U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew today announced five energy efficiency projects totaling over $600,000.
“President Biden and Rural Development continue to ensure farmers, ranchers and small businesses are not only a part of the clean energy economy, but directly benefit from it,” said Carew. “The investments announced today expand access to renewable energy infrastructure, which will help in combatting the climate crisis while also saving people money on their energy costs.”
The five projects in Kentucky are part of a larger tranche of almost 700 investments across the nation made through the Rural Energy for America Program.
Mark Allen Farms will use a $14,000 grant to purchase and install a 9.8-kilowatt solar system at a grain farm in Hancock County. This project is expected to save $1,485 per year in energy cost and generate 13,149 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough energy to power approximately 1.2 homes.
Camp Investments LLC will use a $500,000 grant to purchase and install energy efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and lighting in Boyd County. The project is expected to save $38,291 per year in energy costs and save 296,401 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 27.3 homes.
MLRD Inc. will use a $23,340 grant to replace the current heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system with a more energy efficient system at a hotel in Frankfort. This project is expected to save the company $2,293.59 in electrical costs per year.
Parkside Hotels LLC will use a $33,857 grant to replace the current heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system with a more energy efficient system at a hotel in Frankfort. This project is expected to save the company $4,373.87 in electrical costs per year.
Hagman Farms Inc. will use a $35,000 grant to purchase and install two solar systems totaling 25.48 kilowatts in Hancock County. The project is expected to save $4,285 per year in energy costs and generate 34,787 kilowatt hours of energy per year, which is enough to power approximately 3.2 homes.
Background - Rural Energy for America Program
This 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. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. REAP can currently provide matching funds up to 50% of the energy efficiency upgrades. These funds may be combined with tax credits to cover a majority of the total project cost.
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.