Michael Keckler is the Public Information Officer, Idaho Department of Water Resources
If you are a farmer or own a small rural business, and the monthly energy bills are becoming a burden, there is federal money available to help you build your own energy source. The Idaho Energy Division, the United States Department of Agriculture, and other partners are sponsoring a series of workshops this month across Southern Idaho to help guide people through the application process for obtaining a renewable energy grant.
The funds are included in the USDA Farm Bill and can be used to build a small wind power turbine, tap geothermal water, or install a ground source heat pump in a home or business.
"The Farm Bill funds could be the difference to move a project from a plan to reality," said Idaho Energy Division Administrator Bob Hoppie. "It's a real opportunity and these workshops are intended to help Idahoans take advantage of it."
A small 20 to 25-kilowatt wind turbine can easily be constructed next to a rural home or business. The turbine will generate electricity to meet your home or business needs, over time, balancing what you generate with what you use -- a process called "net-metering". Within the first ten years the turbine can pay for itself and henceforth—provide low cost electricity.
Utilizing heat from the earth is another way to drastically reduce your home heating costs. Ground source heat pumps take advantage of the relatively mild and constant temperatures a few feet below the earth's surface producing low-cost heating and cooling. Compared to natural gas, a ground source heat pump can cut heating costs by two-thirds and propane costs even more.
The Farm Bill grants can go a long way to help with initial costs but the deadline is fast approaching.
Applications must be submitted to USDA Rural Development by March 1. Preliminary grant applications are due to Idaho USDA by Feb. 1, 2006. The workshops will include information on how to file successful applications and who can help you do it.
The workshops focus on wind and geothermal resources, but experts will also be on hand to answer questions about bio-energy and solar power opportunities in Idaho.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Workshop Schedule:
Idaho Falls -- Jan. 20, 9 a.m. -- Noon, Red Lion on the Falls, Bannock Room, 475 River Parkway
Cascade -- Jan. 25, 6 p.m. -- 9 p.m., Ashley Inn, Tamarack Room, 500 N. Main St.
The workshops are free and open to the public. Registration is at the door.
Michael Keckler
