“Energy For All Y’All” shares inspiring stories of how the South is benefiting from clean energy

Asheville, NC — From training local workers as solar installers to test-driving electric vehicles, renewable energy is alive and well in the Southeast. These kinds of stories need to be told if people are to see the value of clean energy in their everyday lives. That’s the impetus behind “Energy For All Y’all,” a collaboration from Generation180, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE), and the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN).

The Energy For All Y’all project is sharing first-person stories of how communities across the Southeast are tapping funds in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for home upgrades such as heat pumps, electric vehicles, and induction stoves – and showcasing other ways that clean energy investments are supporting local communities, including through clean jobs, economic investment, and better air quality. All 50 U.S. states are benefitting from clean energy investments from the Inflation Reduction Act, with $346 billion for manufacturing, infrastructure, and other clean energy projects. There are at least 110 factories and other clean energy projects in development in the 10-state Southeastern region, according to non-partisan business group E2.

The campaign features:

• Inspiring first-person narratives of how Southerners benefit from IRA tax credits, like Olivia, the founder and owner of a “one-stop solar shop” in rural Georgia. She also launched a training center to develop a diverse and qualified workforce to help Georgia meet its largely untapped potential for rooftop solar.
• Examples of local governments making the switch to clean energy that other towns and cities can follow. Buncombe County, a Western North Carolina community is on track to be powered by 100% renewable energy – a first for the Tar Heel state. Asheville, nestled in Buncombe County, relied on clean energy as a lifeline while recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
• Videos from local filmmakers and social influencers, such as Chef Darius from Atlanta cooking with an induction stove and Rose, a Raleigh-local and Costa Rica native, who explores downtown NC in an electric vehicle.
• Resources on how communities and individuals can access federal funds and take part in the Southeast’s transition toward a new clean energy economy.

"Communities across the South are benefitting from clean energy investments, and more people need to hear about these local success stories,” said Stuart Gardner, Executive Director of Generation180. “We need creative approaches to help folks save money, drive economic development, and create healthier communities by reducing air pollution. We tell everyday success stories by partnering with influencers, local videographers, and content creators so we can popularize and demystify clean energy,” he said.

“We’re working together to encourage all Americans to take advantage of clean energy funds through the Inflation Reduction Act. With positive storytelling and new resources, we’re sharing real examples of individuals and communities leading the charge in the clean energy transition, which is already well underway across Southeastern towns and cities,” said Amy Rawe, Communications Director of SACE.

“Local governments across the Southeast are using the Inflation Reduction Act dollars and incentives as a catalyst for policies and programs that will create healthier communities for their residents. They are also helping their residents reap the financial benefits that come with clean, affordable energy investments,” said Meg Jamison, Executive Director of SSDN.

For more information on the partnership and to view the success stories and videos, please visit energyforallyall.org.