DAVIS, Calif., Dec. 15, 2022 – USDA Rural Development California State Director Maria Gallegos Herrera today announced USDA is investing nearly $29 million in critical infrastructure to lower energy costs, expand access to clean energy for people in rural California, and combat climate change.
“I am pleased to announce that California will benefit from President Biden’s leadership to ensure rural America has access to renewable energy infrastructure,” said State Director Gallegos Herrera. “Rural frontline communities are at the heart of solutions to climate change. These investments will have a positive impact on our local economy and further our effort to build climate resilient communities.”
These funds will help 19 businesses and agricultural producers across the state. Examples include:
Tule Hydro, LLC, a small business in Tulare County, will use a $500,000 grant to assist with retrofitting an existing hydroelectric system. The system is projected to generate 19,149,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough to power 1,740 homes annually.
RPCA Solar 2, LLC will use a $1.5 million loan to assist rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems in Contra Costa County. This investment will help purchase and install a 1.391 megawatt solar power generation facility to export and sell electricity. The system is estimated to produce 1,391,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough electricity to power 129 homes.
Stateline Farms Inc., a strawberry producer in Siskiyou County, will use a $200,000 grant to install a photovoltaic solar system. This project is estimated to realize $50,096 per year in savings, and the system is projected to generate 626,200 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough electricity to power 58 homes per year.
USDA is making these investments through the Rural Energy for America Program. This program helps farmers, ag producers and entrepreneurs purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. It reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses lower energy costs.
Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement detailing $285 million invested in similar projects nationwide. To read about all 19 California projects view additional information online.
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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ca.
To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit GovDelivery subscriber page.