Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Rural Development Program will grant five Maine organizations with a total of $245,774. The grants, from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loans and Grants, go towards transitioning rural small businesses to renewable energy sources, like solar panels on the roof of their establishment.

“As a member of the House Agriculture and Appropriations Committees, I’ve advocated for federal funding to support small businesses that want to lower their costs by transitioning to renewable, more efficient energy sources,” said Pingree. “I applaud these local Maine businesses for applying for these federal grants, which are a win-win for their small businesses and our environment.”

Congresswoman Pingree sits on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, which oversees discretionary funding for USDA programs like REAP.

Full details of the grant awards are as follows:

• The Baker Company Inc., Sanford, ME ($18,146.00)
• This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 219.52 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 241,958 kWh (15%) and save $31,455 per year.
• Morningstar Marble and Granite Inc., Topsham, ME ($60,000.00)
• This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 161.28kW solar photovoltaic roof-mounted system. This project will replace 171,112kWh (92%) and save $22,245 per year.
• Sheepscot General, LLC, Whitefield, ME ($26,750.00)
• This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 54.6 kW solar photovoltaic roof-mounted system. This project will replace 70,856 kWh (74%) and save $9,636 in per year.
• Brooks Inc., Thomaston, ME ($50,000.00)
• This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 115.9 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 123,877 kWh (86%) and save $16,104 in per year.
• Maine Beer Company LLC, Freeport, ME ($90,878.00)
• This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 193.71 kW solar electric roof-mounted system. This project will replace 223,762 kWh (51%) and save $33,027 per year.