Latest news with #DuaneParrish
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Duke Energy Marks Earth Month in South Carolina With $375,000 in Grants To Fight Trash, Promote Tree Planting, Sustain Trail Access
GREENVILLE, S.C., May 13, 2025 /3BL/ - Throughout the month of April, Duke Energy highlighted the importance of sustainability of our state's natural assets with $375,000 in grants to organizations that manage and provide support to state and local parks, tree planting and advocacy, trail maintenance and litter prevention. Why it matters: By educating ourselves about environmental issues and making small changes, such as reducing plastic use, recycling, conserving energy and planting trees, we can move towards understanding the impact of our actions and become more responsible stewards of the earth, ensuring that it remains a thriving, livable place for us all especially at a time of booming population growth in the state. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a better, cleaner world. Where the money goes: The following qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental organizations received funding from Duke Energy Foundation ( click here for additional details): Dozens of Duke Energy employees also volunteered their time and energy in April by supporting five organized trash pickups and similar events in communities across the state. What they're saying Tim Pearson, Duke Energy's South Carolina president:'The natural beauty of South Carolina draws new residents and businesses to our state every year, and it's important for companies like ours to work alongside our communities to protect, enhance and promote these tremendous assets of the Palmetto State.' Duane Parrish, South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism executive director:'The Upstate has been through a lot since last fall. From the first responders who secured our safety after Helene and in the recent wildfires, to the partners who have stepped up afterwards to help make us whole again, we have not had to face those dark days and difficult challenges alone. We are incredibly grateful to Duke Energy, who has been an amazing partner to South Carolina State Parks for many years. They have a heart for what we do in State Parks, and their generous support is pivotal in helping us protect, advance, and share our treasured places with visitors.' Aaron Davis, TreesUpstate executive director:'For the past nine years, Duke Energy has helped thousands of Upstate residents save electricity costs through this really 'cool' Energy Savings Tree Giveaway program. Their generosity and partnership show how much Duke Energy values nonprofits, communities, and our wonderful natural resources.' Duke Energy Foundation Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. More information is available at and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. Contact: Ryan Mosier24-Hour: 800.559.3853 View original content here. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Duke Energy Corporation
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Free electric vehicle charging available to visitors at 30 SC state parks
Mountain bikers at Paris Mountain State Park near Greenville. (Provided by SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism) COLUMBIA — Electric vehicle drivers can charge up for free at 30 of South Carolina's 47 state parks. The park charging network is the result of a pair of programs: a partnership between the state parks department and the state's utility watchdog that brought chargers to three parks in 2020 and a larger effort started in late 2022 by Rivian. The electric vehicle maker installed EV chargers in the parks free of charge, according to Duane Parrish, director of the state's department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Park visitors must pay an admission fee but otherwise the chargers are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. The state picks up the tab for the electricity costs. The free chargers are part of an effort to increase charging availability in the state. South Carolina remains 31st in the nation and next to last in the Southeast when it comes to the number of fast chargers per capita, according to the most recent report issued by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. The stations at South Carolina's parks are powerful enough to add about 25 miles of range per hour of charging, allowing people to spend time at the park and return to a recharged car. Having the chargers in the parks can also give visitors more peace of mind that they won't run out of power when visiting some of the state's more remote recreation spots. Most parks have two charging spaces, but the busiest destinations have four. The chargers work with all electric vehicles, not just Rivian's. However, because the chargers are hardwired into the parks' existing power connection, the state has not tracked how frequently electric vehicle driver have used the stations since Rivian finished installing them in 2023. 'According to the feedback we hear at our sites, park visitors who use the stations are grateful they are there, and they enjoy hiking or taking in the scenery while they charge,' Parrish told the SC Daily Gazette on Thursday. Online reviews left on platforms for electric vehicle drivers, such as PlugShare, do provide some insight. SC needs more electric vehicle charges. One state senator wants limits on who pays for them. 'Awesome! Right by the ranger station and boat ramp. Ranger said they're popular — someone's charging here nearly every day,' a Ford Lightning truck driver wrote in April 2024 while using the charger at Devils Fork State Park on the shores of Lake Jocassee in the Upstate. She was one of 21 users to leave a review. 'Great that SC state parks have these! Charging overnight after pulling my camper here!' a Rivian driver wrote in March 2024 while visiting Poinsett State Park near Sumter. 'I went on a short hike and returned to a fully charged car!' a Fiat driver visiting Table Rock State Park in the Upstate wrote in August 2024. 'On a sunny day you can walk the beach. If it's not so nice out, there's also a cute little gift shop,' a Nissan driver visiting Huntington Beach State Park along the Grand Strand wrote in January 2023. She was one of 59 people to leave a review. Other popular parks, such as Paris Mountain in Greenville and Charles Towne Landing in Charleston had between 23 and 68 reviews from users. The stations are not without their issues. Common complaints included non-electric vehicles blocking the charging spaces or the chargers being out of order. 'All new assets come with maintenance and upkeep, so occasionally the stations have to close for repairs — some of which can be done by park staff, but occasionally may require outside technical expertise,' Parrish said. 'Overall, they have been a nice amenity to offer park users that require minimal effort and expense on our end.'
