Northeast electricity generator Putnam Green Power received a $275,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to refurbish its two turbines.
The grant comes through the Agriculture Department’s Rural Energy for America Program to fund renewable energy products for small farms and rural businesses. The program awarded $39 million in 2010, but its funding was cut to $1.3 million this year.
Putnam Green Power plans to use the grant to refurbish the two turbines in its hydroelectric dam. When complete, the system will provide 2,523 megawatts hours onto the grid.
“It is very exciting to see eastern Connecticut reconnect with its hydropower past using modern technology to raise generation to a new higher level,” said Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT), who announced the award. “Putnam Power will use this grant to leverage private sector dollars, thus stretching the funding for the benefit of the town.”
