Central Electric Power Cooperative has been awarded a grant for just over $11,000 from USDA Rural Development for a lighting retrofit project.  The grant, available under the Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP), will fund up to 25% of the lighting upgrade project at Central’s headquarters facilities.

USDA REAP loan guarantees and grants can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies and energy audits.  Central will replace all of its existing 40 Watt T-12 fluorescent lights and fixtures with more energy efficient 32 Watt T-8 fluorescent bulbs fixtures.   In addition to the office lighting, Central is also retrofitting the lighting systems in its warehouse and garage area.  Overall the combined lighting project is expected to achieve a combined simple payback of approximately two and a half years.

Central was recognized along with other REAP grant recipients at an open house held at USDA’s Rural Development regional offices in Sedalia, Missouri on December 15, 2010.  Missouri State Director Anita J. (Janie) Dunning welcomed the grant recipients and presented certificates of appreciation to fourteen recipients of the REAP funds.  Congratulations, Central!  (2010)