PIEDMONT, AL — Kay Ivey has announced the award of 11 grants totaling just over $500,000 to support energy efficiency improvements across Alabama, including a project in Piedmont aimed at upgrading street lighting.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants, which are funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program. The funding will assist local governments and nonprofit organizations in reducing energy consumption and lowering long-term utility costs.
Among the recipients, the City of Piedmont was awarded $50,000 to replace approximately 250 existing streetlights with brighter, more energy-efficient LED fixtures. The project is expected to improve visibility throughout the city while reducing energy usage and maintenance costs.
“These funds will facilitate modern updates that will significantly reduce energy costs over time,” Ivey said. “That savings will allow a larger portion of local budgets to be used each year to directly benefit the communities being served.”
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell noted that local leaders are prioritizing long-term savings through infrastructure improvements.
“The leaders of these counties, municipalities and organizations recognize that investing in energy-efficient systems makes good economic sense,” Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in commending them for their foresight in pursuing these beneficial projects.”
In addition to Piedmont, grants were awarded to organizations and local governments across nine counties for projects including lighting upgrades, HVAC system replacements and equipment modernization. Recipients include schools, community centers, municipal facilities and nonprofit organizations.
Officials say the improvements funded through the program are designed to reduce operational costs while enhancing services and infrastructure in communities statewide.
