U.S. Secretary of Energy visits Midlands to spotlight clean energy in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm visited a Columbia electric vehicle facility to showcase how electric vehicle chargers are being made in the U.S.A.

Granholm will promote how electric vehicle charging is a reliable and seamless experience.

According to Energy, Granholm will also meet with S.C. Representative Jim Clyburn at a town hall hosted by WIS anchor Judi Gatson from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at Brookland Baptist Church to discuss how President Joe Biden is investing in providing opportunities to help the South lead the nation in the clean energy transition.

Columbia has an ambitious goal to reach 100% clean and renewable energy by 2036 and currently, South Carolina has over 1.5 GW of solar, wind, and storage capacity says officials.

Administrators add that South Carolina currently has over 1,000 public EV charging ports and the state will be receiving almost $15 million in federal funding to help build out more EV charging stations.

There are different types of incentives depending on the type of clean energy citizens will be using:

Electric or Fuel Cell Vehicle (new)

Incentive Type: Tax Credit Incentive Amount: Up to $7,500 for eligible buyers of qualified clean vehicles

How to Access: Submit IRS Form 8936(link is external) when filing your taxes if you meet the requirements detailed on IRS.gov(link is external).

There are eligibility requirements for both the consumer and the vehicle. Find eligible vehicles on FuelEconomy.gov(link is external).

Starting in 2024, the tax credit can be transferred to the dealer to lower your upfront purchase price. If you are considering buying an electric vehicle, you may need to consider a home charger and/or upgrades to your outlet to facilitate faster charging. Credits exist for both.

Electric or Fuel Cell Vehicle (used)

Incentive Type: Tax Credit Incentive Amount: Up to $4,000 for eligible buyers of qualified, previously-owned clean vehicles

How to Access: Submit IRS Form 8936(link is external) when filing your taxes if you meet the requirements detailed on IRS.gov(link is external).

Visit FuelEconomy.gov(link is external) for a list of eligible used vehicles.

There are eligibility requirements for both the consumer and the vehicle.

Need Help With Your Energy Bills?

Administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), LIHEAP helps lower-income households reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs.

Learn more and see if you qualify through the LIHEAP Clearinghouse website

Savings for Homeowners

Consider scheduling a professional home energy audit to get a room-by-room assessment of your energy use and loss.

Upgrading to clean technology without first ensuring that your home is properly weatherized, or protected against energy loss, can undercut your efforts and eat into your potential savings.

A home energy audit will give you a personalized roadmap, tailored to your home and environment, that will help you get the most bang for your buck.

Incentives for Homeowners

Visit the ENERGYSTAR tax credit information page(link is external) for information on tax credits for work undertaken in 2022 or before.

Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety.

The program supports 8,500 jobs and provides weatherization services to approximately 35,000 homes every year using DOE funds. MORE: https://www.energy.gov/scep/wap/weatherization-assistance-program

Air Conditioners & Heating Equipment (energy efficient)

Incentive Type: Tax Credit Incentive Amount: 30% of the cost paid by the consumer, up to $600.

How to Access: Submit IRS Form 5695(link is external) if you meet the requirements detailed on IRS.gov

Subject to a cumulative, annual cap of $1,200.

For more information about South Carolina’s involvement in clean energy, click here.

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