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12 Renewable Energy Projects Honored

Name
Ernie Watson
City
Albuquerque
Release Date

USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Eric Vigil announced today the presentation of twelve certificates of completion to Grant County area businesses for the renewable energy projects that were funded through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and through the Water and Environmental Program (WEP).

In making the announcement, Vigil said, "We honor these twelve entities to show energy efficiency is good for any industry and our economy.” Vigil added. “These twelve are saving on energy costs, which in turn helps increase the viability of their operation.  These twelve are also a good example for every business and governmental entity around the state on how to take advantage of funding to pay for renewable energy systems.”

This is the first time in the state’s history that USDA Rural Development has honored 12 entities at one time.

The twelve include:

Dolce Vita --Dr. Brian Robinson the owner of Dolce Vita also known as the Southwest Bone and Joint Institute will receive the certificate of appreciation award for his support of the REAP program. Previously, Dr. Robinson received an $111,548.00 REAP grant to offset the cost of installing a $446,194 solar system at his office.  Since then he has been instrumental in encouraging other businesses in Grant County to apply for the REAP program.

Beck Family Dental --Dr. Johnathan Beck the owner of Beck Family Dental will receive a certificate of completion award.  He received a $9,789 REAP grant for the purchase and installation of a roof mount 9.3 kW solar array. This project is saving Dr. Beck an estimated $ 1,989.98 per year in electric power savings, and will replace 14,934 kWh of electricity per year (84.53 %) which is enough electricity to power 1 home.

Grant County --Ms. Charlene Webb will accept a certificate of completion on behalf of Grant County.  On August 21, 2014 Grant County received a certificate of completion for a wastewater project in North Hurley in the amount of $1,319,100.   Almost $50,000 of that amount was used to purchase and install a solar system that provides the power to a wastewater lift station.  This is the first time in the nation a solar power system was funded through the Water and Environment (WEP) program to power a wastewater lift station. 


MKK Investments --Mr. William Knuttinen and Mr. Michael Morrones, co-owners of MKK received a $21,000 REAP grant to purchase and install two identical solar systems on two commercial rental properties.  Each will consist of 32 roof-mounted solar panels with one inverter.  Each system is generating approximately 17,280 kWh/year of electrical power.  The payback will be in 15.2 years not including possible tax credits that Grantee may use. 

Rydeski and Company --Mr. Robert Rydeski will received $49,998 REAP grant which was used to purchase and install a 22 kW solar photovoltaic system for his office building. The system is expected to generate 41,230 kWh, replacing 100% of the current electric usage.

Town of Silver City –Received a $83,313 REAP grant to conduct energy audits of buildings while also promoting energy audits to other businesses through education and examples.

Western Bank of Lordsburg –Received $112,500 REAP Grant to purchase and install photovoltaic solar power systems for three of the bank’s locations. The project projects to generate 161,651 kWh of electricity per year, or enough electricity to power 15 homes.  The total cost of the installation of the three systems was $450,000.

Dr. James Skee – Will receive five awards for installing solar power systems at five different health care clinics. The projects received a total of $164,429 in grant money from the REAP program.  The projects are:

• Bayard Health Care Resources received a $15,317.00 REAP grant for the purchase and installation of a roof mounted 23 kW solar array. This project will realize $5,604.83 per year in savings, and will replace 38,564 kWh of electricity per year (84.66%) which is enough electricity to power 3 homes.

• Copperas Health Care Resources located in Silver City received a $9,010.00 REAP Grant for the purchase and installation of a roof mounted 13.6 kW solar array. This project has saved the facility $3,461.15 per year in electric costs.

• Gila Health Care Resources located in Silver City received a $78,880 REAP Grant to purchase and install a 95 kW solar array on both the roof and support structure of an urgent care facility. The solar power system will save $22,544.46 per year in electricity which is enough 14 homes.

• Mimbres Health Care located in Deming, New Mexico received a $37,442.00 REAP Grant to purchase and install a solar array on its roof.  The health care facility will save $10,729.07 electric costs.

• Mis Amigos, LLC a pet care center located in Arenas Valley, New Mexico received a $23,780.00 REAP Grant which was used to purchase and install a 23.8 kW solar array. By doing so the facility is saving $5,086.83 in electric costs per year. 

USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program was created by Congress to help farmers, ranchers and small rural businesses access funds to purchase renewable energy systems and to make energy efficiency improvements.   The REAP program is not available for residential use and is only available for businesses in communities of less than 50-thousand people, however there is no population limit for ag producers wanting to apply for this program.