Governor Stein delivers NC Strong update, announced plans to keep costs down
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — On Tuesday, Governor Josh Stein held his latest NC Strong Update highlighting ways he is reducing energy costs and investing in the state’s workforce.
Stein also announced the launch of an online dashboard that details growth in each of the state’s 100 counties, including job announcements, investments in communities, and medical debt relieved.
In an effort to address rising energy costs, Stein and the NC Department of Environmental Quality expanded the Energy Saver NC program to all counties in the state. This helps households save up to $1,000 in utility bills each year through home efficiency upgrades.
“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.”
An eligible household can receive up to $16,000 in rebates for energy efficiency improvements such as heat pump heating and cooling systems and insulation.
Governor Stein announced that he will be directing his discretionary funding allotted through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act toward NC Career Launch, supporting more high-quality youth apprenticeships. NC Career Launch helps businesses develop registered apprenticeship programs for students beginning in grades 11 and 12.
“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.”
Stein said that North Carolina is projected to soon have the worst nursing shortage in the nation.
Since taking office in January 2025, Governor Stein has announced more than 35,000 new jobs and more than $24 billion in new investments coming to North Carolina.
