Grants for commercial and industrial renewable energy projects and green jobs highlight the North Carolina State Energy Plan.
The U.S. Dept. of Energy ( DOE ) has approved North Carolina’s $75.9 million State Energy Plan (SEP) to improve energy efficiency, promote greater use of renewable energy resources, and create more green jobs, according to the Office of Gov. Bev Perdue . The program will be funded through the state’s share of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.
"With this approval, North Carolina is prepared to quickly move ahead to create jobs and position our state to become a national leader in green energy," said Gov. Perdue. "I have directed the State Energy Office and other agencies to move as fast as possible to put these funds to work creating jobs and building North Carolina’s green economy."
This announcement came after the DOE awarded $204 million to 10 states last week under the SEP program. DOE gave North Carolina the go-ahead to start the program and spend $30.4 million. The state will receive the remaining funds as it shows it has successfully implemented the plan.
