MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Santee Cooper opposes what it calls “tactics” by Dominion Energy to remove the Cook case from state to federal court.
“Dominion’s action is an attempt to delay a court-ordered February trial of customers’ claims about the V.C. Summer nuclear project,” said Santee Cooper general counsel Mike Baxley.
At 8:39 p.m. Thursday, Dominion filed notice moving Jessica S. Cook et al. v. South Carolina Public Service Authority et al. from the Greenville County Circuit Court, before the Honorable Jean H. Toal, to the U.S. District Court in Greenville, according to Santee Cooper reps. The filing asserts that out-of-state residency by some electric cooperative customers – a very small part of the overall class of plaintiffs – provides a basis for federal court jurisdiction.
Santee Cooper believes that Dominion’s action is a “frivolous maneuver.” Santee Cooper officials say they will seek all available relief and remedies following from this action and its consequences.
“Dominion’s weak legal maneuver follows a series of unfavorable rulings in the South Carolina Court, including orders this week commanding Dominion to cease inappropriate efforts to extract legal costs from Santee Cooper,” said Baxley. “This attempt to leave town under cover of darkness likely also reflects concern that during related depositions, according to media reports, former SCANA executives refused to answer questions, asserting rights under the Fifth Amendment.”
According to Santee Cooper, Dominion also attempted to delay court proceedings this week by filing an arbitration case against Santee Cooper, which was stayed by the Court and subsequently withdrawn.
“We are committed to doing our part to keep the case on track for a February trial, as set by the Court, and will continue supporting the Department of Administration as it fulfills its legislative directive to solicit and evaluate bids concerning Santee Cooper,” Baxley said.
Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s largest power provider, the largest Green Power generator and the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state. Through its low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper powers South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com.
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