Florence-based MPD Electric Cooperative had awarded funding to Bennettsville and Dillon, as well as Marion and Marlboro counties in December. The utility announced in mid-December it had provided $188,114 to Marion County and announced the Bennettsville credit in late January. Jeff Singletary, chief business development officer at MPD, said in a telephone interview that Marlboro County had received $50,000.
The funding comes as part of Code Section 12-20-105 of the SC Rural Development Act of 1996, which allows electric cooperatives to receive a credit against their annual state license fee. These utility tax credits can be applied toward qualifying projects in communities the cooperative serves. The 1996 act amends the Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, and provides guidelines for the use of the state rural infrastructure fund and for redevelopment fees by redevelopment authorities.
Each utility may take a maximum of $400,000 in utility license fee credits every year, according to Singletary. The funding must be used on infrastructure, such as water, wastewater, sewer, gas, steam, electricity, energy, telecommunications or broadband projects, he said.
William Simon, Bennettsville city manager, said in an email that the city would use its utility tax credit to perform a “comprehensive utility pole inventory” around the city. The procedure would allow the city to map out the condition and location of its inventory, as well as support long-term planning and maintenance, he added.
“This project reflects the city’s continued commitment to proactive infrastructure management and responsible use of designated funds,” Simon said. “By investing in a detailed utility pole inventory, Bennettsville is positioning itself to improve service reliability, enhance safety and make informed decisions about future system upgrades.”
Dillon City Manager Burt Rogers said over the phone that they are applying the funds toward construction of a pumping station near Dillon Elementary School, which has been operational since fall 2024. Work on the pumping station had begun two years ago, he said, adding, “The project had some overrun. We used the money to cover the overrun.”
At time of writing, neither Marion nor Marlboro counties have responded to requests for comment.
MPD Electric Cooperative supplies electricity to residents, businesses, and industries in Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Lee, Marion, and Marlboro counties. It was formed by the 2020 merger of Marlboro Electric Cooperative and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative according to the utility’s website.