Presentation in Spanish and English; Business Owners and Farmers Eligible for Energy Audits and Grants
CARSON CITY, Nev. – Sept. 5, 2019–Are you a farmer or business owner in rural Nevada? Do you need to cut your energy costs? A workshop Sept. 12 in Las Vegas will present ways to conduct an energy audit, invest in renewable and energy efficient systems using a federal grant, and reduce energy costs. The program will be provided in both English and Spanish.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Nevada Department of Business of Industry Office of the Ombudsman of Consumer Affairs for Minorities are co-sponsoring the Rural Energy Workshop Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Mexican Consulate in Las Vegas, 823 S. 6th Street. RSVP Miriam Lira-Hickerson at mhickerson@business.nv.gov .
Laura Chavez, Energy Coordinator for USDA Rural Development Nevada, and Shawn Kish, Program Specialist with the Nevada Industry Excellence (NVIE) will present the workshop with a focus on the benefits of small rural businesses, farmers and ranchers investing in renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements.
In July, USDA Rural Development announced the agency had awarded $1 million in Rural Energy grants for projects in 17 states to help reduce energy costs and increase energy efficiency for small rural businesses, farmers and agricultural producers.
In FY 2019 Congress appropriated $50 million for REAP grants and loans. Funding remains available in Nevada to assist with development of renewable energy systems or to install energy efficiency improvements, such as new LED lights, new windows or new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Small rural businesses and agricultural producers are eligible to apply. Contact Laura Chavez for more information at laura.chavez@usda.gov
In addition, the Nevada has an energy audit partner available to assist with cost estimates. The NVIE Energy Coordinators are USDA Technical Assistance Providers who can help businesses review energy plans and develop cost estimates. Information available online at https://www.nevadaie.com/energy-and-environmental-services.html . Contact Shawn Kish at shawnkish@nvie.nevada.edu for more information.
More information about USDA’s Rural Energy Program is available online at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency/nv