Donation to Reduce Energy Burden for Low Income Families
Athens, GA— East Athens Development Corporation to receive two free solar energy system donations from Solarize Athens 2020 Campaign.
“We are elated that Solarize Athens has selected EADC for the donation,” said Fred Smith, Director of EADC. “EADC is committed to improving the economic plight of low and moderate income families who live in Athens‘ impoverished neighborhoods. By reducing electricity expenses, the donated 100% free solar energy system(s) will have a huge and positive impact on the families’ budgets and lives — especially during this time of unprecedented economic challenge,” said Smith.
Founded in 1993, EADC began its work in the community with revitalization activity in Triangle Plaza and other parts of Athens. Over the years, EADC has carried out a number of activities, including community-based micro-enterprise, job training and development, affordable housing initiatives, and historic preservation and protection within the African American community. The solar panels will be installed on two affordable rental properties owned and maintained by EADC.
"In the 100% Clean and Renewable Energy resolution passed unanimously by the Athens-Clarke County commissioners in May 2019, the county promised to make our 100% green transition in a 'manner to redress historical inequities in our communities,'” said Carol Myers, 100% Athens Renewable Energy Initiative steering committee member and District 8 commissioner-elect. “By awarding the East Athens Development Corporation a solar grant for a low-income home in East Athens, an historically African-American neighborhood with a poverty rate over 50%, Solarize Athens is doing its part to move us toward that goal."
Solarize Athens is a community-led initiative organized by a coalition of partners including the 100% Athens, Georgia Climate Change Coalition, Environment Georgia, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Solar Crowdsource, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and several individual local solar advocates and organizations. Over 300 Athens area residents signed up for the Solarize Athens 2020 program. Working with the selected contractor, Alternative Energy Southeast, this campaign added over 480kW of new solar energy and 283kWh of new battery storage to the Athens metro area.
“Thanks to solar power technology we’ve created good paying jobs, reduced the cost of electricity for Athenians, reduced the town’s carbon footprint, helped out utilities by producing valuable peak-time electrons, and are now giving back to the community with this donation to EADC. This is what it is all about and therefore we need more solar power,” stated Montana Busch, President of Alternative Energy Southeast.
Each Solarize Athens campaign includes a community project whereby the selected contractor, Alternative Energy Southeast, and the program administrator, Solar Crowdsource, donate a portion of the proceeds earned from the campaign to go towards donating a solar energy system for a deserving local nonprofit organization.
“Donating solar energy systems to help reduce the energy burden for low-income families so folks can stay in their homes more securely and comfortably demonstrates how solar energy can help address energy equity in a sustainable way,” said Don Moreland, founder of Solar Crowdsource.
EADC was selected from 10 applicants for the 2020 solar donation. This is the second non-profit in Athens to receive a donated solar system; Nuci’s Space was the recipient of the donation resulting from the 2016 campaign.
About East Athens Development Corporation: East Athens Development Corporation promotes and supports the neighborhood revitalization in East Athens through economic development activities, which will lead to financial security for the citizens of the community.
About Solarize Athens: Solarize Athens is the second community-based group-purchasing program for solar energy, battery storage, and other clean energy technologies that helps homeowners, businesses and nonprofits become more resilient, reduce energy expenses, and save on the cost of renewable energy.
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