Investment will help entities increase energy independence
The Trump Administration announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $170,000 to help lower energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers in La Plata, County in rural Colorado.
“In Colorado, we are embracing innovation and energy efficiency,” said USDA Rural Development Colorado State Director Sallie Clark. Nine entities were awarded grant funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.
The projects announced today are:
- The Power Connection, LLC received a $53,806 grant to install a 78kW solar PV system that will produce 155,413 kWh annually.
- North Side, LLC received a $22,433 grant to install a 32.58kW solar PV system that will produce 64,165 kWh annually. This project will replace 98% of this rural small business's current electrical usage.
- Durango Old School received a $18,662 grant to install a 27.145kW solar PV system that will produce 53,461 kWh annually. This project will replace 97% of this rural small business's current electrical usage.
- Adobe House Farm received a $14,425 grant to install a 18kW solar PV system that will produce 30,769kWh annually. This project will replace 64% of this small agricultural producer's current electrical usage.
- Shaw Solar & Energy Conservation, LLC received two grants for $8684 each to his Rural Development investment. One project will be to install a 35.2kW solar PV system located that will produce 56,737 kW annually to be sold through a power purchase agreement to the Liberty School. The second grant will install a 124 kW solar PV system that will produce 235,525 kWh annually. The electricity from this project will be sold through a long term PPA and will generate $27,800 annually for this Rural Small Business.
- All Season Farms, LLC received a $10,697 grant to install a 7.3kW solar PV system that will produce 17,815 kWh annually.
- Penn DC II, LLC received a $19,974 grant to install a 25.6kW solar PV system that will produce 46,423 kWh annually.
- Maria’s Bookshop, Inc., received a $12,096 grant to install a 14kW solar PV system that will produce 23,501 kWh annually. This project will replace 100% of this rural small business's current electrical usage.
The REAP program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Applications for the next round of funding are currently be accepted. Applications for Grants of $20,000 or less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or less combinations are due by November 2, 2020. For additional information on this program in Colorado, contact Don Nunn, donald.nunn@usda.gov.
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Colorado in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives,” said Clark.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information in Colorado, visit www.rd.usda.gov/co.