The Clean Energy Generation is making progress every day here in the Southeast. From a beloved theme park installing EV chargers, to an iconic ice cream brand using solar, to the U.S. Postal Service turning to electric, our clean energy future is becoming a reality. Take a look at just six of the many incredible signs of clean energy adoption in the Southeast we’ve seen over the past few months.
Dollywood Installs 14 EV Charging Ports
Electrifying news from Dollywood! The Tennessee theme park recently installed seven new EV chargers with 14 charging ports. The chargers will be available in Dollywood’s Preferred Parking Lot, a shorter walk to the park. In addition to the chargers, the park also installed 10 solar-powered umbrellas, giving guests a shaded place to charge their devices. Read more.
Wind Farm Becomes County’s Largest Taxpayer
“The value of this taxable property puts a significant shot in the arm for Chowan County.” Timbermill Wind, a 45-turbine wind farm, is now the largest taxpayer in North Carolina’s rural Chowan County. In addition to providing reliable income to farmers who lease their land, the project will generate roughly $1.5 million in tax revenue a year: around $50 million over three decades. Read more.
Solar Powers Florida Ice Cream Brand
Putting the sun in sundaes! DeConna Ice Cream’s new solar system now offsets roughly 65% of the iconic Florida ice cream brand’s annual electricity usage. Founded in 1947 by WWII veteran Don “Big Daddy” DeConna, the company now distributes its ice cream across 23 states. The solar system will allow the brand “to stabilize our energy costs, reduce our carbon footprint and support long-term efficiency across our operations.” Read more.
Clean Energy Creates Jobs in Georgia
“Another year of data demonstrating clean energy as a real engine for job creation in Georgia.” Georgia added 3,000 clean energy jobs in 2024, bringing the state’s total to over 85,500. In fact, the industry is growing over five times faster than Georgia’s overall economy, with seven times as many clean energy jobs than fossil fuel jobs in the state. Read more.
USPS Uses South Carolina-Made EVs
The U.S. Postal Service has received about 700 of its next generation battery electric vehicles made in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Postal Service has placed orders for 51,500 next generation vehicles, 35,000 of which are BEVs — a number that’s expected to grow to 45,000 by 2028. These new models have better visibility, ergonomic seating, air conditioning, safety features, and increased cargo capacity. Read more.
Plug-In Solar Poised for Takeover
“2026 may become known as the year plug-in solar finally broke through in the United States.” Bills have been introduced in at least 24 states, including South Carolina, allowing residents to install small plug-in solar devices without utility company permission. With outputs of up to 1,200 watts, these small solar panels can plug into standard outlets in residential homes and apartment buildings. Read more.
Follow along each week
These stories highlight just a few of the positive things happening in our area! Every day, we see signs of hope. The Clean Energy Generation is creating a future powered by clean energy that leads to clean air and water, good jobs, and vibrant communities.
Would you like to see more stories like this? We’ve got just the thing for you! Every Thursday, we share the latest clean energy news on Instagram with #CleanEnergyNews. Join us as we celebrate the progress and signs of hope in the clean energy transition.
Join the Clean Energy Generation
Together, all of us who are taking action are part of the Clean Energy Generation movement. We’re coming together to create healthier communities and a more secure and sustainable environment, starting now. No matter your age, income, zip code, or abilities, you can play a role. You don’t have to have the answers; learning more is a great way to start. Join us, and we’ll share ideas, resources, tools, and practices to show how we can all be part of the transformation.
