WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Joe Courtney (CT-2), and Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday for awarding $368,000 in Rural Development grants to help Laurelbrook Farm in East Canaan, Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford, The Plant Group in Franklin, and Mapleleaf Farm in Hebron develop renewable energy systems and improve their energy efficiency.

“These four Connecticut farms will now be able to invest in clean energy projects that will cut their costs and make their farms more energy efficient,” said the members of Connecticut’s federal delegation. “We’re working hard in Washington to make it easier for Connecticut farmers to grow their businesses and create jobs, and they deserve all the federal help we can get them. We’re excited to see these grants put into action.”

Laurelbrook Farm in East Canaan will receive $37,919 to install 300 high efficiency LED lighting to all farm buildings. The project will realize over $21,000 per year in cost savings and reduce the electrical needs of the farm by over 146,400 kwh annually, which is enough to power seven homes.

Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford will receive $224,238 to purchase a 357kW ground mounted renewable energy system. The project will realize over $75,000 per year in cost savings and offset the farm’s energy needs by 70 percent. The system will generate almost 471,000 kwh annually, which is enough to power 43 homes.

The Plant Group in Franklin will receive $85,843 to purchase and install a 140kW roof mounted solar renewable energy system. The project will realize $15,880 per year in cost savings and offset the business’ energy needs by 126 percent. The system will generate over 169,400 kwh, which is enough to power seven homes.

Mapleleaf Farm in Hebron will receive $20,000 to purchase and install a 71.4kW roof mounted renewable energy system. The project will realize $15,000 per year in cost savings and offset the farm’s energy needs by 100 percent. The system will generate 90,100 kwh annually, which is enough to power eight homes.

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