As South Carolina continues to rank among the nation’s fastest-growing states, the need for reliable, affordable and clean energy has never been greater. That’s why Santee Cooper is partnering with Dominion Energy South Carolina to build Canadys Station, a new natural gas generating facility in Colleton County, South Carolina. In October 2025, Santee Cooper’s Board of Directors approved the utility’s participation in the project and began the process to seek Public Service Commission and other regulatory approvals.
Canadys Station will generate approximately 2,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity — enough to power more than one million homes and helping ensure the grid keeps pace with South Carolina’s rapid population and economic growth.
The facility will feature three state-of-the-art combined-cycle natural gas turbines with advanced emissions controls and flexible fuel capacity, positioning Canadys Station among the most efficient generating plants in the Southeast. This modern design reflects a commitment to innovation, precision engineering, environmental stewardship and reliable performance.
Natural gas generation strengthens system flexibility by complementing renewable resources such as solar. Because it can be dispatched whenever needed, natural gas helps balance intermittent energy sources and ensures dependable power regardless of weather conditions. In addition to expanding renewable energy opportunities, the turbines at Canadys Station are 15% more efficient than traditional combined cycle turbines and have a lower emissions rate. These turbines also use air-cooled technology, which reduces water use by 90% when compared to traditional cooling systems.
Canadys Station will be built at a retired coal-fired generating site about 40 miles northwest of Charleston, strategically located near existing and planned transmission corridors serving the South Carolina Lowcountry. The project will also bring significant economic benefits to Colleton County, including hundreds of construction jobs, new full-time careers and increased annual tax revenue.
By investing in modern infrastructure today, Santee Cooper is helping ensure a reliable, resilient and increasingly clean energy future for South Carolina.