Ditch the Pitch
The Department is currently working at a limited capacity onsite. You can file a complaint and submit applications for licensing online. Filings you do not wish to make, or that are not available, online should 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.
For COVID-19 resources for businesses and consumers, visit the COVID-19 Resources page.
The Advocacy Division provides legal representation for the consumer interest in matters involving property and casualty insurance (auto), worker's compensation insurance and utilities. As the state agency designated to represent the interests of consumers, the 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 and 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 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 when the Deputy Consumer Advocate appointed by her predecessor (a non-attorney) left the agency.
Act 644 of 1978 amended the Consumer Protection Code 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 Public Service Commission from 1978 until the responsibility to intervene in utility rate filings was removed by 2004 Act No. 175. Act 258 of 2018 effective July 12, 2018 restored this role to the Department.
Blue Granite Request for Clarification Letter (PDF) - Released August 7, 2020
Blue Granite Rate Worksheet 2020 (PDF) - Released April 17, 2020
Blue Granite Order Press Release
ORS Blue Granite Rate Increase Summary (PDF)
Proposed Regulation: Sale or Lease of Renewable Energy Facilities (PDF) - October 2, 2020 (comments due 10/26/2020)
Petition to Intervene (PSC): 2019-281-S Palmetto Utilities Inc. (PDF)
Petition to Intervene (PSC): 2019-387-A Privacy Rulemaking (PDF)
Notice of Drafting- Sale or Lease of Solar (PDF)
Petition to Intervene (PSC): 2019-290-WS Blue Granite Water Company (PDF)
Proposed Regulation: Protection for Customer Data (PDF) - August 2, 2020
CFPB-Debt Collection Practices (PDF) - September 18, 2019
FTC-Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information - August 2, 2019
NCUA Payday Alternative Loans II (PDF) - August 3, 2018
CFPB-2018-0015 Bureau Financial Education Programs (PDF) - July 6, 2018
CFPB's Consumer Complaint & Consumer Inquiry Handling Processes (PDF) - July 6, 2018
CFPB Guidance and Implementation Support (PDF) - July 2, 2018
Advanced Methods to Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls (PDF) - July 3, 2017
Alternative Data Request for Information (PDF) | Press Release (PDF) - May 19, 2017
The Proposed Federal Small Loan Rule (PDF) | Press Release (PDF) - October 7, 2016