Petition to Horry Electric Cooperative

We, the undersigned members of Horry Electric Cooperative, write to express urgent concern regarding your summer peak-hour surcharge from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (April 1-October 31).

Although this policy aims to reduce energy use during high-demand times, 3-6 p.m. in South Carolina summers

is when the heat index frequently tops 100F-when air conditioning isn't a luxury but a public safety necessity.

The higher rate during these critical hours:

- Forces families to choose between basic cooling needs and cost savings,

- Threatens vulnerable populations (seniors, children, chronically ill) with increased risk of heat-related illness,

- Conflicts with the American Red Cross and CDC's warnings that heat exhaustion is the top weather-related killer.

We respectfully urge Horry Electric to consider the following compassionate and reasonable

alternatives:

1. Implement smart-thermostat cycling programs that reduce load without human discomfort.

2. Provide medical or age-based exemptions to peak-hour pricing for high-risk households.

3. Offer tiered peak pricing or rebates, rather than an all-or-nothing penalty.

4. Partner with local organizations to offer energy-efficiency audits to help members reduce consumption safely.

We believe these adjustments will ensure both grid reliability and community well-being. We petition to Horry Electric Cooperative. We respectfully request a response from your team and welcome the opportunity to discuss solutions.