Report highlights investments made possible by Rural Energy for America Program

REAP supported more than $1.3 billion in clean energy investments in Central Appalachia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2024

CONTACT
Quenton King, Government Affairs Specialist, 304-579-7366, quenton@appvoices.org 
Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (540) 798-6683, dan@appvoices.org

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Today, Appalachian Voices released a new report highlighting investments in energy efficiency and clean energy that Central Appalachian businesses and schools have undertaken in recent years. The projects in this report were made possible by the Rural Energy for America Program, a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

REAP supports economic development in Central Appalachia by enabling business owners to reduce their energy consumption and lower their electric bills. These savings allow owners to reinvest in their businesses, employees and communities. REAP provides loan guarantees and grants to farmers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

From 2014 to 2024, REAP supported:

• 462 projects in Kentucky, for a total of $77 million funded or guaranteed;
• 610 projects in North Carolina, for a total of $1.2 billion funded or guaranteed;
• 320 projects in Tennessee, for a total of $17 million funded or guaranteed;
• 209 projects in Virginia for a total of nearly $23 million funded or guaranteed;
• And 232 projects in West Virginia, for a total of $12 million funded or guaranteed.

The report highlights projects in West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Kentucky, including schools, wineries, a creamery and farms. The report highlights interviews with the grant awardees and details regarding how much money and electricity they have saved.

This report is part of Appalachian Voices’ ongoing effort to highlight ways that clean energy solutions can benefit communities at the frontlines of the energy transition in Central Appalachia. 

“The projects highlighted in this report demonstrate the importance and the impact the REAP program can have for rural businesses and farmers across not only Appalachia, but in rural communities across the country,” said Government Affairs Specialist Quenton King. “Congress must continue to grow and expand access to this crucial program to ensure Central Appalachia is reaping the benefits of the energy transition.”

“The difference that one REAP grant can make is astounding,” said Austin Counts, SWVA Solar & Electrification Projects Manager. “For one school in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia, a REAP grant means almost completely erasing its electricity bill. For a farm in Kentucky, it meant increased visitors to their facilities and allowed them to experiment with new agricultural techniques. And for a factory in West Virginia, REAP meant improved air quality for employees while lowering operating costs.”

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Appalachian Voices is a leading nonprofit advocate for a healthy environment and just economy in the Appalachian Region, and a driving force in America’s shift from fossil fuels to a clean energy future.