Post Author's Photographer By Kristin Eggen September 3, 2019

Are you a farm or small business owner looking for support for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements? Or perhaps you’re simply curious about programs available to support rural communities? If so, September’s Energy Breakfast is one you won’t want to miss.On Tuesday, September 17th at 7:30 AM at T-Bocks Underground join USDA Rural Development Program Specialist Norman Brus learn about the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

REAP supports a wide variety of energy improvements including investment in battery storage, solar or wind energy, energy efficiency upgrades, geothermal, and more. Grants are available at $2,500 to $500,000 for renewable energy systems projects and $1,500 to $250,000 for energy efficiency projects. You can imagine how, with a vision of 100% local, clean, efficient energy, your local energy district is happy to spread the word about these abundant and available federal programs.

Since 2000, Brus has been helping 16 counties in northeast Iowa access funding for rural development projects. REAP, a program of the USDA, is a series of loans and grants aimed to help increase American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and reducing demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements.

Brus will also touch briefly on the Value-Added Producer Grant program, a program available to agricultural producers which offers grant and matching funds which can be used for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product.

Why wait to start your path to local, clean, efficient energy? Bring your questions to T-Bock’s underground next Tuesday.

Register Today

# # #

Person with short hair and glasses smiles in front of a sign that reads “INNESHEK ENERGY PROJECT” with a building silhouette and sunburst in the background.

Kristin Eggen

Kristin Eggen first came to the Winneshiek Energy District as a Green Iowa AmeriCorps member in 2015. Eight years later, she is thrilled to lead the grassroots clean energy movement in Winneshiek County. Kristin deeply appreciates rural communities, Northeast Iowa, community sustainability, and nonprofit management. She uses The Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter methodology and graphic recording services to drive strategic conversations around community sustainability, justice, fundraising, and nonprofit health.

Event Recap Government Resources

Love this post?

Share it with family and friends.

Sign up for our newsletter.

subscribe

Don’t miss these

How to Request Use of the Mobile Solar Generator

August 13, 2026

Winneshiek County Emergency Management welcomes community organizations and municipalities to request use of the county’s newest asset for temporary use at special events. The Sun …

Read More

New! Resilient Resources Booklet

July 8, 2026

The Winneshiek Energy District worked and Winneshiek County Emergency Management are proud to share a handy “Resilient Resources” reference booklet with the public. This booklet contains …

Read More

WED Launches Commercial AuditPLUS+ Program

February 26, 2026

The Winneshiek Energy District now offers Commercial AuditPLUS+, a program for northeast Iowa commercial utility customers in Howard, Winneshiek, and Allamakee counties. Commercial AuditPLUS+ is …

Read More