The Official Web Site of the State of South Carolina

You can file a complaint and submit applications for licensing online. Filings you do not wish to make or that are not available online can be submitted via mail for processing. Department staff is available to assist with any questions at (800) 922-1594 (toll free in SC) or 803-734-4200 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays. You can also email general questions to scdca@scconsumer.gov. 

 

Advocacy

The Advocacy Division provides legal representation for the consumer interest in matters involving:

  • Homeowner's Insurance
  • Worker's Compensation Insurance
  • Utilities

As the state agency chosen to represent the interests of consumers, SCDCA's Advocacy Division aims to ensure that increases in rates are justified, working to avoid excessive, inadequate or unwarranted rate increases. When needed, an action is filed with the Public Service Commission (PSC) or the Administrative Law Court. The Division submits evidence in hearings that demonstrate the rate request is not justified and often results in adjudications or settlements that generate savings for consumers and businesses alike. The Division also reviews rules and regulations proposed by state and federal agencies pertaining to rate-making or consumer products, goods and services, providing comments as deemed appropriate, and participates in various committees, including the State Health Planning Committee.

The Consumer Advocate

Carri Grube LybarkerThe Administrator may serve in the role of Consumer Advocate or appoint someone for the position. Traditionally, the Administrator serves in this dual capacity. Carri Grube Lybarker was appointed Administrator of SCDCA in 2011 and assumed the Consumer Advocate role in 2014. The Consumer Advocate can intervene in utility ratemaking before the PSC and serves to advocate for the interest of consumers, ie: those purchasing utility services for a personal, family or household purpose.

 

 

Recent Actions

Cases

Administrative Dockets

Other Utility Matters

Submitted Comments
Consumer Resources

Historical Background

The Consumer Protection Code was amended in 1978 to create the Division of Consumer Advocacy as a part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The Advocacy Division was originally established to represent consumers at large before state and federal regulatory agencies that set rates, including for milk and utilities. Changes to the law from 1980 forward expanded the Division's responsibilities to include the analysis of workers' compensation, homeowners, auto and other insurance filings.  The Consumer Advocate has participated in several insurance, worker's compensation and ratemaking proceedings in its history, garnering more than $2.9 billion in savings for businesses and consumers alike. The Consumer Advocate actively participated in many matters before the PSC from 1978 until the responsibility to intervene in utility rate filings was removed in 2004 when the Office of Regulatory Staff was created. SCDCA's role to represent the consumer interest was restored on July 12, 2018.