Clean Energy Grant Update

What We Accomplished in 2025

 

Our first calendar year of activities under the Department of Energy’s C-LEAP grant—from March through December—finished strong, thanks to our many dedicated volunteers. We exceeded our targets and delivered quality outcomes for both the community and the Town of Waynesville. Below is a summary of our accomplishments.

 

Volunteers Equipped for Community Impact:

• Developed a volunteer training program to support volunteers for effective community outreach.

• Built a cadre of trained volunteers by coaching them through the program and providing materials and ongoing support.

• Designed a versatile energy presentation for use by said volunteers and staff when engaging community organizations and groups.

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Outreach & Education:

• Organized an expert speaker series to raise awareness of and connect the core focus areas of the C-LEAP grant: Climate, Renewables, Electric Vehicles, and Energy Efficiency.

• Updated the Town of Waynesville’s website and EAC’s social media platforms to promote C-LEAP initiatives.

• Designed new promotional materials, including banners, signs, flyers, and informational handouts.

• Collaborated with the Town of Waynesville's Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) to design and host C-LEAP events.

 

Partnerships:

Two new partnerships expanded our capacity and amplified our outreach. Energy Savers Network: In the final months of the year, this partnership supported home energy efficiency improvements for five Waynesville households, saving residents thousands of dollars annually while reducing energy waste and emissions. We plan to expand this partnership in 2026.Western Carolina University: Junior-year communications students evaluated our outreach and communications approach, providing recommendations. Many of their suggested improvements have already been implemented, with more planned for the coming year.

 

Outreach by the Numbers:

• EAC hosted 27 unique public events, including expert talks and community meetings, home energy efficiency workdays, and targeted presentations for local organizations promoting C-LEAP objectives.

• Events supported 124 volunteer slots, reflecting a strong and engaged volunteer base.

• Approximately 500 community members were reached directly through presentations, speakers, and discussions.

• Reached 100s more through social media, paid media, and the Town of Waynesville’s website.

 

Anecdotally, we are already seeing impact. Community members shared stories of first-time EV purchases, homeowners taking steps toward greater energy efficiency, and residents exploring renewable energy options.