P.R. Energy Affairs, USDA announce availability of energy conservation funds
Energy Affairs Director Luis Bernal, far right, inspects an agency-funded solar energy project at the Cali Nursery Farm in Barranquitas last year.
The Puerto Rico Energy Affairs Administration and the U.S. Department of Agricultrue —through the National Resources Conservation Service — announced the availability of funds for energy audits aimed at reducing energy consumption at their farms and help farmers upgrade equipment through the Environmental Quality Incentives program.
Energy audits help identify energy saving opportunities at the farm level. The expectation is that, after implementing energy saving measures, farmers will be able to reduce their operation’s energy consumption between 10 percent and 30 percent.
“The agriculture sector is one of the many sectors to receive funds for energy conservation projects. In Puerto Rico, dozens of farmers have already reduced their operating costs by lowering their energy consumption using funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act,” Energy Affairs Executive Director Luis M. Bernal said. “These grants help Puerto Rico become less dependent on oil, especially in an industry as important as agriculture.”
Interested farmers must act quickly, as application deadlines are: Feb. 3rd, March 30th and June 1st. Details are available at www.nrcs.usda.gov, under the “Programs and Services tab.” For more information and other news on energy projects developed in Puerto Rico with ARRA funding, visit www.aae.gobierno.pr.
