Jo-Carroll Energy receives USDA funding

img_2251Earlier this year Jo-Carroll Energy was awarded funding through two USDA Rural Development ­programs – one designed to increase rural energy efficiency and the other to stimulate business growth and development.

A $770,000 loan through the Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG) program, awarded to Jo-Carroll Energy, was re-lent to Stephenson Service Company to construct a new, unmanned, standalone fueling station. REDLG zero-interest loans and grants to electric ­cooperatives are then given to local businesses for ­projects to create and retain jobs in rural areas.

Next, through the USDA Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP), Jo-Carroll Energy received two grants totaling $126,665. One is a $36,665 grant to install energy saving measures, ­including a ground source heat pump system, new LED ­lighting, and wall and ­ceiling insulation at their newly expanded, current facility. The ­project is expected to save ­approximately $18,000 in energy costs per year.

Using another REAP grant of $90,000, Jo-Carroll Energy is conducting energy audits for rural small ­businesses and agricultural producers in northwestern Illinois and neigh­boring counties in Iowa and Wisconsin.