David Hadler, president and chief executive officer of EIM, recently told members that primary objectives for relocation to South Carolina were expanding opportunities and improving service levels within EIS.

USA Risk Group said the South Carolina Department of Insurance approved the move, which began on Dec. 1.

Energy Insurance Services is EIM's sole subsidiary, providing captive services to any EIM member with unique risk transfer requirements.

Energy Insurance Mutual is a mutually owned excess liability insurance carrier. Membership is available to utilities with members of the energy services industry that meet the underwriting standards established by the company.

EIM provides excess liability coverage to more than 170 companies in the United States and throughout the world. Coverage is purchased on a direct basis or through Member Brokers, according to USA Risk.

Samuel Garvin, vice president and chief financial officer of EIM, noted that he was impressed with the regulatory infrastructure in South Carolina. He said that in addition to selecting USA Risk Group as manager, EIS also was appointing Johnson Lambert and Company as Independent Auditors.

Robert Schmid, chief operating officer for EIS, said: "We are pleased with the move and believe that having a U.S. presence with EIS will provide better service to our members and make it easier for them to take advantage of the specialized programs we offer through EIS, while providing improved access for their traditional captive insurance needs."

Eleanor Kitzman, director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance, welcomed EIS as the state's 160th licensed captive insurance company.

"We are honored that, from among the ever growing choice of captive domiciles worldwide, EIS has selected South Carolina as the home for their unique insurance service needs," she said in a statement.