S.C. Code § 58-27-1260
If an electrical utility, except a municipality within its corporate limits, desires to exercise a right or privilege under a permit, consent, or other authority which it contemplates securing but which has not as yet been granted to it, the electrical utility may apply to the commission for an order preliminary to the issuance of the certificate. The electrical utility also must serve a copy of its application upon the Office of Regulatory Staff. The commission may thereupon make an order declaring that it will thereafter, upon application, under such rules and regulations as it may prescribe, issue the desired certificate upon terms and conditions as it may designate after the electrical utility has obtained the contemplated permit, consent, or other authority. Upon the presentation to the commission of evidence satisfactory to it that such permit, consent, or other authority has been secured by such electrical utility, the commission must thereupon issue the certificate.
S.C. Code § 58-27-1260