Sorensen Announces Funding to Lower Energy Costs for Small and Rural Businesses
PEORIA, IL - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced over $180,000 in funding awarded to two rural and small businesses and agriculture producers in Central Illinois to lower energy costs and strengthen energy resilience.
“With so many families, farmers, and small businesses struggling with rising costs, I’m thrilled to announce critical funding for our region to lower energy prices and build a more sustainable Central and Northwestern Illinois,” said Sorensen. “I will continue to make sure our district has a seat at the table when it comes to initiatives that bring relief as families deal with price increases.”
This funding comes as part of the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which awards funding to eligible entities to implement renewable energy projects and make energy efficiency improvements.
The two projects awarded to Central Illinois businesses are as follows:
$163,433 for Jeckel Pork Farm, INC in Delavan
This Rural Development investment will be used to install 90, 20 and 107 kilowatt (kW) solar arrays to help power the farm. Jeckel Pork Farm Inc. is a grain and livestock producer located in Delavan, Illinois. This project will realize more than $30,900 per year in savings and will replace 327,406 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power 30 homes.
$20,000 for Power Wash Services, INC in Bloomington
This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 24 kilowatt (kW) solar array for Power Wash Services Inc., a power washing business. This project will realize more than $2,300 per year in savings and will replace 22,587 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.
Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.
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