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Advocates call for scaling weatherization, home repairs as county rolls out EECBG audits
Summary
Public commenters and nonprofit partners urged Charleston County to prioritize home repairs and weatherization for low- and moderate-income households as staff begins a grant-funded program of free energy audits and selective weatherization.
Nonprofit partners and members of the public urged the Resilience & Sustainability Advisory Committee to expand weatherization and home-repair support for low- and moderate-income households as Charleston County begins an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program.
Emily Bennett, energy project manager at the Coastal Conservation League, told the committee that preserving existing housing stock through repairs and weatherization can reduce displacement and high energy burden. "Preserving existing housing stock is a pathway to improve this affordability," Bennett said in public comment. She described home repairs (roof, mold/asbestos remediation, electrical) followed by weatherization (air sealing, insulation, energy-efficient HVAC and water heating) and said such measures can extend housing life and reduce repair and utility costs.
What county staff described: Ally said the county received an EECBG grant from the South Carolina Department of Energy that will fund free energy audits for 20 homes and that contractors will select eight homes for deeper weatherization work.
Why it matters: Speakers said weatherization and repairs can cut energy bills and lessen climate-driven damage and displacement from flooding and storms. Bennett cited Department of Energy estimates that weatherization can reduce bills by up to 30 percent and urged the county to ensure programs reach low- and moderate-income and heirs' properties.
Supporting details: Belle Mosoff of the Charleston Climate Coalition and other public commenters highlighted local pilots—such as the Union Heights community change grant and green building pilots—where weatherization and low-carbon building techniques are being tested. Community members urged the county to pair outreach with trusted partners and to use real-estate touchpoints and community development networks to reach homeowners.
Next steps: Staff said they will continue vetting applicants for the EECBG program and are compiling an inventory and outreach strategy to connect weatherization efforts with other county programs and workforce initiatives.
Ending: Commenters urged that weatherization, home repair funding and training be prioritized so cost savings and resilience benefits reach households most at risk of displacement.
