06 Jun If you never took notice of Cottageville, this story gives reason to look at what they are doing

Over the past several years, the City has explored potentials for bringing or encouraging the private sector to develop a source of solar power to protect the supplies for our military installations, our governments and family households.

Until recently most utilities discouraged local initiatives like this because apparently it undercut the revenue uses for other purposes not the least of which was investing in nuclear generation and higher profits.  Fortunately the climate has changed.

Through a contract with Johnson Controls the city of Beaufort now has a plan in place to reduce our energy costs by more than 30%  by upgrading equipment including some solar in spots where it can be located.  We are also looking at a solar option for the waterfront park.  Unfortunately the contract for street lighting with SCE&G does not permit transitions to solar or even LED lighting because they own the poles and light fixtures.

Further more we have been in a conversation with at least two private developers interested in exploring the potential for a solar farm in the city.

This kinds of changes do not all come at once.

Follow Cottageville’s example to fight climate change