The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office has announced the allocation of $2.79 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants to nine projects across the state. These initiatives aim to enhance energy savings and reduce costs for local governments, state agencies, and universities.
“Investments in energy efficiency produce clear benefits for the environment and our economy,” stated DEQ Secretary D. Reid Wilson. “These projects will help agencies save money, reduce energy use and emissions, and increase resilience to hazardous weather. It’s a win-win.”
Among the recipients, Chatham County is set to receive $350,000 for energy audits in 15 high-energy-consuming buildings and implement efficiency measures in two facilities located in disadvantaged census tracts in Siler City. The county anticipates annual savings of 945 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, over $161,000 in electricity costs, and 1,510,684 kWh.
Wayne County will benefit from a $500,000 grant to audit the Jeffreys Building’s energy usage and install an efficient HVAC system along with new windows. This initiative is expected to significantly lower energy costs for the county.
Orange County plans to utilize its $196,000 grant for a 59-kW solar project at Cedar Grove Community Center. The center aims to serve as a community resiliency hub during crises with this addition.
The Town of Davidson has been awarded funds for two projects: $144,000 for rooftop solar and battery storage at Fire Station 2, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 14.5 metric tons annually; and another $500,000 for similar installations at McEver Baseball Field concession stand.
Hendersonville will replace furnaces in its City Operations Building with its $128,000 grant to decrease energy usage by an estimated 65,597 kWh annually.
Buncombe County’s community services hub in Asheville will see enhancements with a $225,000 grant dedicated to designing and installing a battery energy storage system supplementing existing solar infrastructure.
North Carolina State University is set to receive $403,000 for lighting upgrades at its Public Safety Center aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 188.2 metric tons annually while saving over $30,000 each year.
Lastly, the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections (DAC) will use its $500,000 grant for a solar array installation at Bertie Correctional Institution expected to cut annual electricity usage by 186,000 kWh.
“We’re committed to ensuring a sustainable energy future for the residents of North Carolina,” said SEO Director Julie Woosley. “This includes working towards more efficient energy use in public buildings and facilities.”
These grants are funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The program supports efforts toward achieving North Carolina’s goal of carbon-free energy production by 2050.
