This week the state senate is moving forward on a bill, S. 1096, that I cosponsored with several other senators to create jobs and cut energy usage in our state. This groundbreaking law would allow our local electric cooperatives to partner with customers to rehabilitate energy-inefficient homes. The electric cooperatives would help customers finance home improvements such as weatherization, insulation, and upgrades to heating and cooling units.

According to an economic study, over 4,500 new jobs would be created by 2020 and over 7,000 jobs by 2030. These jobs will include contractors performing weatherization, HVAC installers, energy auditors, and more. Homeowners will also see increased disposable income as a result of decreased energy bills. The jobs will be dispersed throughout the state, bringing much-needed economic growth to many of our rural areas.

And the energy savings would be tremendous! A 20% reduction in residential consumption would save 2,700 gigawatt hours per year. This would mean $270,000,000 in energy savings to consumers annually. This effort would mean significant reductions in greenhouse gases produced by residences in South Carolina.

Outside the box thinking is just what we need to get South Carolina moving again. Energy conservation can equal job creation, and this bill will help achieve it.

Special thanks to our South Carolina Electric Cooperatives for their leading role in making this project a reality. Let's work together to create green jobs in our state!