Co-Op official in the amen corner

The spokesman for a regional electric power supplier has a theory as to why German companies seemingly all of a sudden have interest in expanding to places like Oconee County, South Carolina and Hart County, Georgia.  Terry Ballenger of the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative says the cost of electric power in this part of the country appeals to German manufacturers.  That’s when compared to what it costs for electric power in Germany.  That advantage enjoyed by the region is likely to remain especially in South Carolina, a state that the federal government recently exempted from costly measures to reduce carbon emissions.  Ballenger signed on to the opinion of economist Dr. Bruce Yandle who believes power costs in the Char-lanta corridor are an attractive advantage compared to other parts of the country.  The other great advantage that Yandle believes works to South Carolina’s advantage is a friendly to employer minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.  Should there ever be a $15 dollar minimum wage nationwide, South Carolina loses that advantage, Yandle says.