USDA expands access to renewable energy
Access in rural Montana to increase through REAP, new ERA programs
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News from USDA Rural Development Montana
BOZEMAN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Oct. 18 new investments in clean energy initiatives that will directly benefit rural communities in Montana. As part of a nationwide effort to combat climate change and lower energy costs, the USDA is partnering with farmers, small business owners, and electric cooperatives through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program.
“Farmers, rural business owners and electric cooperatives are the backbone of our economy, and we are partnering with them to expand their operations while creating jobs and lowering energy costs,” said Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The investments the Biden-Harris Administration are announcing today will support rural communities as they transition to clean energy and drive economic prosperity here in Montana and across this nation.”
In Montana, these investments include funding for projects such as energy efficiency upgrades at Umbrella LLC in Fromberg, Montana, and Patricia Alice Compton’s commercial office building in Cutbank, Montana. Both projects will see significant reductions in energy costs through new equipment and energy-saving improvements. Umbrella LLC will replace aging HVAC and refrigeration systems, saving over $2,800 annually and reducing energy use by 16%. Patricia Alice Compton’s building will benefit from insulation and structural upgrades that will save nearly $2,000 each year, cutting 27% off energy bills.
Nationally, USDA announced the availability of $600 million in additional REAP funding made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The funding will support agricultural producers and small businesses in lowering their energy costs while transitioning to clean energy sources. Additionally, the New ERA program will help rural electric cooperatives meet growing demand with reliable, low-cost clean energy solutions.
“These investments in Montana’s rural communities are key to ensuring that our farmers and small businesses can thrive while also moving toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future,” said Kathleen Williams, USDA Rural Development Montana State Director. “Through these programs, we’re lowering costs, increasing energy independence, and creating local jobs.”
Applications for the next round of REAP funding are now being accepted, with deadlines of Dec. 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
For more information about USDA’s renewable energy programs, contact Kathy Archer kathy.archer@usda.gov or visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/mt.
