Local ag producers and small businesses are being encouraged to apply for grant funding to help increase energy efficiency across the area.
Christy Davis of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) says the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has recently seen a sizeable increase in available funding thanks to action at the federal level.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which went into effect last August, aims to help curb inflation through a number of efforts including investment into domestic energy production with a focus on promoting clean energy.
According to Davis, the program provides funding to ag producers and small businesses within qualifying rural areas to help make energy efficiency updates or add renewable energy systems. According to the USDA website renewable energy systems include:
*Biomass
*Geothermal for electric generation or direct use.
*Hydropower below 30 megawatts.
*Hydrogen.
*Small and large wind generation.
*Small and large solar generation.
*Ocean generation.
Examples of energy efficiency improvements include:
*High-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
*Insulation.
*Lighting.
*Cooling or refrigeration units.
*Doors and windows.
*Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.
*Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor.
*Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.
If you are interested in applying for REAP funds or would like to know if you are eligbile for funding through USDA visit their website USDA.gov/programs-services.
