Coastal Carolina University and Santee Cooper held a ribbon cutting on Monday, Nov. 13, to unveil 13 new electric vehicle charging stations that have been installed on CCU’s campus. This initiative supports the University’s commitment to sustainability.

The charging stations were funded through Santee Cooper’s EVolve Grant program, with a $25,000 grant awarded to CCU in January 2023. There are four charging stations at Brooks Stadium, four at the solar bus stop near the Lib Jackson Student Union, two each at Penny Hall and Palmetto Hall, and one at Atheneum Hall.

“It’s clear that South Carolina is a place where a lot of people are paying attention to our infrastructure, our workforce, our natural resources, and investing in communities and seeing the return on investment, particularly as it relates to clean energy,” said CCU President Michael T. Benson. “We are so pleased with our partnership with Santee Cooper, and we so appreciate their continued support of the University. We continue to improve this campus, to reduce our carbon footprint, and to show by example to our students that we are 100% committed to a sustainable future.”

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s largest power supplier, providing electricity for 2 million people across the state.

Tim Suggs, EVolve program manager for Santee Cooper, said: “Today is an exciting opportunity to celebrate our partnership, and as a Coastal grad, I’m proud of Coastal’s commitment to sustainability. We have committed to 13 EV charging stations for students, faculty, staff, and the community. Santee Cooper wants to continue this great partnership for years to come.”

CCU has implemented various initiatives to reduce waste and create a sustainable future on campus and beyond, with efforts including recycling, food waste composting, water refill stations, energy conservation, alternative transportation, and education and outreach programs. Learn more about sustainability at CCU here.