To save money on utilities in Carolina Forest, focus on Horry Electric Cooperative and Santee Cooper programs offering rebates, financing for efficient upgrades, and solar shares, alongside low-income aid like LIHEAP and daily habits such as smart thermostats and LED bulbs.​
Utility Provider Programs
Horry Electric provides Community Solar shares (up to 5 per household at ~12.5% of average use savings) and low-interest loans via Conway National Bank for smart thermostats, LEDs, or plumbing upgrades; pre-approve LED rebates up to 50% for qualifying projects through 2025. Santee Cooper’s Smart Energy Existing Homes offers rebates on efficient appliances, House Calls audits, and peak-hour tips to shift usage (e.g., overnight EV charging discounts). Check horryelectric.com/energy-programs or santeecooper.com for calculators and approved contractors.​
Assistance and Efficiency Tips
Apply for LIHEAP through Carolina Community Actions if income is below 60% state median (~$3,768/month for family of 3), covering heating/cooling bills January–December with priority for families with kids under 5. Install programmable thermostats (set 78°F summer/68°F winter), seal ducts/windows, use ceiling fans, and wash full loads to cut bills 10–20%; Dominion Energy adds appliance rebates. Track via apps like Energy Saver for personalized savings.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.santeecooper.com)
[2](https://horryelectric.com/energy-programs/)
[3](https://www.carolinacommunityactions.org/liheap)
[4](https://www.santeecooper.com/Programs-Incentives/EmpowerHome/_pdfs/SEEH-Program-Manual.pdf)
[5](http://www.dominionenergy.com/en/South-Carolina)
