel.
Palmetto Power Cities emphasizes collaboration as a core organizational strength while also recognizing the vital role municipal power plays in South Carolina. The new identity highlights the organization’s commitment to adapting to industry changes while continuing to focus on mutual aid, advocacy efforts, education and shared expertise for our members and partners.
To learn more about PPC visit Palmetto Power Cities.
History of Palmetto Power Cities
Palmetto Power Cities began as a group of fourteen cities in the Piedmont region of South Carolina that felt the need to stand together to fight large increases in wholesale electric power being imposed across the region. They were officially instituted in February of 1972 under the name Piedmont Municipal Power Systems (PMPS). The group’s objectives were defined in April of 1972 and consisted of the following:
- Assisting Electricities of North Carolina in contesting wholesale electric rate
increases (270% increases from 1970-1975) - Supporting the Richard B. Russell Project (The damming of Lake Russell for
hydropower) - Discussion of areas of mutual interest
- Mutual Aid (Assisting one another through natural disasters)
The original fourteen members of PMPS were: Abbeville, Clinton, Due West, Easley, Gaffney, Greenwood, Greer, Laurens, Newberry, Prosperity, Rock Hill, Seneca, Union, and Westminster.
In November of 1976, PMPS decided to become a state-wide organization, thereby increasing its reach and influence. Four members from the lower part of the state were added (Bennetsville, Camden, McCormick and Orangeburg) and the group was renamed SCAMPS. Eventualy, SCAMPS grew to include all 21 municipal power systems in the state; however, only twenty municipal electric utilities are members today.
In September of 2025 SCAMPS transitioned its name to Palmetto Power Cities.
PMPA was formed in 1979, and its Members, remembering their roots, derived its name from the original PMPS organization.
