Charging the weather. . . .
GODFREY – On Monday, March 25, 2024, Freer Auto Body hosted Deputy Nikki Budzinski and Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick as the company won a $125,000 Rural Energy for America (REAP) grant.
REAP, a program of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, provides grants to small businesses to improve their energy efficiency. Tim Freer, owner of Freer Auto Body, explained that his electric bill recently increased by about $4,000. In response, the company installed solar panels on its roof. He said the subsidy would provide “long-term relief” to the company’s energy costs.
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“There are 219 signs. It is a 91 KW system. It’s meant to produce 115% of our actual needs,” Freer added.
Budzinski announced that ten small businesses in Madison and Macoupin counties will secure more than $1. 8 million in REAP funding. The goal is to minimize energy prices and sell electrical power in rural communities.
“It makes a genuine difference in energy costs, which is a genuine problem,” Budzinski said. “Honestly, it’s been my number one priority since I’ve been in office, making sure Central and Southern Illinois get our fair share of federal dollars. It’s all about time And I think those kinds of grant opportunities make all the difference in any small business. . . It simply creates more power and saves money. The purpose is to help other people save money and small businesses save money.
Budzinski added that he is also looking to increase accessibility to those grants by helping small businesses and communities with the grant application process. For more information, Budzinski. House. gov.
McCormick added that Freer Auto Body provides support to the network and has been a company at Godfrey for more than 30 years.
“They made a good living here, but they’re giving back, and that’s very important,” McCormick said. “This is an American family business that has been wonderful in so many ways for the people of Godfrey. “
Visit FreerAutoBody. com for more information.
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