South Carolina Energy Office

06/09/2026

Driving at or below the speed limit can improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Safe driving saves fuel (and money)!

06/06/2026

Energy Program Manager Richelle Tolton represented SCEO at the Center for Energy Education’s Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Workshops in Moncks Corner, SC! Community members and public officials heard from various speakers about solar, wind, and BES systems.

06/03/2026

The SC Dept. of Environmental Services has opened grant funding to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality. Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant applications are open through June 12, 2026 for replacement or upgrade of older diesel vehicles, engines, and equipment.

Application Materials & Steps

05/30/2026

? The standard hair dryer uses between 1,500 and 1,800 watts while in use! Drying your hair with a towel beforehand and using a “cool” air setting can reduce electricity usage while drying your hair.

05/26/2026

Most gas stations in the U.S. and South Carolina use ethanol in their Octane 87 gasoline. If you fuel your car with regular unleaded gas, you're using up to 10% ethanol!

05/23/2026

Toasters, curling irons, fans, and sewing machines were some of the first electric appliances.

05/21/2026

The Palmetto Clean Fuels Coalition, Coordinator Rene Kelly and intern Lizzie Emerson, participated in Soda City’s annual Drive Electric event! Columbia residents learned about electric vehicles, utility incentives, and PCF initiatives.

05/20/2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched the final round of its Port Infrastructure Development Program! PIDP projects improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of ports. PIDP has funded several electrification initiatives. Learn more at

The Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) is a discretionary grant program administered by the Maritime Administration.

05/16/2026

The SCEO is seeking organizations interested in partnering with our Home Energy Labeling Program! Join our office in educating and training certified assessors to provide SC residents with Home Energy Score assessments!

South Carolina Home Energy Labels are not yet available statewide. A few partners have agreed to launch pilots through the South Carolina Home Energy Labeling program. The organizations listed below are currently offering official South Carolina Home Energy Labels through this program.

05/14/2026

SCEO team members recently attended the annual Earth Day Birthday event at the York County Material Recovery Facility. Participants of all ages engaged in activities to learn about energy sources and electrical circuits!