U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting State Director Joan Scheel announced today that USDA is partnering with farmers and small businesses to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills in Nebraska through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
“Affordable energy is key to our farmers and rural business owners, and they deserve the opportunity to continue to drive our economy at a price that is more affordable for everyone,” Scheel said. “I am thrilled to announce an additional ten grants, totaling $160,858 in support of these efforts.”
Since January of 2021, USDA has invested more than $2.3 billion through REAP in 7,923 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements, including more than 230 projects totaling nearly $17 million in Nebraska alone. REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements.
In Nebraska:
- In Fullerton, grain producer Donald Santin will install an energy-efficient electric irrigation motor, saving the farm an expected $6,000 per year in electrical costs. This will replace 74,000 kilowatt hours (68%) of the farm’s energy use per year, which is enough energy to power six homes.
- In Elgin, grain producer Steve Kerkman will install an energy-efficient electric irrigation motor, saving the farm an expected $4,600 per year in electrical costs. This will replace 62,000 kilowatt hours (67%) of the farm’s energy use per year, enough energy to power five homes.
- Southeast Valley Irrigation, LLC, an irrigation supply business in Bruning, will save an expected $4,000 per year in electrical costs after installing a 29-kilowatt solar array. This will generate 44,000 kilowatt hours (98%) of the business’ energy use per year, enough energy to power four homes.
- Slim Pickins, LLC, a real estate lessor in Meadow Grove, will save an expected $11,300 per year in electrical costs after installing an energy-efficient electric irrigation motor. This will replace 127,600 kilowatt hours (65%) of the business’ energy use per year, enough energy to power 11 homes.
- In Petersburg, real estate lessor Jeff Temme will save an expected $5,300 per year in electrical costs after installing an energy-efficient electric irrigation motor. This will replace 87,000 kilowatt hours (64%) of the business’ energy use per year, enough energy to power seven homes.
- In Bennett, grain producer Tim Bennett will install an energy-efficient electric irrigation motor, saving the farm an expected $8,000 per year in electrical costs. This will replace 92,000 kilowatt hours (65%) of the farm’s energy use per year, which is enough energy to power eight homes.
- In Elgin, grain producer Roger Hoefer will install an energy- efficient electric irrigation motor, saving the farm an expected $3,200 per year in electrical costs. This will replace 45,400 kilowatt hours (50%) of the farm’s energy use per year, which is enough energy to power four homes.
- RPM Fitness & Business Center, LLC in Scottsbluff will install energy-efficient windows and lighting. This will save the business an expected $620 per year in electrical costs. This will replace 8,000 kilowatt hours (10%) of the business’ energy use per year.
- Willow Run Farms Co., a grain producer in Brunswick, will save an expected $8,200 per year in electrical costs after installing an energy-efficient electric irrigation motor. This will replace 114,400 kilowatt hours (65%) of the business’ energy use per year, enough energy to power ten homes.
- In Neligh, grain producer Raymond Snodgrass will install an energy-efficient electric irrigation motor, saving the farm an expected $5,300 per year in electrical costs. This will replace 62,000 kilowatt hours (65%) of the farm’s energy use per year, which is enough energy to power five homes.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and has set aside a portion of the program funds to support underutilized renewable energy technologies, like wind and geothermal power. For additional information, contact a local energy coordinator.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. USDA Rural Development 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. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the national GovDelivery Subscriber Page.
Contact USDA Rural Development in Nebraska
Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/ne, contacting your local Rural Development office, or by following @RD_Nebraska on X.
Rural Development offices in Nebraska url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices/ne
REAP website url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency-improvement-guaranteed-loans/ne