According to the study, SC ranks last in energy efficiency

Electricity, running water and a full tank of fuel are often taken for granted. Many people leave the lights on after leaving the house or take longer showers than necessary. While everyday habits like these may seem harmless, they contribute to a larger problem.

According to a study conducted in September by financial analysts at WalletHub, October is National Energy Awareness Month, a fact that is not well known at a time when climate issues continue to generate debate. The study suggests that energy efficiency, particularly in the Southeast, is simply not taken as seriously as other issues.

Research shows that South Carolina ranks last among 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) when it comes to energy savings. And with energy prices rising as quickly as temperatures, the Lowcountry's long, humid summers are putting a strain on many households. The average South Carolinian spends about $234 per month on gas and electricity, one of the highest rates in the nation.

In a recent interview with the Charleston City Paper, Eddy Moore, director of decarbonization at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, explained why the Palmetto State is struggling to become more energy efficient. One of the reasons, he said, is that the state's building codes are 15 years out of date.

“Many of our houses, whether old or new, have leaks in the building envelope – the separation between the outside and inside,” he said. “Essentially you’re heating or cooling the outdoor area.”

Moore said there are some programs to increase energy efficiency through energy companies such as Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper. And further help in the form of federal funds is in the pipeline. But these solutions were not enough to bring about significant change in South Carolina.

“On the one hand, we have aid programs that previously did not have to meet any performance targets. And then we have – for the first time ever – a really significant potential government program that would be delivered with federal funding,” Moore said. “These programs need to be coordinated sensibly so that we get the most bang for our buck and save as much energy as possible.”

Increase efficiency, reduce costs

As part of the study, experts looked at ways to reduce energy costs and improve the energy efficiency of a household.