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Wilson named new financial leader at Santee Cooper

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Santee Cooper Names Wilson as New Chief Financial Officer, Signals Strategic Shift Toward Sustainable Growth

Berkeley, South Carolina – In a move that underscores its commitment to fiscal prudence and a more sustainable energy future, the South Carolina public utility Santee Cooper announced on Tuesday that it has appointed Michael D. Wilson as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Wilson will take the reins from retiring long‑time finance chief Robert E. Johnson, who has served the utility for over two decades.

The announcement came during a press conference hosted by the Board of Trustees, where Wilson delivered his first statement as CFO. “I’m honored to step into this role at a pivotal moment for Santee Cooper,” Wilson said. “Our mandate remains clear: to provide reliable, affordable power to South Carolina’s residents and businesses while responsibly managing the company’s financial health.” Wilson emphasized that his priorities will be “strengthening our capital planning processes, enhancing transparency, and aligning our investment strategy with the growing demand for renewable energy.”

A Deep‑Rooted Connection to South Carolina

Wilson’s background is steeped in both public service and the energy sector. A Clemson University graduate, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1999 before completing a Master of Business Administration at the University of South Carolina in 2003. He began his career in the public sector, serving as a financial analyst for the South Carolina Department of Revenue. In 2008, Wilson transitioned to the private sector, joining Dominion Energy as a senior financial planner, where he oversaw multi‑million‑dollar capital projects across the southeastern United States.

Prior to joining Santee Cooper, Wilson spent eight years at Duke Energy’s finance division, climbing the ranks from Budget Manager to Director of Corporate Finance. His experience spans project finance, risk management, and strategic planning – all skills he says will be invaluable at the utility. “I’ve worked on projects that involved integrating renewables into traditional grid infrastructure, and I’m excited to bring that perspective to Santee Cooper,” Wilson added.

Responsibilities and Expectations

In his new role, Wilson will be responsible for all financial aspects of Santee Cooper’s operations, including budgeting, forecasting, auditing, and investor relations. He will also lead the utility’s efforts to secure financing for its next wave of infrastructure projects, many of which are aimed at expanding renewable energy capacity and modernizing the aging grid.

“Michael’s track record speaks for itself,” said James B. McMillan, Santee Cooper’s CEO. “His strategic acumen and deep understanding of the regulatory landscape will help us navigate a rapidly evolving energy market. We’re confident that he will drive operational efficiencies and position the utility for long‑term growth.”

The Board’s statement noted that Wilson’s appointment is part of a broader effort to strengthen governance and enhance the utility’s ability to meet its statutory obligations to the state. The Board also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering low‑cost, reliable power while pursuing a diversified energy mix that includes coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable sources.

Industry Context and Challenges

Santee Cooper’s financial health has long been a topic of discussion in South Carolina’s political arena. The utility is a public power entity, which means it operates under a public service mandate while also being accountable to shareholders, namely the state and the utility’s customers. Over the past decade, the company has faced challenges related to aging coal plants, regulatory scrutiny, and the broader transition toward cleaner energy sources.

“Michael brings a fresh perspective that is essential for us to remain financially resilient while embracing renewable energy,” said Dr. Linda Green, a professor of Energy Policy at Clemson University. “The utility’s ability to manage capital projects efficiently will be critical as it expands solar, wind, and battery storage projects.”

The utility’s planned expansion into renewables is partly driven by a 2035 target set by the South Carolina Public Service Commission, which calls for a 20% renewable share of the utility’s energy mix. Wilson’s experience in renewable project finance positions him well to help Santee Cooper achieve this goal while maintaining its legacy of affordable power.

Key Projects on the Horizon

Santee Cooper’s 2025–2030 capital plan, unveiled last year, outlines a $1.2 billion investment across a mix of projects: upgrading its aging coal fleet, adding 350 MW of solar power, expanding wind capacity by 200 MW, and deploying a 75 MW battery storage system. Wilson will oversee the financial planning for these projects and negotiate with lenders, bonds, and public funds.

“Balancing the need for new capacity with the imperative to keep rates stable is a delicate dance,” noted Wilson. “Our goal is to ensure that every dollar invested translates into tangible benefits for South Carolina residents.”

Board and Stakeholder Reactions

The Board of Trustees, chaired by Senator Dan Bouchard, expressed enthusiasm for Wilson’s appointment. “We are pleased to welcome Michael to the Santee Cooper family,” said Bouchard. “His experience and leadership will help us navigate an era of rapid change.”

Customers and local communities have generally welcomed the appointment. “I’ve seen Santee Cooper evolve over the years, and I’m hopeful that under new leadership we can keep costs down while making more investments in clean energy,” said resident Maria Lopez of Columbia.

Moving Forward

Wilson’s first days will focus on internal reviews, aligning the finance team with the utility’s strategic objectives, and establishing a transparent reporting system. He also plans to meet with external stakeholders, including the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Public Service Commission, and community representatives, to discuss the utility’s financial trajectory.

“We’re at a crossroads where financial stewardship and environmental responsibility intersect,” Wilson concluded. “I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to chart a course that safeguards South Carolina’s energy future.”

For more details on Santee Cooper’s capital plans and financial projections, see the utility’s 2024 Annual Report (link) and the South Carolina Public Service Commission’s energy policy brief (link).


About the Author

[Name] is a research journalist covering energy policy, public utilities, and environmental finance in the Southeast. Their work has appeared in the Post and Courier, The Greenville News, and Energy Wire.


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