The new year marks a time of transition for many people, including a recent graduate of MACED’s New Energy Internship program.
With greater fluctuation in our weather, including extreme temperature swings, coupled with rising utility rates, Eastern Kentuckians are facing electric bills that are higher than ever. Energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy, and sustainability education help both reduce energy use and stabilize bills in face of these changes. For the past decade, MACED’s energy team has facilitated these energy solutions for Eastern Kentucky communities, helping businesses and organizations become more resilient in the face of climate change.
A changing energy economy and rising electric rates is creating a large demand for contractors in the region who are skilled in this work. MACED’s New Energy Intern program grows the workforce in energy efficiency and renewable energy. In December 2019, Zac Ebersole, a Johnson County resident, became the sixth graduate of the program.
As a resident of Oil Springs, Zac worked out of MACED’s Paintsville office, also located in Johnson County. Oil Springs has been home for Zac since he was four years old, and he is passionate about creating positive change in the area.
“I want people to stay… It means a lot that I can help,” Zac said
The New Energy internship trains participants on energy auditing, implementing energy efficiency upgrades, and on renewable energy systems. It also includes training on communications, sales and marketing, and small business startup skills.
He has already been able to put his new skills to work in his community, and has helped people with their bills by teaching them money-saving methods that don’t cost a penny, as well as where they can invest a little to pay off big.
Zac said energy efficiency is a topic that has come up at community listening sessions concerning how residents could make the county a better place.
As a part of this work to promote growth in Johnson County, Zac owns and operates his own business called Blue Grace Revolutionize. The business, which Zac started in July 2018, specializes in making old things new again, refurbishing “tiny things to whole buildings.” His hope is that people will see the beauty and utility in repurposing old materials. Zac also operates another small business called Appalachian Guns. He converted part of his home into a storefront for receiving customers.
Zac described the past six months as transformative. Not only has he immersed himself in a whole new field, but he also became a new dad to his now three-month-old daughter. MACED was able to provide Zac with parental leave during the internship.
“It was great to have that time, and MACED was extremely supportive.” He expressed that it was a rare find, saying, “It’s hard to find elsewhere, especially for a father.”
Zac said he hopes more Eastern Kentuckians will take advantage of the New Energy internship. “This is an amazing opportunity, with great people who want to help you, and it needs more interest.”
MACED has enjoyed having Zac on staff and looks forward to all that he’ll do with his New Energy internship training in the future.
Please find more information on the New Energy internship program here.
