Projects Will Support Climate-Smart Solutions to Lower Energy Costs for 12 Businesses & Ag Producers
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 9, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ohio Rural Development Acting State Director Beth Huhn announced that the Department is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure and to help rural communities, agricultural producers and businesses lower energy costs in 48 states and Puerto Rico.
“Rural Development is in a unique position to help rural communities, agricultural producers and businesses lower energy costs,” Huhn said. “USDA continues to prioritize climate-smart infrastructure to help rural America build back better and stronger than ever before.”
USDA is financing these investments through the Rural Energy for America Program. This program provides funding to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. These climate-smart investments will conserve and generate more than 379 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) in rural America, which equates to enough electricity to power 35,677 homes per year.
In Ohio:
- Harbage Bros. Farming Co LLC, a corn and soybean ag producer in South Charleston, will use a $20,000 grant to replace an inefficient grain dryer. This will save the farm 214,560 kWh annually which is an energy savings of 32 percent. The energy expected to be saved would offset electrical consumption of more than 20 households.
- Honeyrun Farm, a honey producer of varietal and herbal infused honey, bee pollen, soap and candles in Williamsport, will use a $14,100 grant to install a 25.2 kW roof mounted solar array. The solar array will produce an expected 30,631kWhs of renewable electricity and will offset 87 percent of the business's historical electrical consumption or the equivalent of four households.
- Houts Partnership, a corn, soybean, hay and wheat ag producer in Celina, will use a $20,000 grant to replace an inefficient grain dryer. This will save the farm 108,654 kWh annually which is an energy savings of 57 percent. The energy expected to be saved would offset electrical consumption of more than 10 households.
- Ohio Rental of Johnstown Inc, an equipment rental facility, will use a $9,300 grant to install a 15.75 kW roof-mounted solar PV system that will generate 18,705 kWh annually, replacing 92 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid.
- Nieport Farms LLC, a corn and soybean ag producer in Ansonia, will use a $14,300 grant to install a 47 kW roof-mounted solar PV system that will generate 60,437 kWh annually, replacing 100 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid.
- JB Machining Concepts LLC, a metal working and machining facility that also produces light fixtures in Ottawa, will use a $16,700 grant to install a 25kW solar PV array that will generate 31,872kWh annually replacing 84 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid. The energy expected to be generated would offset electrical consumption of three households.
- William Tong, a corn and soybean ag producer in Alvada, will use a $11,100 grant to install a 28 kW ground mounted solar PV system that will generate 37,142 kWh annually, replacing 100 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid.
- Amish Toy Box LLC, a toy box manufacturer in Caldwell, will use a $8,000 grant to install a 13.6 kW roof-mounted solar PV system that will generate 13,487 kWh annually, replacing 84 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid.
- J Schmidt Farms LLC, a family farming operation that grows grains in Payne, will use a $16,000 grant to replace and install a grain dryer. This project will realize $2,715 per year in savings and provide an overall reduction in energy consumed by over 50 percent. The energy saved will be equivalent to the usage of five households.
- Downey Plumbing Heating & Cooling LLC, a plumbing and HVAC contracting company in Bowling Green, will use a $9,600 grant to install a 20 kW solar PV array that will generate 26,490 kWh annually replacing 80 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid. The energy expected to be generated would offset electrical consumption of two households.
- Rogers Mill Inc, a family-owned feed mill with a retail/wholesale store in Rogers, will use a $20,000 grant to install a 32 kW solar PV array that will generate 43,839 kWh annually replacing 76 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid. The energy expected to be generated would offset electrical consumption of four households.
- M&K Investment Properties LLC, real estate investment company in Millersburg, will use a $10,100 grant to install a 56.4kW solar PV system that will generate 60,710 kWh annually replacing 89 percent of the electricity purchased from the grid. The energy expected to be generated would offset electrical consumption of six households.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas.
Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/oh or calling 614-255-2400. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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