**Orchard Hill Breadworks secured a $31,245 grant from USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to build a 32.5kW solar array**

Alstead, N.H. — Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined USDA officials and the founder of Orchard Hill Breadworks, Noah Elbers, to tour the business and discuss a $31,245 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant that Orchard Hill received to install solar panels. These panels will save the business an estimated $6,400 a year, furthering the company’s vision of providing healthy food to the community with minimal impact on the environment.

“Our Granite State small businesses can benefit greatly from solar energy — not only does it save consumers and communities money, but every solar panel put up is one step closer to energy independence and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels,” said Rep. Kuster. “I was excited to be with Noah Elbers and USDA’s Sarah Waring today to discuss the power of solar in our state and I look forward to supporting clean energy projects like the one at Orchard Hill Breadworks in the future.”

“Rural communities like Alstead are leading the way in the fight against climate change because they are made up of forward-thinking residents and innovative small businesses like Orchard Hill Breadworks,” said State Director of USDA Rural Development in New Hampshire and Vermont, Sarah Waring. “We are so proud to help fund this solar project with a Rural Energy for America Program grant, and provide a shining example for other businesses to follow.”

Kuster has been an outspoken voice in Congress for advancing America’s energy independence and ending our nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. Last week in the Energy and Commerce Committee, Kuster questioned Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about investing in renewables, like hydropower, and addressing the high cost of fuel and other power sources.

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