Sorensen Announces Funding to Lower Energy Costs for Small and Rural Businesses
PEORIA, IL - Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing over $275,000 in funding awarded to four rural and small businesses and agriculture producers in Central Illinois to lower energy costs and strengthen their energy resilience.
“I'm proud to announce critical investments coming to Illinois’ 17th Congressional District to strengthen our rural communities, lower costs for farmers and small business owners, and ensure our region is sustainable for generations to come,” said Sorensen. “I’ll keep working to protect and expand programs like these that make sure our hometowns don’t get left behind while helping families keep up with rising costs.”
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 four projects awarded to Northwestern Illinois businesses are as follows:
$183,000 for Shelby Farms INC in Fairview
This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a grain dryer for Shelby Farms Inc., a grain farm. This project is anticipated to realize more than $14,100 per year in savings and will replace 409,896 kilowatt hours (kWh) (48 percent) per year, which is enough energy to power 37 homes.
$30,544 for Ronald Nord in Bloomington
This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 20 kilowatt (kW) solar array to help power Ronald Nord's animal hospital in Bloomington, Illinois. This project will save the business more than $2,200 per year and will replace 26,735 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.
$27,256 for I.T.A.I. INC. In Peoria
This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 34 kilowatt (kW) solar array for I. T. A. I. Inc., a grain farm. This project will realize more than $3,400 per year in savings, and will replace 26,650 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.
$34,944 for Wags and Whiskers Vet Services PLLC in Elmwood
This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 12 kilowatt (kW) and an 8 kW solar array for Wags and Whiskers Veterinary Services LLC. This project will realize more than $2,700 per year in savings, and will replace 24,550 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, which is enough energy to power two homes.