USDA Helps Louisiana Businesses Make Energy Efficiency Improvements, Adopt Renewable Energy Systems

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Roy Holleman today announced that USDA is investing $2,956,523 million to help farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses lower energy costs. USDA is providing the funding through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

“These investments will help promote economic development and job growth by supporting a wide range of energy‐related or energy efficiency projects to reduce consumption and costs for agricultural producers and rural small businesses” Holleman said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural businesses, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; insulation; and lighting and refrigeration.

For example:

·      J.P. Lapeyrouse Motor received $7,023 to make energy efficiency improvements with the purchase and installation of LED lighting throughout the workplace in Jeanerette. This project will realize $11,597 per year in savings and will replace 114,255 kWh (72%) per year, which is enough electricity to power 11 homes. 

·      S&W Wholesale Foods, a food distribution company, received $19,500 for the purchase and installation of a solar thermal refrigeration system in Hammond. This project will realize $6,108 per year in savings and will replace 61,077 kWh (19%) per year.

·      South Alexander Development III, a utility-scale solar energy farm, received a $2,930,000 loan guarantee for the purchase and installation of a 6.03 MW solar system in Simsboro. The system is estimated to produce 11,124,000 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power 1,026 homes.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.