FEATURES

USDA offers workshops on how to use energy grants

Desert Valley Times

CARSON CITY — USDA Rural Development scheduled energy workshops to help farmers and rural small business owners learn about using the Rural Energy for America Program grant to reduce energy costs.

Solar panels gather energy at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. The Nevada Public Utilities Commission has essentially raised rates for all "net mettering" customers.

According to a news release, grant funding is available for up to 25 percent of the cost to purchase and build alternative energy systems (solar, wind, hydro power, etc.) or to enhance energy efficiency with new lighting, windows or more efficient HVAC systems.

Video-teleconference workshops will be at Farm Service Centers in Fallon, Elko and Las Vegas, and at the Rural Development office in Carson City, according to the release. Anyone interested is encouraged to call Mark Williams to make a reservation at 775-887-1222, extension 116, or by e-mail to mark.williams@nv.usda.gov.

Workshop Schedule

• Jan. 19, 2016 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

• Feb. 11, 2016 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

• March 8, 2016 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

• March 30, 2016 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $211 billion in loans and loan guarantees, according to the release. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.