State agency reviews PRWD’s plant project

A state agency’s evaluation finds logic in Pioneer Water District’s intent to build its first treatment plant. As required by legislation signed into law by Governor Haley last year, Pioneer Water authorized an accountant to conduct an independent audit. In turn, as required by law, that audit was forwarded for review by the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff. The ORS staff concluded: “A new WTP may allow Pioneer to maintain reasonable rates for its customers and provide adequate water service while gaining greater control of the cost to provide water service.” Since it was formed in 1965, Pioneer Water has bought water wholesale from cities, such as Seneca and Westminster. By directly retailing water to its customers in Oconee and Anderson counties, Pioneer would avoid municipal wholesale purchases, subject to rate increases.