USDA Announces Projects to Reduce Energy Consumption

Some federal funds will go to help boost renewable energy production and reduce energy consumption in Texas.

450 projects have been selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including 10 in Texas, that are focused on helping agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy consumption and costs.

Five projects have been selected in Panola and Shelby Counties will retrofit 23 poultry houses with an estimated energy savings of more than $44,200 annually. Also, 411 Energy, LLC 14, located in Wichita Falls, received grant funds to install a 10.8 kW photovoltaic solar system that will generate electricity for sale.

The other projects will be carried out in Nacogdoches and Zapata Counties.

The funding is made available through the Rural Energy for America Program, authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill.