The State Energy Office (SCEO) received formula funding through the US Department of Energy’s (US DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program to award subgrants to projects and programs that improve energy efficiency, cut carbon emissions, and reduce energy use in South Carolina.
The SCEO is pleased to announce a Round 3 where applications for SC EECBG projects will be accepted on a rolling basis, pending available funding, through Monday, December 1, 2025, by 11:59 pm ET.
For more information and project examples, please plan to participate in the SCEO EECBG webinar on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Register here.
Local governments in South Carolina may apply for subgrants from the SC EECBG Competitive Program if they were not eligible to receive direct EECBG funding from the US DOE, as listed in the EECBG Local Government Allocations.
Round 3 eligible entities include:
- Counties or municipalities that are ineligible for US DOE EECBG Funding
- Local public authorities
- School districts
- Special districts
- Councils of Governments (COGs)
- Any other regional or intrastate governmental entity or instrumentality of a local government, and
- State agencies (new for this round).
Cost sharing is not required, but leveraging of funds is encouraged to maximize the energy-related benefits of each project.
Awardee Obligations
- Provide monthly progress updates by phone with SCEO project manager as needed
- Report impacts addressing potential energy and cost savings
- Provide documentation of project expenditures (i.e. invoices, receipts, and proof of payments)
- Submit payment request within 30 days of completing the project/activity
- One-year follow-up survey on continued impacts of implemented project/activity
The SC EECBG Program utilizes multiple federal resources during the solicitation and review of project applications. These federal resources may be helpful to entities developing projects, creating programs, or applying for other grants. The US DOE Blueprints include information and tools designed to help local and tribal governments develop project and program plans related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation electrification, clean-energy finance, and workforce development.
US DOE Blueprints (below) include information and tools that may be used in preparation of an application. Also, refer to the US DOE Eligible Activities document to identify the applicable SC EECBG category for a proposed project. This document provides category-specific program guidance and resources. To receive updates regarding the SC EECBG program, please email energycs@ors.sc.gov.
SC EECBG - Round 3
- SC EECBG Round 3 Guidance
- SC EECBG Round 3 Application Form
- SC EECBG Round 3 Supplemental Information Sheet
- Register here for the 2:00PM September 23, 2025 webinar
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, pending available funding, through Monday, December 1, 2025, by 11:59 pm ET.
US DOE Blueprints
US DOE Blueprints include information and tools that may be used in preparation of an application.
Blueprint #2A: Energy Efficiency - Energy Audits and Building Upgrades
Blueprint #2C: Building Electrification Campaign
Blueprint #2D: Building Performance Standards & Stretch Codes
Blueprint #3A: Solar & Storage- Power Purchase Agreements and Direct Ownership
Blueprint #3B: Community Solar
Blueprint #3C: Solarize Campaign
Blueprint #3D: Renewable Resource Planning for Rural and Tribal Communities
Blueprint #4A: Electric Vehicles and Fleet Electrification
SC EECBG Project Think Tank Webinar Series
This multi-part series of informational and collaborative webinars shares SC EECBG project ideas, reviews the SC EECBG solicitation materials, and answers participants’ frequently asked questions. View each webinar agenda, recording, and presentation below.
The third part of the South Carolina Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (SC EECBG) Project Think Tank Webinar Series. On Monday, March 25, 2024, the webinar provided an overview of the Updated Guidance, Application Form, and Supplemental Information Worksheets for Round 2 of the SC EECBG Competitive Program. Additionally, more project ideas were shared. View the Webinar Agenda (PDF). View the Recording. View the Presentation (PDF).
The second part of our South Carolina competitive Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (SC EECBG) Project Think Tank Webinar Series was held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. We provided an overview of the recently released SC EECBG subgrant guidance and application. Also, we answered some Frequently Asked Questions and pointed to additional resources. View the Webinar Agenda (PDF). View the Recording. View the Presentation (PDF).
The first part of our South Carolina competitive Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (SC EECBG) Project Think Tank Webinar Series was held on October 24, 2023. We were joined by panelists from three local governments around the state. They shared just a few of the many different types of projects eligible for funding through South Carolina’s Competitive EECBG Program. View the Webinar Agenda (PDF). View the Recording. View the Presentation (PDF).
SC EECBG Selected Projects
The projects were selected after a rigorous review process based on criteria such as energy savings, payback period, and useful life. In 2024, approximately $1,300,000 was awarded to these 15 entities through 18 projects. The project types and recipients are listed below:
These projects are expected to be complete by May 2026. The SCEO will keep you informed on specific project success stories as well as progress pictures through this webpage, SCEO newsletters, and social media.