Governor Josh Stein has announced new efforts to reduce energy costs and expand workforce opportunities across North Carolina. During his latest NC Strong Update, Stein introduced an online dashboard that tracks growth in all 100 counties, including job creation, community investments, and relief from medical debt.
To address rising utility expenses, the Energy Saver NC program has been expanded statewide. The initiative offers rebates for home efficiency upgrades and high-efficiency electrical appliances, with households able to save up to $1,000 annually on utility bills.
“Electricity bills are too high, and I am committed to doing everything I can to lower your costs,” said Governor Josh Stein. “North Carolina is expanding Energy Saver NC to all 100 counties. Now, eligible families across the state will be able to lower their energy bills about $1,000 a year on average and improve the comfort and safety of their homes. These upgrades also strengthen our energy system, help our environment, and support good-paying jobs in communities statewide.”
DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson added: “North Carolina is the first state in the nation to fully launch the Energy Saver program. Now that the program is available across the state, eligible North Carolina families can lower their utility bills by up to $80 per month, and their homes will be more comfortable. These energy-saving steps will also reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality while supporting more than 2,000 jobs for the contractors doing the installations. That’s a win all the way around for North Carolina.”
Mozine Lowe of C4EE commented: “The Center for Energy Education has spent the past few months reaching out to our community to inform residents and help them apply and receive rebates from Energy Saver NC. We often hear from our community, ‘My house has never felt this warm,’ or ‘My light bill is $100 less this month.’ We are excited to support Energy Saver NC into in its 100 counties to secure clean energy futures for all.”
Eligible households may receive up to $16,000 in rebates for improvements such as heat pump systems and insulation; additional rebates of up to $14,000 are available for efficient appliances like water heaters or electric cooktops.
In workforce development news, Governor Stein announced that discretionary funds from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) will go toward supporting youth apprenticeships through NC Career Launch. This program helps businesses develop apprenticeship programs targeting students starting in grades 11 and 12 in sectors such as child care, health care, skilled trades, and advanced manufacturing.
“The promise of North Carolina is simple: If you work hard, where you come from should not limit how far you can go,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Apprenticeships unlock doors of opportunity for the next generation, and they help our state meet its workforce needs. Career Launch will support students in being prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley stated: “Our Division of Workforce Solutions is excited to support NC Career Launch, which will strengthen North Carolina’s capacity to expand work-based learning…NC Career Launch highlights the innovative approach that has made our state a national leader in workforce development.”
CaroMont Health’s nursing apprenticeship program was highlighted as an example; it reportedly achieves retention rates up to 34% higher than traditional recruitment methods.
Janice Hill at CaroMont Regional Medical Center said: “As a nurse of 40 years…Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships give motivated students and employees a real pathway into nursing and health care careers. And they help us build a workforce prepared to care for our neighbors.”
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina serves as chief executive over all residents since its establishment in 1776 according to official records. The governor enforces laws statewide and leads key policy initiatives, directs budgets and appoints executive officials, while serving as commander-in-chief of the National Guard as outlined by state documents.
Since taking office in January 2025 as North Carolina’s 76th governor according to official sources, Stein reports more than 35,000 new jobs created alongside over $24 billion invested throughout North Carolina.