Tri-County Electric plans to expand broadband in Lower Richland
December 8, 2021
Tri-County Electric Cooperative will invest $12 million to expand broadband service in Lower Richland, parts of which have never had access to high-speed internet.
As part of its service expansion in Richland County, Tri-County will construct fiber optic cable throughout Lower Richland. This work will enable the company to provide broadband to a largely rural community at competitive prices.
“We are excited to see Tri-County investing in Richland County to provide more residents with access to broadband internet,” said County Council Chair Paul Livingston. “The COVID-19 pandemic taught us the importance of having broadband connectivity, and this project will help our community stay better connected.”
On Tuesday, County Council approved a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with Tri-County Electric that will provide a more favorable property tax rate over a 30-year period.
“We’re proud to make this investment in Richland County to provide broadband to previously underserved areas,” said Chad Lowder, CEO of Tri-County Electric. “This is a further commitment from Tri-County and its leadership team to provide essential services to citizens in our service territory.”
Based in St. Matthews, Tri-County Electric is a member-owned electric utility serving Calhoun, Kershaw, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland and Sumter counties. It was founded in 1940.
The cooperative’s Richland County office is at 11335 Garners Ferry Road, Eastover.
