WPCC Electrical Panels Get A Glow-Up, Thanks to Grant

The Western Piedmont Foundation has received a $406,837 grant from the Cannon Charitable Interests through the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust No. One to help with costs associated with upgrading the electrical panels in the buildings on the main campus of Western Piedmont Community College. The grant will cover approximately 50% of the estimated cost of repair. 

The college’s insurance company inspected the original panels, manufactured by Federal Pacific, two years ago and declared them to be outdated and required an upgrade to continue coverage, according to Dr. Joel Welch, college president. The panels date back from the late 1960s through the 1970s.

Smart Electric Co. Inc. of Connelly Springs will implement the replacement project, which will include the installation of Square D panels, switchboards, panelboards, disconnect switches and transformers in eight buildings. The new equipment will be more energy efficient, according to Sandy Hoilman, WPCC vice president of administrative services and chief financial officer.

The electrical panel replacement is expected to take approximately two years to complete. College officials are planning ahead to make sure the necessary power shutdowns to the buildings being worked on will not impact classroom instruction.

“It is our goal to not cancel any classes,” Hoilman said. “The project is longer due to the timing and schedule for the buildings affected. We will try to work on weekends, breaks and during holidays as much as feasible.”

WPCC could be considered for additional funding for the project.

“We are deeply grateful to the Trust for their generous grant, which will allow us to upgrade critical electrical panels on our campus,” said Mackenzie Bostian Adams, WPF executive director. “This project is vital to maintaining the infrastructure that supports our classrooms, labs and learning environments.”

Published: 10/23/2025