More than $65,000 in federal mini-grants will fund eight high-impact energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean transportation demonstration projects for the South Carolina Energy Office.
Projects in six counties include four lighting projects, three transportation projects and a renewables project, according to a recent state Energy Office news release.
The state Energy Office is part of the Office of Regulatory State and is the principal energy planning entity intended to advance South Carolina’s energy strategy and policy through education and outreach. The office also promotes the efficient energy use, including the use of renewable energy and clean transportation.
Funds for mini-grant program were provided by U.S. Department of Energy awards.
In Beaufort County, a $10,000 mini-grant will be used to purchase an an electric utility task vehicle (UTV) for use by the county’s solid waste and recycling program and will replace a gasoline powered UTV.
In Kershaw County, $10,000 will be used to retrofit or replace about 100 fluorescent and metal halide fixtures with LED lamps and fixtures at Lugoff Fire Department headquarters.
In Columbia County, $10,000 will be spent to install a solar photovoltaic system in Montessori School of Columbia’s Learning Lab building.
And in Charleston County, $10,000 has been awarded to replace about 48 fluorescent fixtures with approximately 20 LED fixtures in Trident Technical College’s welding lab.
Two mini-grants have been awarded to projects in York County, as well, including Rock Hill, where $3,800 has been earmarked to install two level 2 electric vehicle charging stations in a public parking lot to replace existing charging stations that no longer functioning properly.
In addition, a $4,550 mini-grant will fund retrofit of about 68 fluorescent fixtures with LED lamps at the Clover Community Center.
Florence County, meanwhile, will receive $10,000 to replace about 200 exterior wall mounted high pressure sodium light fixtures with LED fixtures at eight Florence School District 3 locations in Lake City, and $7,360 will fund the installation of two level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market’s parking area.
More information about the mini-grant program may be found on the state Energy Office website.
