S.C. Code Ann. § 58-4-20: Staff makeup, supervision and location.

(A) The Office of Regulatory Staff shall consist of the executive director, transportation inspectors, pipeline safety inspectors, railway safety inspectors, and other professional, administrative, technical, and clerical personnel as may be necessary in order for the regulatory staff to represent the public interest, as hereinafter provided. All such personnel must be appointed, supervised, and directed by the executive director.

(B) The regulatory staff is not subject to the supervision, direction, or control of the commission, the chairman, or members of the commission.

(C) The Office of Regulatory Staff must not be physically housed in the same location as the Public Service Commission. The review committee must approve the location of the Office of Regulatory Staff.