$1.3M+ secured for rural MT renewable energy development projects
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News from the Office of Senator Tester
BIG SANDY — As a result of his Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. Senator Jon Tester this week secured $1,375,897 in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding for 35 renewable energy infrastructure projects in Montana.
Tester was the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation to support the Inflation Reduction Act, which increased REAP grant amounts and increased program funding by $820 million through Fiscal Year 2031 (FY31).
“Montanans know we need to increase energy production here in our state, which is why I fought to secure investments like this to help ensure folks have reliable access to affordable energy,” said Tester. “We’ve got more work to do, but these investments will create good paying Montana jobs, lower costs for families, and ensure we can keep the lights on for generations to come.”
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) helps farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses install renewable energy infrastructure or improve their energy efficiency. Senator Tester has been a longstanding supporter of this program, which runs through USDA Rural Development.
A list of local recipients and their intended usage can be found below:
$31,816 in Charlo – This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 40 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic system. The system will be net metered to two meters on site with each being fed 20 kW, staying within the required kilowatt cap for Mission Valley Power. The system will replace 100 percent of the energy used, replacing more than 6,400 kilowatt hours (kWh), and saving Montana Solar of Charlo, Montana, more than $2,500 annually.
