Energy Efficiency

Today Agriculture and local businesses are extremely mindful of the costs associated with energy consumption. They recognize energy costs have a bottom line impact on their profitability and their energy footprint. Carolina Land and Lakes assists local and small businesses and area agricultural enterprises in tackling the myriad of governmental energy efficiency programs available on a regional basis to reduce energy consumption or redirect it towards more cost effective and environmentally sound energy resources.

Whether it is weatherizing commercial or agricultural buildings, replacing incandescent lighting or identifying available credits and grants for renewables, CL&L works with local governments, chambers of commerce and extension office to publicize the many opportunities available to the community.

CL&L also serves as an informed resource and connector to farmers, integrators, dairy producers, growers and small business helping them to become more energy efficient through the application of free and low cost professional energy assessments and grants. Examples include: helping apple growers realize the economic benefit of converting to solar power for their large coolers, and dairy farmers conversion to renewables for their HVAC systems. We are extremely proud of our Energy Cost Share Assistance Program

Carolina Land and Lakes is working to bring new energy efficient solutions to local farmers and small businesses in Western North Carolina. Along with Mountain Valley’s RC&D, Blue Ridge RC&D, and Southwestern RC&D, CLL is working with the new Energy Cost-Share Assistance Program (ECAP). ECAP is designed to help small businesses and farms find grants and other resources for projects such as: LED lighting, greenhouse insulation, solar PV, and many other innovative solutions. The program offers free services to anyone looking to be more energy efficient and helps them discover cost savings that most people do not even think about. Some of the free services include:

• Site assessments for renewable energy projects
• Energy audits for energy efficiency projects
• Connection to project funding sources
• Information on grid interconnection policies and tax credits

ECAP includes assistance from REAP, NRCS, and Tobacco Trust Fund. Find out more at this site.