ARDMORE, Okla. (KTEN) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a more than $4 million investment to help Oklahomans lower energy costs.

The grants were awarded to agriculture producers and small businesses in rural Oklahoma. The money will be used for projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs for businesses.

Thirty-eight Oklahoma businesses and agriculture producers received grant funding for projects to install wind turbines, solar panels and energy-efficient cooling and heating systems.

More than $28,000 will be used to install a wind turbine for a cattle operation in Ardmore.

Oklahoma state director of rural development Kenneth Corn said these investments could save Oklahoma businesses $690 thousand annually on energy costs.

The USDA is awarding grants and loans through the Rural Energy for America program.

The closing date for applications is September 30, 2024.