Dominion Energy’s program, Neighborhood Energy Efficiency (NEEP), is coming to the town of Batesburg-Leesville, providing free home improvements to residents who participate.

Derek McDaniel, the program manager of NEEP, was present at the recent town council meeting and says this program is free and provides qualified customers with education on energy efficiency and low-cost energy-saving measures. Energy efficiency is one way of managing and restraining the growth in energy consumption.

The program targets eligible residential customers in selected neighborhoods currently served by Dominion Energy. Eligible customers include homeowners, renters and residents of multifamily and mobile/manufactured homes.

As part of the program, residents who participate will receive free home improvements. Here are some of the home improvements Dominion Energy is offering:

• Switching to LED bulbs: According to Dominion Energy, each LED bulb uses up to 75% less energy than an incandescent lightbulb and lasts longer.
• Kitchen faucet aerator: This can decrease hot water use, saving both water and energy.
• HVAC air filter replacement: Replacing filters can improve energy efficiency.
• Shower timer installation: Taking a five-minute shower can reduce water and energy usage.
• Smart power strip installation: This strip can turn off selected equipment when it is not in use, saving energy.
• Low-flow showerhead installation: This can reduce water consumption by up to 40%.

Other improvements include door and window weatherstripping, a low-flow bathroom faucet aerator and adjustments to electric water heater temperature.

NEEP first launched in 2013 and is funded by Dominion Energy. Since then, residents in South Carolina have reduced electricity usage by more than 1 billion kilowatt-hours.

McDaniel said Dominion Energy customers will receive a flyer with details on an upcoming kickoff event hosted by Dominion and a map of eligible areas for this program on March 21.

McDaniel further emphasized that this program is free for any customer who decides to participate.

On April 8, Dominion Energy will be hosting a kickoff event at the Depot at Wilson Street Park from 6 to 8 p.m. A light meal and refreshments will be provided as well as a gift card giveaway. At the kickoff, McDaniel will give a presentation on the program and attendees will have the chance to ask questions.

"We are scheduled to stay in the Batesburg-Leesville area through the end of May," he said. "Depending on how scheduling goes, it could run a little longer than that."

The next regular mayor and council meeting will be held on April 14 at 7 p.m. at the town hall complex at 120 West Church St. (building B).

In other news

Dominion Energy gave the Lexington County Sheriff's Department two new underwater sonar devices to support future search efforts along Lake Murray.

"The handheld sonar devices emit sonic pulses up to 165 feet to quickly scan a large body of water during emergency search and recovery operations, allowing greater visibility even in murky conditions," according to a press release.

In 2024, the Lexington County Sheriff's Department received a $16,000 grant from Dominion Energy for these new devices.

“We are grateful to Dominion Energy for making such an important donation to a local law enforcement partner,” Sheriff Jay Koon said in a press release. “The underwater sonar devices will be valuable tools as we work to keep the water and shoreline of Lake Murray safe for our community to enjoy. Strong relationships between public safety and the private sector make Lexington County special."

Dominion Energy South Carolina President Keller Kissam attended the March 11 ceremony where the devices were presented. Kissam stated that this partnership is valuable and the devices will help in an emergency.