Accelerating Appalachia’s Energy Savings

Energy Policy Director Rory McImoil discusses energy efficiency in Boone, N.C.

This spring, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp. — an electric cooperative in the N.C. High Country — announced a new financing option to help eligible members pay for energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Alongside residents, energy services contractors and local agencies, we worked with Blue Ridge Electric to launch the program, and we’re continuing to help improve the program and educate members about the new opportunity.

Our team is also expanding our community outreach around energy efficiency to residents and local organizations in the French Broad Electric Membership Corp. and Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corp. territories.

In Tennessee, we’re collaborating with state organizations and electric cooperatives to develop a statewide energy efficiency financing program — and so far, six Appalachian co-ops have expressed interest in taking part!

Click here to read more about these initiatives, and the reasons why rural electric cooperatives have the ability and obligation to lead the way in energy efficiency. And check out Energy Savings news and resources about how to make your home more energy efficient at appvoices.org/energysavings/.