A nonprofit that works to increase access to solar and other clean energy solutions is celebrating a major milestone.
Working largely in the rural Southeast, Groundswell has now completed its 100th home energy upgrade through its Save On Utilities Long-term (SOUL) program. Additionally, the group for the first time has brought its work to Alabama.
Participants in the SOUL program typically see a reduction in their utility bills by about 30%, sometimes more, delivering meaningful financial relief to low- and moderate-income families and seniors living on fixed incomes.
The program combines essential home repairs, such as fixing roofs and repairing water damage, with energy-saving upgrades like new or added insulation and HVAC improvements, dramatically improving both comfort and affordability.
To date, the program has provided more than $1 million in home upgrades to 99 households across five Georgia towns — LaGrange, West Point, Hogansville, Pine Mountain and Franklin. For its 100th project under the program, Groundswell provided upgrades to a home in Lanett, Alabama, marking the beginning of its effort to bring the program across state lines into neighboring Alabama.
But Groundswell’s future work under the program is uncertain. Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdrew previously awarded Community Change Grant funding, halting plans to expand the program to 500 more homes in Alabama and Georgia. Home improvements were planned for Chambers, Clay, Macon, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties in Alabama, and Troup County in Georgia.
“Hardworking rural families and seniors on fixed incomes pay higher electricity bills because rural housing infrastructure needs repairs and energy efficiency,” Groundswell CEO Michelle Moore said.
“President (Donald) Trump’s campaign promises included cutting electricity bills in half for American families. Groundswell is committed to the Rural South, and we hope to get these next 500 home repairs back on track to keep cutting bills and improving affordability.”
The EPA decision is also frustrating residents who need help, and city officials looking for partnerships to deliver solutions for those in need.
“Our community’s seniors worked hard all their lives and are now living on fixed incomes that are not sufficient to keep the homes that they own energy efficient and in good repair,” said Lanett Mayor Jamie Heard. “Lanett has a list of seniors who’ve been waiting on this program, and I am committed to working with our colleagues at the state and federal level to turn this cancellation around.”
Still, Groundswell said it remains focused on its mission and the people it serves. In a statement, the nonprofit said families, including those in Lanett who most recently received upgrades, are already feeling the difference.
