Clayton County Energy District announces two projects completed with Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant assistance

Local farmer Alex Schaefers is proving energy efficiency pays off by recently securing a Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to invest in upgrades on his family farm, which he has operated since 1990. Alex knew he needed to update his grain dryer, in operation since 2000. The old equipment used a large amount of propane and electricity, in addition to diesel used in a tractor to transport grain through an auger. The new Sukup T-16 continuous flow dryer system and conveyor will save over 500 million BTUs (a unit of energy) annually. This represents a 73% reduction in energy use for Alex’s grain drying or nearly $8,000 each year. With an eligible project reimbursement of $23,387, the project has a payback period of around 12 years.

Alex first learned of the grant, which offers a 25% reimbursement of total costs on eligible projects, through the Farm Service Agency office in Elkader. He ultimately connected with the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) who has offered free REAP grant assistance for the last year. CEDI technical assistance coach Steve Hopkins met with Alex to discuss his project and helped him submit paperwork and connected him to CEDI funds available to help cover the cost of a required energy audit. With the project nearing completion, Alex expressed his appreciation for the Clean Energy District team and their guidance through the sometimes-overwhelming documentation requirements.

Alex was admittedly skeptical going into the process, the savings seemed too good to be true. The new system, installed in time for this year’s harvest season, has already proven a reduction in costs. Alex has noticed a 50% reduction in LP alone and no longer requires diesel fuel. Ultimately these savings will provide larger profit margins for Alex. He currently raises dairy and beef cattle in addition to growing crops, a vital mixed-use farm. By spending less on drying costs, Alex can shift to higher yielding corn varieties resulting in more product to sell on the market.

With the rising price of land, inputs, and equipment small family farmers must be creative in finding ways to reduce costs. Energy efficiency improvements, made possible through REAP grants, reduce overall energy use which reduces utility bills. The Clayton County Energy District (CCED) continues to pursue partnerships and grant funding to provide local technical assistance for energy improvements. When farmers spend less on energy they retain more of their hard-earned dollars for other necessities such as higher producing inputs, equipment repairs/upgrades, and living expenses. With inflation rates continuing to rise, straining rural communities, CCED will maintain efforts to reduce energy burden and strengthen the local economy. If you own a farm, local business, or know anyone who may be interested in REAP grant funding, please reach out to CCED Coordinator Kelsi Davis at kdavis@claytoncountyia.gov for more information.

Meuser Lumber Reduces Costs with Solar

Meuser Lumber of Guttenberg, a locally owned cornerstone of the community for more than 80 years, recently worked with the Clayton County Energy District (CCED) and Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) to secure Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant assistance. REAP grants offer reimbursement for 25% of the overall project cost on eligible renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades. Meuser Lumber owner and Guttenberg resident John Finch first learned of the opportunity from founding CCED board member Jim Osterhaus in December of 2024. CCED Coordinator Kelsi Davis and CEDI REAP technical assistance coach Steve Hopkins visited the site in January 2025 to discuss solar feasibility. After receiving an estimate from Eagle Point Solar, CEDI staff wrote and submitted the application on John’s behalf in March 2025.

The project consists of 2 solar arrays serving two separate electric meters; both arrays were installed on the roof of the hardware store. The two arrays will produce around 27,500 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, offsetting just over 70% of the store’s usage. The solar array installation totaled just under $67,000, with the REAP grant providing $16,678 of the project costs. John was also able to file for a 30% tax credit available for small business owners, reducing project costs by another $20,000. With 55% of the system cost covered, annual savings from the solar arrays, estimated at $3,107, result in a 10-year payback period. Following this payback period, annual savings will reduce overhead costs by over $60,000 through the lifespan of the solar arrays. With financial savings primarily driving this project, John knew solar was a good investment for his business.

John also expressed his gratitude to the local Energy District and especially CEDI coach Steve Hopkins for his assistance during the project. The requirements of the project can overwhelm potential applicants, he’s not sure he would’ve completed the process without the coaching program. Steve explained the process to John and walked him through each step of the REAP application. While not overly complicated, John mentioned the amount of paperwork required for reimbursement on the project. Steve helped him to stay organized and ensured he didn’t miss any crucial deadlines. Strong rural communities rely on locally owned and operated businesses. Rising overhead costs and competition with larger, non-local corporations, however, can make local ownership less feasible. To stay competitive, local business owners benefit from opportunities such as the REAP grant program to reduce costs and expand their inventory while still providing quality products. By spending less on overhead costs like utility bills, businesses have more funds to make improvements, expand offerings, and increase profits.

The Clayton County Energy District continues to pursue partnerships and grant funding to provide local technical assistance for both commercial and residential energy improvements. Renewable generation and energy efficiency save residents money on their utility bills and reduce emissions. When residents spend less on energy they retain more of their hard-earned dollars for other necessities such as groceries, medication, and childcare. With inflation rates continuing to rise and strain rural communities, CCED will maintain efforts to reduce energy burden and strengthen the local economy. If you own a local business or know anyone who may be interested in REAP grant funding, please reach out to CCED Coordinator Kelsi Davis at kdavis@claytoncountyia.gov for more information.