Four electric cooperatives will share $500,000 of the grant money, to install 70 solar themal water systems in the homes of members of Berkley Electric Cooperative, York Electric Cooperative, Santee Electric Cooperative and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative.

Applicants will invest $1.31 to every $1 of investment from the grant. The nine grants that have been awarded in total, hope to realise a total saving of $7.7 million in energy costs, over the life of the projects.

The electric co-operatives of South Carolina are currently taking part in a state wide energy efficiency and consumer education study. The 19 co-operatives taking part in the study named 'Help My House', will test different methods of energy efficiency accross a total of 1,200 existing homes. Methods that will be tested include heat pump installation, roof retrofitting, weather proofing assistance, energy efficient appliance upgrades and in home energy monitors.

The 'Help My House Study' will run on a budget of $3.3 million, $2.9 million of which was awarded by the South Carolina Budget and Control Board's State Enery Office.