A New Guide To Access Clean Energy Funds For Carolinians

We have joined with other organizations to release a guide to access new energy funds. The new website and online toolkit help NC and SC residents access support for home and community energy projects.

The website, https://energyfundsforall.org/, says “Since the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was passed in 2022, it feels like information has come out daily telling us how to access funds. However, often these links are not widely distributed and the money is difficult to access. That’s where Energy Funds for All comes in.” 

In a news release announcing formation of the site, its co-creators commented on its purpose. 

“We want this toolkit to both provide information to folks in need and to empower them to apply for funding their tax dollars have already paid for,” said Michelle “Meech” Carter, Clean Energy Campaigns Director for NCLCV and co-creator of the website. “So many people in our communities struggle with high energy bills and are vulnerable to natural disasters. This toolkit provides the information people need to learn more about these funds and opportunities to get help if they don’t know where to start.” 

Additionally, Jessica Finkel, interim coordinator for Thrive North Carolina and co-creator of the website, offered her thoughts. “The idea for this toolkit came from curiosity and frustration surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act,” said “The IRA itself isn’t easy to understand and it can be difficult to find the information you need to get funding. We created a way to find what you need to achieve your goals.” The website couldn’t come at a more important time. 

2023: Hottest Year on Record

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. saw a new record of 28 weather-related disasters in 2023. Each disaster cost more than $1 billion in damages–a total of $93 billion in damages. These events included a drought, four floods, a wildfire, a winter storm, two hurricanes, and 19 other severe storms. By comparison, the decade of the 1980s averaged only three such disasters a year, and the 1990s just six per year. Read more about NOAA’s and NASA’s assessments of 2023 as the hottest year on record. North and South Carolinians not only need relief from these natural disasters, but they need to be part of the solution. We hope this website will not only help Carolinians’ finances, but will help implement clean energy practices. Visit the website to see how you can save money and act on climate.