In an effort to invest more money in green technology and create more jobs in the renewable energy sector, North Carolina Governor Bev Purdue this week announced the state has invested another $4.9 million dollars for North Carolina’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Program.

Governor Purdue had the following to say about the recently allocated funds: “Investing in green energy and creating green jobs is one of my top priorities. These federal recovery funds will create jobs, reduce energy consumption and save taxpayers money on county and municipal utility bills.”

The $4.9 million will help 52 North Carolina local governments fund 58 energy-related projects across the state. This was the last round of funding for the North Carolina energy efficiency stimulus program.

An overview reveals a range of different projects received funding. Burke County, for instance, received $200,000 to replace its courthouse’s single-pane windows with energy-efficient ones. Orange County used some of its funds — about $250,000 — to install a number of solar hot water systems. And Lee County received $170,000, which it used to install energy-efficient lighting and room occupancy sensors. Energy efficiency measures like these are often among the most cost-effective options available to homeowners, businesses and governments.

In total, the North Carolina Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Program has dispersed some $11.9 million. Throughout the lifetime of the program, funds have been allocated to 104 local governments, public school systems and community colleges in order to fund projects that reduce energy consumption and electricity costs.