COLUMBIA, SC (WCBD) – You can expect to hear a lot about Santee Cooper as state lawmakers prepare for their next session in Columbia.

Governor Henry McMaster called for the sale of the state-owned utility in the wake of a failed nuclear project.

We now know lawmakers plan to have an evaluation of the utility by January.

Lawmakers also plan to start accepting bids.

On Tuesday, an alternative to selling the utility emerged. Lawmakers say they may hire an agency to manage Santee Cooper and its assets rather than buy it.