Governor Stein Unveils Initiatives to Cut Energy Costs and Boost Youth Apprenticeships in NC
Governor Josh Stein has announced new measures aimed at reducing energy expenses and enhancing workforce development in North Carolina. In his latest NC Strong Update, the Governor introduced an online tool offering insights into the growth of all 100 counties in the state, covering new job opportunities, community investments, and medical debt alleviation.
Learn more about Governor Stein’s efforts across North Carolina’s counties.
Statewide Energy Savings Initiative
Governor Stein, alongside the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), is broadening the reach of the Energy Saver NC program to encompass every county in the state. This initiative is designed to help households save as much as $1,000 annually on utility bills by offering rebates for energy-efficient home improvements.
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of reducing electricity costs, stating, “Electricity bills are too high, and I am committed to doing everything I can to lower your costs.” He further explained the benefits of the program, including improved home comfort and safety, as well as job creation statewide.
DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson highlighted North Carolina’s pioneering role, stating, “North Carolina is the first state in the nation to fully launch the Energy Saver program.” The program is expected to lower utility bills by up to $80 monthly while enhancing home comfort and reducing carbon emissions.
Mozine Lowe, Executive Director of the Center for Energy Education, shared positive feedback from the community, stating, “We often hear from our community, ‘My house has never felt this warm,’ or ‘My light bill is $100 less this month.'” The Energy Saver NC initiative aims to provide clean energy futures for all.
Eligible households can receive significant rebates for energy efficiency improvements, potentially saving nearly $1,000 annually. The program also contributes to grid reliability and pollution reduction, supporting over 2,000 jobs.
Find out more about Energy Saver NC.
Advancing Youth Apprenticeships
In a move to bolster North Carolina’s workforce, Governor Stein is channeling discretionary funds from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) into NC Career Launch. This program promotes high-quality youth apprenticeships by supporting businesses in creating apprenticeships for students in grades 11 and 12 across various high-demand fields.
Governor Stein remarked on the initiative’s potential, stating, “Apprenticeships unlock doors of opportunity for the next generation, and they help our state meet its workforce needs.” The program aims to prepare students for current and future job markets.
Lee Lilley, N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary, commented on NC Career Launch’s importance, saying, “Our Division of Workforce Solutions is excited to support NC Career Launch, which will strengthen North Carolina’s capacity to expand work-based learning.”
Highlighting the success of existing programs, Governor Stein noted CaroMont Health’s nursing apprenticeship program, which significantly improves retention compared to traditional methods. Janice Hill, Director of the Nursing Workforce Transition Program, emphasized the importance of community investment, stating, “Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships give motivated students and employees a real pathway into nursing and health care careers.”
Governor Stein continues to focus on workforce development, with recent efforts resulting in over 35,000 new jobs and $24 billion in investments in North Carolina since 2025.
Explore more about NC Career Launch.
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