(HILO, HAWAII) Nov. 3, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $325,335 to improve energy efficiency for rural companies in Hawaii.
Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand said, "Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural businesses, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives."
According to Hawaii/Western Pacific State Director Brenda Iokepa-Moses, "these investments, although not large in numbers, will make significant savings over the years for the applicants. Our mission with USDA Rural Development to our rural communities is an amazing one and when we can provide assistance to ag producers and small business it’s a good day in our world."
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. For example:
- Sandview Development Corporation - $151,998: These funds will be used to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations. This project will finance the purchase and installation of a 22.12 kW PV solar system. The project will generate 28,961 kWh per year for Nawahiokalani Opuu School in Keaau.
- Green Point Nurseries, inc. - $26,970: The funds will be used to assist an agricultural producer in implementing energy efficiency improvements to their operation in Keaau, Hawaii. This project will upgrade to LED lighting, and energy efficient components for a walk- in chill refrigerator that will provide $10,001 or 33% energy savings annually.
- Joy A. McElroy MD, Inc. - $146,367: Dr. McElroy operates a multispecialty medical clinic in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Project funds will be used for the purchase and installation of a 42.12 kW photovoltaic system. This project will realize $21,643 per year in savings and will replace 61,410 kWh (82 percent).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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