Drivers headed south of Macon on I-75 have likely noticed the solar project in Houston County, a 705 acre, 224,000+ panel site producing power for approximately 10,000 Georgia EMC customers. The project is one of the highest profile solar installations in the state – or at least it certainly has the most traffic pass by it on a regular basis.
Now, thanks to the federal Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), south Georgia is getting nearly $900,000 in new grants to expand the solar footprint. In this case however, the installations are for individual businesses, rather than for power companies. Business in Calhoun, Lee and Thomas counties were awarded the grants that will help make them more energy self-sufficient, reducing energy bills and decreasing load on local energy grids.
“This latest set of investments will help South Georgia small businesses in rural communities adopt energy efficient systems designed to save them money and protect our planet,” said U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-GA. “Our rural communities are the heart of our state and too often get left behind when it comes to federal funding, so I’m deeply committed to continuing my work in Washington to reverse that trend in Georgia.”
The new installations will produce more than 860 kilowatts (kW), estimated to save the businesses more than $79,000 a year in energy costs. REAP is a piece of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
“REAP continues to be invaluable to our communities, thanks in large part to the funds provided through the Inflation Reduction Act. Businesses are reducing operational costs using clean energy and supporting Georgia clean energy companies,” said U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-GA. “Not only are these projects helping businesses, but they are also making communities more resilient by strengthening local electric grids.”
Conner Insurance Agency is one of the recipients of a grant. Located in Arlington, Georgia, owner Ben Conner noted that it is important for them to be open following natural disasters that may take the electrical grid offline for days or weeks. South Georgia has seen multiple hurricanes that have caused severe damage over the last several years and the new solar system will allow Conner to stay operating, assisting customers get back on their feet as fast as possible following damage.
Storm Services Texas is another recipient, headquartered in Thomasville. Their grant will help them install a project in Adele.
“Storm Services Texas is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a federal grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program,” said Ann Cook, an owner of Storm Services Texas, LLC. “Being rooted in Georgia ourselves, we are particularly proud to contribute to the local community and economy by creating job opportunities for Georgia residents. This endeavor not only benefits our company but also enriches the state as a whole. We express our gratitude for this invaluable opportunity to make a positive impact through sustainable energy initiatives.”
