WASHINGTON, D.C. — United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah is encouraging rural small businesses to apply for loan guarantees and grants to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

“Helping rural small businesses save money on energy costs strengthens their bottom line and helps the U.S. become more energy independent,” Mensah said. “It also reduces our country’s carbon footprint, which leads to a cleaner environment and a more secure energy future.”

USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Virginia Manuel said, “I strongly encourage agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Maine to apply for this valuable funding through the Rural Energy for America Program. Many Maine entities have seen a substantial cost and energy savings through the installation of renewable energy and energy efficient systems. This ultimately can contribute to the long-term sustainability of the business and aid in job retention and creation in Maine communities.”

USDA is accepting Rural Energy for America Program applications for: grants and loan guarantees for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements; and grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance.

Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP funds for the purchase, installation and construction of renewable energy sources such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind, as well as for energy efficiency improvements associated with heating, cooling, lighting and insulation. Applications for grants $20,000 and less are due on or by Monday, Nov. 2. Applications for RES grants up to $500,000 and EEI grants up to $250,000 are due by May 2. Applications for loan guarantees are accepted on an ongoing basis.

For questions and application information contact Cheryl Pelletier, business and cooperative programs specialist, at 207-764-4157, ext. 4 or [email protected].

Energy audits and renewable energy development assistance grants are available to state, tribal or local governments; institutions of higher education; rural electric cooperatives and public power entities. The recipient of these grant funds will establish a program to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses with evaluating the energy efficiency and the potential to incorporate renewable energy technologies into their operations. Program questions and applications should be sent to Brian Wilson, energy coordinator, at 207-990-9168 or [email protected].

For application deadlines and details on how to apply, see Page 60349 of the Oct. 6 Federal Register.

A recent Maine recipient of a REAP renewable energy system grant is Bar Harbor Community Farm LLC, which received a grant of $6,868. This project is for the purchase and installation of a new roof-mounted 8.42 kilowatt solar PV system on a newly constructed seedling greenhouse. Generated energy will meet the business’ demands and support year-round production and marketing. This solar PV system is expected to produce 10,445 kw/h annually and save the business $1,861 per year.

USDA Rural Development has area offices in Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston and Scarborough, as well as a State Office in Bangor.

FMI: www.rd.usda.gov/me.

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