• STROM NOTICE

    Copy and paste the link below into your browser, for the South Carolina Emergency Management Division

     

    https://www.scemd.org/prepare/know-your-zone/

    September 30, 2022

    The storm has destroyed parts of the south end of Driftwood Cottage Lane, along with the water main. DIUC has isolated this area and is working to restore service as soon as possible, affected customers will be contacted individually. The remaining road is unstable, the Fire Department has put up a caution barrier in this area for your safety.

     

     

     

     

    September 29, 2022

    To All Customers that have decided to remain on the Island. In the event of a significant power outage, DIUC asks that all customers restrict their water usage, to prevent a sewage discharge . Even if your home is equipped with a generator, please do not use any appliances that require water. DIUC has already implemented emergency procedures and is actively communicating with local emergency services and closely monitoring the incoming storm.

     

    Thank you for your cooperation!

  • Make A Payment

    We have updated our online payment service.  ALL customers must register before making a payment, even if you have paid online before .  If you have already registered, sign in below.  You will be redirected to our new online payment portal.  Have your account information ready.  You may also Pay By Phone by calling (877) 256-4694
    WHEN ENTERING YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER, DO NOT ENTER ANY LETTERS OR SYMBOLS (-*%#@).
     

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    DIUC’s new billing system is providing customers access to payment platforms for bill payment.  DIUC is only providing access to these platforms for the convenience of the customers and does not charge nor collect any associated fees; each customer is responsible for any fee associated with their choice of payment platform.  DIUC currently provides access through its website to an online payment platform that accepts credit cards, debit cards and E-check, which will include service fees paid by the individual customer and are disclosed prior to finalizing payment.  DIUC also provides customers a self-addressed envelope but the customer is responsible for the cost of postage.  In sum, customers have a choice of the method of payment and are directly responsible for any fees incurred with respect to their choice.  An Autopay option is now available, you will need to register for an online account and have made at least one payment using the same payment platform that will be used for your Autopay.

    You must be registered to sign in

  • Docket No. 2014-346-WS

    Click this link for the complete, Supreme Court of South Carolina Opinion No. 27905 filed on July 24, 2019. 
     
     

    Persons seeking information about the Commission’s procedures should contact the Commission at (803) 896-5100 or visit its website at www.psc.sc.gov.

     

     

     

     

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    An excerpt of the Supreme Court Opinion No. 27905 can be seen here.  These are pages 2 & 3 of 6.  As stated the complete Supreme Court Opinion can be viewed by clicking the link provided above.
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  • Current Rate Tariff

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    All information for the Rate Filing referenced under PSC Docket No. 2022-142-WS, is public record and available on the South Carolina Public Service Commission website.  

  • Need Installation? Start right here.

    Please answer these questions to begin your installation.

  • To Terminate Service...

    Service termination requests can be done by phone 888-635-7878 or emailed through the Contact section below.  diuc@guastella.com
     
     

    Termination of service can only be done by the primary account holder or an approved account representative as established by the primary account holder and is on file with the Utility.  Please allow 2-3 business days for final meter reads and bills to be provided.
  • Improvements to Your Utility - 2014

    See your capital improvements in action. Click the image below.

     
    For more images click here to see our:

    After more than a year of extensive efforts and with the approval of the Public Service Commission, Daufuskie Island Utility Company, Inc. obtained a loan from SunTrust Bank, which was essential to make capital improvements to our water and waste water systems.
     
    A number of construction projects will be undertaken throughout the utility systems, including a complete overhaul of the waste water treatment plant and facilities at Haig Point, improvements to well site equipment and structures, lift stations and other additions, some of which have already begun. We expect all work to be performed without interruption of service to our customers. We will be reporting our progress to the Public Service Commission, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the Office of Regulatory Staff.
  • OUR TEAM

    Terry Lee

    President

    Eric Johanson

    Chief Operator

    Tim Salem

    Senior Operator

    Kevin Fitzpatrick

    Operator

    Guastella Associates, llc

    Management Company

    OUR HISTORY

    In 1985, International Paper Realty Corporation of South Carolina (“IP”) and The Melrose Group Limited Partnership (“Melrose”), owned or had control over approximately 1,800 acres on Daufuskie Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina. While each developer was establishing separate water and wastewater utility systems in contemplation of developing their respective properties, they recognized the benefit of constructing a consolidated wastewater treatment plant and the desire of the Department of Health Environmental Control (“DHEC”) to centralize treatment facilities where feasible. Accordingly, in addition to IP establishing the Haig Point Utility Company, Inc. (“HPUC”) and Melrose establishing the Melrose Utility Company (“MUC”), they also entered into a joint venture establishing the Haig Point/Melrose Wastewater Treatment Company, Inc. (“HPMWWTP”). The HPMWWTP constructed a wastewater treatment facility on a 5.85 acre site with a capacity of 640,000 gallon per day, for which it was agreed that the construction and operating costs would be shared 60% by IP and 40% by MUC.

