TO AMEND CHAPTER 1, TITLE 58 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES, SERVICES, AND CARRIERS, BY ADDING SECTION 58-1-70, TO PROHIBIT NATURAL GAS AND ELECTRIC PUBLIC UTILITIES FROM DISCLOSING CUSTOMER INFORMATION TO A THIRD PARTY WITHOUT THE EXPRESS CONSENT OF THE CUSTOMER.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Chapter 1, Title 58 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

    "Section 58-1-70.    A natural gas or electric public utility, not to include an electric cooperative, is prohibited from disclosing customer information to a third party without the express written or electronic consent of the customer."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.