SAN JUAN – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday it (USDA) is investing $631,993 on the Rural Energy for America Program in Puerto Rico.

The department’s investment was made through its Rural Development mission area to increase energy resilience and decrease the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements, according to a release.

“Over the time these investments can also help lower cost of energy for rural small businesses and agricultural producers,” said Josue E. Rivera, USDA Rural Development state director for Puerto Rico.

In Puerto Rico, 16 recipients were awarded.

“Funds will be used to develop renewable energy projects and to perform energy audits for agro-businesses,” reads the release, which listed the following:

1. Ana G. Méndez University System was awarded $59,267 to conduct approximately 25 energy audits for agro-business. These audits will provide the analysis to make energy efficiency improvements and or installations of renewable energy systems on each participant’s business.
2. Supermercados Selectos Mana, located at San Sebastián, Puerto Rico was awarded $287,500, for the purchase and installation of a 743 kW [kilowatt] Solar System. This project will realize $230,580 per year in savings.
3. Vaquería María, owned by a local farmer in Morovis, Puerto Rico, was awarded $28,750 for the purchase and installation of a 44.84 kW Solar System. This project will realize $16,115 per year in savings.

USDA Rural Development’s stated mission is to provide “loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.”

For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.