The work is being funded through a $14 million state loan approved Monday by the state Infrastructure Bank.

Prison systems in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky are using similar savings programs.

In South Carolina, the plan calls for installing new boilers, drilling wells and using water-saving toilets, sinks and shower fixtures. The contractor has promised the changes will save $1 million a year.

State prison Director Jon Ozmint said the only change inmates should notice is fewer breakdowns in outdated equipment.