(A) The General Assembly encourages Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc. and the Public Service Authority to jointly complete evaluations related to construction of a joint resource or joint resources to address energy needs and advance the economy and general welfare of the State. If the entities pursue permitting and construction of a joint resource or joint resources, the entities are further encouraged to use existing rights of way to the greatest extent practicable.
(B) The General Assembly hereby encourages Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC to complete evaluations for expanding energy storage, including hydro pumped storage, and energy generation opportunities in South Carolina.
(C) The General Assembly hereby encourages Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC and Duke Energy Progress, LLC to complete evaluations for constructing hydrogen capable natural gas generation or otherwise to place into service such natural gas generation within the utilities' balancing areas serving South Carolina.
(D) The General Assembly encourages the Public Service Authority and the state's electric utilities to complete evaluations for constructing generation facilities utilizing domestic wood products from South Carolina as a primary or auxiliary fuel source.
(E)(1) In the event any of the projects described in subsection (A), (B), or (C) are approved, the Office of Regulatory Staff, using its authority provided in Title 58, must continuously monitor the project or projects. This includes, but is not limited to, a review of the construction in progress, such as meeting projected timelines and financial projections are met. The Office of Regulatory Staff must provide monthly updates, in writing, to the commission and to the members of the General Assembly. Each electrical utility and the Public Service Authority must cooperate to the fullest extent with the Office of Regulatory Staff.
(2) The commission may, on its own motion, schedule a hearing to address concerns raised by the Office of Regulatory Staff in its written monthly review to the commission.
(3) The commission shall consider the Office of Regulatory Staff's written monthly reviews in any future matters concerning any facility described in this section.