WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2019 - Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $237 million to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs. The Department is providing 640 awards to applicants in all 50 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Western Pacific. USDA is providing the funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Businesses grow and create more jobs when their energy costs are lower,” LaVoy 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.”
USDA Rural Development State Director Timothy P. Hobbs said, “Investing in Maine’s rural businesses by funding renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements helps reduce their operating costs, and can help them to be more profitable. I am pleased USDA Rural Development can help strengthen rural economies through its business programs.”
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.
In Maine, 13 Maine businesses have been selected to receive a total of $606,696:
- Balfour Farm, LLC, in Pittsfield, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $11,362. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 9.6 kW solar PV array. This project will replace 7,538 kWh (4.93%) and save $10,347 per year.
- Brooks, Inc., in Thomaston, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $50,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 115.9 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 123,877 kWh (86%) and save $16,104 per year.
- Brown Enterprises, LLC., in Monmouth, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $27,500. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 56.88 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will save $8,706 per year and generate 66,968 kWh annually, replacing all of the business’ energy needs.
- Cranberry Isles Fishermen’s Co-op (previously announced) has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $31,047. This Rural Development investment was used to purchase and install a 45.36kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will save $8,020 per year and generate 51,088 kWh annually, replacing all of the business’ energy needs.
- Edwin Pelletier and Sons, Inc., in Frenchville, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $37,710. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 61.6 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will replace 74,237 kWh (95%) and save $10,393 per year.
- Leavitt Farms, LLC., in Limestone, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $89,615. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 153 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $35,900 per year and generate 274,963 kWh annually, replacing all of the business’ energy needs.
- Lubec Brewing Company, LLC., in Lubec, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $34,456. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 42 kW solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $5,485 per year and generate 50,220 kWh annually, replacing all of the business’ energy need.
- Maine Beer Company, LLC., in Freeport, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $90,878. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 193.71kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 223,762 kWh (51%) and save $33,027 per year.
- Morningstar Marble and Granite, Inc., in Topsham, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $60,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 161.28kW solar PV roof-mounted system.. This project will replace 171,112 kWh (92%) and save $22,245 per year.
- Pol, Inc., located in Millinocket, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $92,839. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 171 kW Solar PV ground-mounted system. This project will save $18,515 per year and generate 205,420 kWh annually, replacing all of the business’ energy needs.
- Sheepscot General, LLC., located in Whitefield, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $26,750. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 54.6 kW solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will replace 70,856 kWh (74%) and save $9,636 in per year.
- The Baker Company, LLC., located in Sanford, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $18,146. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 219.52kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 241,958 kWh (15%) and save $31,455 per year.
- The Milkhouse, LLC., located in Monmouth, has been selected to receive a REAP Grant in the amount of $36,393. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 72kW Solar PV roof-mounted system. This project will save $10,249 per year and generate 71,410 kWh annually, replacing all the business' energy needs.
For more information on the Rural Energy for America (REAP) Program, contact Brian Wilson, Business Programs Director, at (207) 990-9168 or brian.wilson@usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/me.