    In 1994, the Bloody Point Group Limited Partnership (“BP”), the developer of certain property in an area known as Bloody Point on Daufuskie Island provided certain easements and rights to MUC for its agreement to provide water and sewer service to Bloody Point.

    In 2005, Haig Point, Inc. (“Haig Point”), formerly International Paper Realty Corporation of South Carolina, assigned all easement rights to construct, operate, maintain and replace the water and wastewater utility systems throughout the Haig Point development area, as contained in the Haig Point General Covenants and the Haig Point Community Association, Inc. Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions.
    In 2008, the Public Service Commission (“PSC”) approved the sale of HPUC”S stock, assets and operating authority from Haig Point to CK Materials, LLC (“CKM”). HPUC and CKM entered into an agreement with G2 Utility Management, LLC, currently Guastella Associates, LLC (“GA”) to manage HPUC upon its acquisition. As a condition of the acquisition, the name of the utility was changed to Daufuskie Island Utility Company, Inc. (“DIUC”). Soon after the acquisition by CKM, GA found that MUC was delinquent in paying its 40% share of the cost of the Haig Point wastewater treatment plant and remained delinquent despite many attempts to obtain payment. The resultant loss of about 25% of DIUC’s revenue, in addition to the need for a general rate increase, created a severe cash flow problem and hampering operations. In response to DIUC’s request, in 2009 the PSC opened an investigation of the MUC delinquency matter. Before it was adjudicated, however, MUC filed for bankruptcy and also essentially abandoned its operation of MUC. In order to avoid a failure of MUC’s systems and long-term interruption of water and wastewater service to its customer, DIUC undertook the operation and maintenance of MUC’s systems, without compensation.

    In 2010, CKM acquired MUC and its merger with DIUC was approved by the PSC on March 1, 2010. Because MUC had no financial records, it would have to be operated for about a year in order to develop the level of its cost of operations in sufficient detail to be used to support a rate analysis. During this transitional period, extensive but unsuccessful efforts were made to obtain short term financing to help with the cash flow problem and to finance the legal and consulting costs that would be incurred for a rate case. In 2011, an outside law firm and GA prepared a rate increase petition, accepting that they would not be paid for their services until after DIUC could attract capital. DIUC petitioned the PSC for a rate increase and, after approval of a settlement, an increase became effective in August, 2012. Although the settlement anticipated a $3.0 million financing, part of which included the establishment of a capital reserve in the amount of $700,000 dedicated to needed improvements to the utility systems, three banks declined to provide financing. It was not until the end of 2013 that a $3.25 million loan was obtained from SunTrust Bank, and a capital reserve of $750,000 was established in a separate account, as well as a $500,000 line of credit also for capital improvements. The additional financing was sought because in 2012 the lagoon liner at the Haig Point wastewater treatment plant failed, adding at least $300,000 to the then anticipated capital improvements. In order to obtain the financing from SunTrust, CKM’s ownership of DIUC had to be transferred to a new parent company, Daufuskie Island Holding Company, LLC.

    As of the end of 2013, the only water and wastewater utility on Daufuskie Island is DIUC which owns or controls all of the assets of water and wastewater operations.

  • Water Conservation

    Here at the Daufuskie Island Utility Company we are deeply committed to helping you conserve water. Check out these handy tips, and don't be shy about sharing your water-saving tips with us! Click on the tips to see more.

  • Water Quality Reports

    Water Quality Reports (Consumer Confidence Reports, "CCR") are made availble to customer(s) by email and or regular mail, each year in compliance with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Make sure your contact information is up to date, to ensure you receive your Water Quality Report. The 2022 reports are currently available.

    You can also request a copy of the Water Quality Report(s) through the 'Contact' section.

  • CONTACT

    General inquiries:
    888-635-7878 or email us below
     
    Administrative Hours: 
    M-F 9a-5p
    (closed for holidays)
     
    Pay By Phone:
    (877) 256-4694
     
    Mail Payments:
    PO BOX 4043
    Tequesta, FL 33469
     
    Operators on site daily: 
    7a-3p
     
    Plant Location:
    803 Haig Point Rd
    Daufuskie Island, SC 29915
     
    Water or Sewer Emergency number only (24 hour):
    843-247-3135