As one of the state’s largest power providers, Santee Cooper is generally associated with ensuring affordable and reliable energy. However, Santee Cooper does more than just keep the lights on. We’re committed to being the state’s leading resource for improving the lives of South Carolina’s future generations, which includes managing water resources responsibly and partnering with local communities to expand public access to outdoor spaces.
In July 2025, the City of Conway announced plans for 800 acres of land to be transformed into a beautiful park. The land is where the Grainger Generating Station once stood.
“Conway will bring a new energy to the property,” said CEO Jimmy Staton, Santee Cooper President and CEO.
Grainger Generating Station closed in 2012. It took Santee Cooper just six years to remove 1.3 million tons of coal ash, most of which was used in the cement industry. Santee Cooper voluntarily replanted the cooling pond, known as Lake Busbee, along with the ash ponds using native plant species to help restore the area to its original habitat.
“Santee Cooper is proud of the work our team put into making sure this once-industrial site is ready for public use. Our team’s dedication has allowed Conway to turn this land into something new that can be enjoyed and cohabited by locals, visitors and wildlife for generations to come,” said Staton. “As we pass the ownership of this site to Conway, we know it is in great hands, and we’re excited to see their plans unfold and how they will power our community forward.”
Conway plans include an inland beach, a place to kayak and swim without boaters passing, an expanded riverwalk and an entertainment area. This land transfer shows how thoughtful collaboration and responsible environmental stewardship can continue to energize the community in ways never imagined when the station was built in the 1960s.