News

New USDA rural energy program

The USDA has launched a new program to help rural utility customers conserve energy and save money on utility bills.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack tells Brownfield Ag News the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) complements programs within USDA Rural Development…

“It’s an effort on our part to provide resources to rural energy providers that would allow them to re-lend at a low interest rate to families and small businesses to finance energy improvements at their homes and small businesses.”

Vilsack says rural energy customers then repay the loans at an interest rate of up to three-percent for as much as 10 years through their electric bills.

AUDIO: Interview with Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack