The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has funding available through the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 to agricultural producers and rural small businesses who wish to invest in reducing their dependency on existing energy supplies and encourage opportunities for rural economic development.
Through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy System Grant and Loan Guarantee, eligible applicants receive financial assistance to purchase, install and construct renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements to non-residential buildings and facilities and participate in energy audits.
With participation from a company like Better Building Works, qualified rural property owners in the state of Virginia can comply with the necessary guidelines to receive financial assistance through the REAP program.
Furthermore, the Energy Department and USDA have partnered together to support energy efficiency in rural communities after discovering America’s rural households spend approximately $400 more per year in energy bills, despite the fact that their urban counterparts use three times the energy of a rural home. This partnership offers programs such as Weatherization Assistance Program in order to save money, improve energy security, create jobs and protect our air and water.
Brought to you by: Nicole Roberts
