Energy Costs and Create Jobs in Wisconsin
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural
Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa today announced that the Department is
investing nearly $93 million through the Rural Energy for America (REAP) and the Powering
Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) programs in rural communities to lower energy costs and
create jobs in Wisconsin.
“Through the commitment of the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is investing in expanding
renewable energy systems in rural communities across Wisconsin,” Lassa said. “This grant
funding will invest directly in farmers, business owners, and cooperatives, helping lower energy
costs and increase sustainability. With initiatives like these, together, we can continue our path
forward to build a more resilient and prosperous future for people living and operating
businesses in rural Wisconsin.”
Through the REAP program, $1.3 million in USDA Rural Development grants will bolster the
efforts of 21 rural Wisconsin businesses to adapt or expand clean energy use. Among the REAP
projects announced are several solar arrays, high efficiency LED lighting, a wind turbine, and a
grain drying system. For example:
In Outagamie County, Full Circle Community Farm will use its $40,850 REAP grant to
install a wind turbine in Seymour. This project is expected to save the farm $8,000 in
electrical costs per year and replace 40,000 kilowatt hours (80 percent of the farm’s
energy use) per year, which is enough energy to power three homes.
In Trempealeau County, Rotering Ridge Farms LLC will use its $55,374 REAP grant to
help install a new grain drying system in Arcadia. This project is expected to save the
farm $6,800 in electrical costs per year and replace 83,500 kilowatt hours (60 percent of
the farm’s energy use for grain drying) per year, which is enough energy to power seven
homes.
In Oneida County, Cedar Falls Solar LLC will use its $696,396 REAP grant to install a
solar electric array in Rhinelander. The project is expected to earn $140,000 per year by
generating 1.7 million kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power 159
homes.
Funding for the projects announced today in Wisconsin is part of $104 million that USDA has so
far announced in REAP loans and grants that will support over 300 clean energy projects in 34
states.
Since January 2021, USDA has invested more than $2.3 billion through REAP in 7,923
renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements, including $42.7 million for more than
220 projects right here in Wisconsin.
Additionally, USDA is investing $91.5 million through the PACE program for solar photovoltaic
generation at two sites in La Crosse County and 22 solar arrays in Dane County.
In La Crosse County, Dairyland Power Cooperative plans to use a $15.6 million
investment to finance the installation of 2 megawatts of solar photovoltaic generation at
two sites, which will be connected to a 4 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system in
western Wisconsin. This is enough electricity to power up to 1,000 homes. Dairyland
Power Cooperative supports Wisconsin communities participating in the Biden-Harris
Administration’s Rural Partners Network (RPN).
In Dane County, Stag Moose Solar LLC plans to use a $75.9 million investment to
finance 22 ground-mounted solar arrays that will produce 62.75 megawatts of renewable
energy in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, which is enough electricity to power
approximately 16,000 homes.
On September 25, State Director Lassa joined USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy
Berke and White House Domestic Policy Advisor to the President, Neera Tanden at the
Wisconsin Farmers Union’s Investing in Rural Wisconsin Roundtable in Chippewa Falls, where
Tanden announced the PACE funding. RPN members highlighted their projects through PACE
funding, including Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) Chief Executive Officer Brent Ridge.
Ridge was one of six presenters who shared success stories made possible by receiving federal
funding through several different programs.
REAP Background
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. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses and
address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families.
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.
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