June 3, 2024
East Central Community College has recently received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Energy that it has been selected for an Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas grant.
The Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program aims to enhance the resilience, reliability, and affordability of energy systems in communities across the country with populations of 10,000 or fewer.
The ERA program seeks to support community-driven energy projects that yield tangible benefits for customers and foster clean energy knowledge and capacity across rural America.
In collaboration with the PATH Company, East Central Community College pursued and was selected to begin award negotiations for a $2.8 million grant for solar and lighting upgrades to its campus. The initiative will entail installing 1 MW of solar PV (photovoltaic) on the north side of the campus and upgrading 25 different facilities with energy-efficient LED lighting.
These campus enhancements are projected to reduce energy costs for ECCC by approximately $170,000 annually, thereby freeing up funds for reinvestment in students and campus infrastructure. Additionally, alongside the installation of solar panels, the college intends to launch curricula centered on solar installation and maintenance. These pioneering programs will be among the first of their kind at the community college level in Mississippi.
"We are thrilled to have been selected for this highly competitive grant and express our gratitude for the diligent efforts of the PATH Company in securing these funds on our behalf," remarked ECCC President, Dr. Brent Gregory. "The increasing demand for solar expertise nationwide and in our region presents a compelling opportunity. We viewed this as a win-win scenario to not only allocate resources to better serve our students and campus but also to position ECCC at the forefront of this emerging technology by offering training and curriculum opportunities for students preparing to enter the workforce."
