As part of our Renewable Energy for Greater Minnesota work, we’ve spoken with a lot of farmers and and small business owners that have taken advantage of the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). But did you know that electric cooperatives can utilize this excellent resource, too?
We spoke with Rich Whitcomb, Member Services Director with the Red River Valley Cooperative Power Association headquartered in Halstad, Minnesota.
Tell us a little bit about your recent LED lighting project.
Rich Whitcomb: Red River Valley Co-op Power was awarded a USDA REAP grant to change out all its 175-watt mercury vapor security lights still in operation to 48-watt LED security lights. By next month, the cooperative will have changed out 541 mercury vapor lights to LEDs, completing the grant. The project will trim potential demand costs, save energy and hopefully reduce maintenance calls on the lights.
That is great that you were able to use a REAP grant.
Rich Whitcomb: We were awarded $21,000 from the USDA for the security light conversion project. We are very grateful for USDA granting the award to expedite the conversion.
You also work with Minnesota-based MyMeter. Tell us about that project.
Rich Whitcomb: MyMeter has been a great partner and has enabled us to provide an excellent service to our members. More than 1,050 of Red River Valley Co-op Power member-accounts use MyMeter to manage their energy use more wisely as well as a host of other services. Studies have shown that having access to your daily usage helps consumers save energy.
