Biden Administration announces funding to lower energy costs, create jobs in rural WV

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WDTV) – The Biden Administration has announced funding to help lower energy costs and create jobs for rural West Virginians.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing over $166,000 through the Rural Energy for America program.

These funds will be used to lower energy bills for farmers, agricultural producers and rural small businesses throughout the state.

The funds will support seven projects, including one in North Central West Virginia.

West Virginia University in Monongalia County will receive $100,000 to conduct energy audits for rural small businesses and agricultural producers throughout the state.

“West Virginia farmers and rural small businesses continue to benefit from President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act,” said Thorn. “It’s just another example of this administration’s commitment to growing the economy from the bottom up and middle out. The investments will lower costs for these agriculture producers and rural small businesses allowing them to reinvest in their business and increase the resiliency of their operation.”

Other departments and agencies across West Virginia are also getting funds through the Rural Energy for America Program.

Cabell County

Huntington Steel & Supply will use a $4,600 REAP grant to purchase and install new heating and air conditioning units. This project will realize $3,210 a year in savings and will save 31,163 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually.

Hardy County

MTM Worldwide will use a $10,586 REAP grant to purchase and install a 6.8 kilowatt (kW) solar array. MTM Worldwide is a warehousing business located in Hardy County. This project will realize $1,001 per year in savings and will generate 8,717 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year (96 percent of energy being replaced), which is enough electricity to power one home.

McDowell County

Bennady’s will use a $19,879 REAP grant to purchase and install a 13.4-kW solar array. This project will realize $827 per year in savings and will generate 13,776 kWh per year (99% of energy being replaced), which is enough electricity to power one home.

Mineral County

MJW Farm will use a $7,000 REAP grant to upgrade a solid-sided greenhouse with thermostatically controlled greenhouse roll-up sides. This project will realize $692 a year in savings and will save 5,890 kWh annually.

Morgan County

Colin Williams will use a $12,930 REAP grant to purchase and install a 7.6-kW solar array for The Artist Studio Mountain Retreat in Morgan County owned by Colin Williams. This project will replace $1,349 and generate 11,928 kWh annually, which is enough electricity to power one home.

Pendleton County

McCoy House Bed and Breakfast will use a $12,000 REAP grant to purchase and install a 7.6-kW solar array. This project will replace $1,800 and generate 7,768 kWh annually, which is enough electricity to power one home.

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