New Program Offers Free Energy Studies to Help Businesses, Non-Profits and Public Entities Reduce Energy Costs

The South Carolina Energy Office has received $1.7 million in stimulus funds to provide energy audits and assessments for public, non-profit and private, for-profit entities, helping them identify ways to operate with greater energy efficiency.
 
The need to cut utility costs is clear. In South Carolina electricity prices have risen more than 22 percent in the last 10 years, while natural gas prices have skyrocketed almost 100 percent according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Often property owners want to invest in steps that will cut their bills but lack the knowledge of what is the best step to take. These audits can provide practical guidance for how property owners can reduce their utility bills and save money.

Organizations that own their facility and can provide records of energy bills for the past year may be eligible to receive an energy assessment and other technical assistance on energy-related issues. These services will be provided by the Energy Office through a team of energy consultants made available through an application process.

Eligible applicants are able to choose between two types of energy studies. The Energy Office will cover the entire cost of an energy assessment walk-through which includes general recommendations to improve operations. Energy audits which are a more comprehensive study of an organization’s facility may require a 50 percent initial match with the remaining funding reimbursed when an energy conservation measure is implemented.

Public agencies and non-profit organizations are also eligible to receive a loan to implement these energy measures through the Energy Office’s ConserFund loan program. With an annual interest rate set below the Wall Street Journal prime rate, organizations are able to cover the cost of loan payments through their energy savings.

Article Courtesy of The Regimental Courier