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NH Delegation Welcomes Over $1.6M from USDA to Expand Energy Efficiency Projects Across Rural Communities

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) welcomed $1,696,780 to support renewable energy projects in communities across rural New Hampshire. The funding comes from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – a program tailored to help farmers, agricultural producers and entrepreneurs make energy efficiency improvements and lower costs. This funding announcement was largely made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which the delegation supported.  

“I’m thrilled to welcome over $1.6 million for rural businesses and entrepreneurs across New Hampshire to invest in critical energy projects. From installing solar arrays to supporting renewable energy systems, these investments will save Granite Staters money while moving us towards a clean energy future. It’s rewarding to see clean energy investments from the Inflation Reduction Act making a real difference in Granite State communities,” said Shaheen. 

"It is critical that we do not leave rural communities behind as we work to lower energy costs. Today's REAP grant will make a tangible difference for nine small businesses in our state– helping them invest in renewable energy systems and energy efficiency upgrades. In turn, this funding will help lower costs, reduce our dependency on Big Oil, and protect our environment. It’s another important step toward building a resilient, clean energy economy here in New Hampshire,” said Hassan.

“Clean, renewable energy systems are a win-win for our environment and our economy – it is essential that small businesses in rural communities can access this technology to lower costs and make their operations more efficient,” said Rep. Kuster. “I was proud to push for expanded REAP funding earlier this year through the Inflation Reduction Act and am thrilled to see small businesses across our state benefit from this program.”

“Providing our communities with the tools to transition to clean energy is vital to protecting our environment, creating jobs, and generating economic growth,” said Rep. Pappas. “This funding from the Rural Energy for America Program ensures New Hampshire’s small businesses, agricultural producers, and rural communities have the support and resources for a transition to clean energy. I’m pleased to see New Hampshire businesses investing in renewable energy and I’ll keep fighting for resources to ease this transition.”

A full list of the awardees is below: 

  • $106,827.00 to Circle Self-Storage LLC to install two solar arrays, which will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 28 homes.  
  • $94,979.00 to Berger's Springledge Nursery And Produce to install a solar array as well as a woodchip boiler system, producing clean electricity and saving costs.  
  • $12,694.00 to Packy's Investment Properties LLC to install four bifacial, dual-axis solar trackers that will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 15 homes.  
  • $233,500.00 to Robert H Irwin Corporation Inc. to install two solar arrays, producing clean energy and saving costs.  
  • $200,000.00 to 310 Marlboro St. LLC to install two renewable energy systems at a commercial building in Keene, generating enough energy to power the equivalent of 93 homes.   
  • $250,000.00 to Gorham Acquisition LLC to install modern boilers at the White Mountain Paper Company.  
  • $470,000.00 to Central Rivers Power NH LLC to install an inflatable flashboard system and related equipment to improve river flow.  
  • $279,780.00 to 202 Truck & Equipment in Rindge to install a roof-mounted solar array. 
  • $49,000.00 to Ian Joseph Campbell LLC to install five bifacial, dual-axis solar trackers. 

USDA also announced today that it will make $300 million available under the Rural Energy for America Program to expand renewable energy and support energy-efficiency projects for people living in rural America. Interested applicants can contact their local USDA Rural Development State Energy Coordinator.

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