WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Department of Agriculture is investing $973,172 to help 33 rural businesses, farms, and organizations in Maine with lowering energy costs, including four in Knox County and three in Waldo County. 

“I am pleased USDA Rural Development is able to provide these vital funds for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvement, and energy audits for 33 Maine businesses, farms, and organizations,” said USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Timothy P. Hobbs. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Maine in building stronger and healthier communities. Today’s investment underscores this commitment.”

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.

Through the REAP REDA the agency funds intermediaries who use the funding to assist rural small businesses and agricultural producers by conducting and promoting energy audits.

Knox County

Isle Au Haut Electric Power Company has been selected to receive a grant in the amount of $218,242. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 311.44 kW solar array for Isle au Haut Electric Company. This project will replace 420,000 kWh, supplying 100% of the island's electricity for the next 25 years, and result in $88,000 of savings annually.

Bench Dogs, Inc., in Washington, will receive a grant in the amount of $19,875. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 38.19 kW solar array for Bench Dogs, Inc. This project will replace 42,065 kWh (96%) of business energy usage and realize $6,878 of savings annually.

Craignair Inn by the Sea, in Spruce Head, will receive a grant in the amount of $12,011. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 14.805 kW solar array for Craignair Inn by the Sea. This project will replace 19,809 kWh (60%) of business energy usage and realize $3,453 of savings annually.

Union Farm Equipment, located in Union, has been selected to receive a grant in the amount of $19,800. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 41.85 kW solar array for Union Farm Equipment, Inc. This project will replace 46,924 kWh (44%) of business energy usage and realize $7,452 of savings annually.

Waldo County

D.P. Porter Contractors Inc., located in Brooks, has been selected to receive a grant in the amount of $8,000. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 24.8 kW solar array for D.P. Porter Contractors Inc. This project will replace 35,690 kWh (100%) per year and realize $2,158 of savings per year.

Margaret Mitchell, dba South Paw Farm, located in Freedom, has been selected to receive a grant in the amount of $5,898. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 12 kW solar array for South Paw Farm. This project will replace 14,186kWh (100%) of business energy usage and realize $2,104 of savings annually.

Noami Brautigam, dba Dickey Hill Farm, located in Monroe, has been selected to receive a grant in the amount of $5,606. This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 6.5 kW solar array for Dickey Hill Farm. This project will replace 7,737kWh (100%) of business energy usage and realize $1,373 of saving annually.