The continuation of electric service under Section 58-27-670 must not be construed as affecting the authority of an electric supplier pursuant to Section 58-27-620 to serve premises which are already receiving electric service from a municipal electric system, whether inside or outside municipal boundaries.
S.C. Code § 58-27-680
Section 1 of 1984 Act No. 431, provides as follows:
"The General Assembly finds that assignment of electric service territories by the Public Service Commission has aided the State in overseeing the public interest of its citizens by uniformly regulating the responsibilities and rights of sellers of electricity.
"The General Assembly further finds that unnecessary duplication of electrical facilities increases rates and charges to South Carolina citizens and that the assignment of electric service territories has decreased duplication.
"The General Assembly further finds that incorporation of new municipalities and annexation by existing municipalities alter assignments of service areas originally made for public convenience and necessity without consideration for the impact of the change on persons living outside the municipality.
"Therefore, in accordance with the powers granted the General Assembly under Article IX, Section 1, and Article VIII, Section 14, of the Constitution of this State, it is declared the policy of South Carolina to maintain the assignment of electric service territories by the Public Service Commission over areas having been assigned electric suppliers under Section 58-27-640, even when the area becomes incorporated or annexed to an existing city or town."
Section 57 of 1987 Act No. 173 (codified as Section 58-27-690), provides that this section shall not be modified, abridged, or repealed by 1987 Act No. 173.