BEDFORD – Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Franklin/Fulton) and Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) announce two alternative energy projects in Bedford County for a total of more than $1.77 million in state grants. The funding was awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Pennsylvania Solar Energy Program (SEP).
“I am pleased that these dollars are returning to our area to support efforts to cut energy costs and save taxpayer dollars,” Langerholc said. “Energy costs make up a significant portion of operating expenses, and when taxpayers are footing the bill we have to do everything we can to cut costs.”
“These projects will help reduce the cost of energy for local municipalities, which will mean long-term cost savings for taxpayers,” Topper added. “It is very important for Pennsylvania to diversify its energy-creating portfolio and programs such as the SEP ensures just that.”
Bedford County received a $900,698 grant to install a 1,838.16-kilowatt solar system at the Bedford County Jail and Courthouse. This system will produce 2,472 kilowatt hours annually and electricity generated by the system will be purchased by Bedford County. The total project cost is $3.3 million.
“The county commissioners are very grateful to Rep. Jesse Topper and Sen. Wayne Langerholc for supporting our project. Our solar project grant is designed to significantly reduce our electric costs. This project will provide the county an estimated savings of $5.3 million dollars over the next 25 years,” said Bedford County Commissioner Barry Dallara. “To date there is not a solar project of this size or scope in Bedford County and we envision this will be very helpful in recruiting new businesses to our county. Additionally, this grant will provide the county with the ability deliver cost-savings to taxpayers.”
Bedford Borough received an $870,481 grant to install a 1,353.78-kilowatt solar system on nearly 5 acres of land at Bedford Borough’s water treatment facility. The system will generate 1,689,660 kilowatt hours annually and all electricity generated by the system will be purchased by Bedford Borough. The total project cost is $2.5 million.
“This grant is the best chance for us to get the advantages and the long-term affordable energy price of solar energy production. This grant will save the borough $3.56 million dollars over the next 30 years. Over that time, the array will produce 48,823,628-kilowatt hour of clean energy for Bedford. The projected savings from this project will aid in the economic development of our borough,” said Barbara Diehl, borough manager of Bedford. “As borough manager, I am very excited for the support from Rep. Topper, Sen. Langerholc and others that we received on this project.”
In addition, Rep. Topper announced that Franklin County received $318,461 through the SEP.
Peter 57 Solar, LLC, received a $318,461 grant to install a 391.23-kilowatt system on nearly 2 acres of land at the Peters Township water treatment facility. The system will generate 540,127 kilowatt hours annually and all electricity generated by the system will be purchased by the Peters Township Municipal Authority. The total project cost is $860,706.