Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced that ASP2 Rural LLC has been awarded a loan of $7,739,000 to develop three solar energy facilities across the state.  This financing was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program. 

“Investing in renewable energy is key to effectively reducing pollution and protecting our environment,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “We welcome this significant investment from USDA to assist with the development of solar energy facilities in Caribou, Skowhegan, and Fairfield, which will provide clean, affordable energy in the communities.”

The loan will be used to support a 964.6 kilowatt project by Caribou Solar in Caribou, a 3,937 kilowatt project by Dirt Solar in Skowhegan, and a 982.2 kilowatt project by Freeport Solar in Fairfield. 

USDA’s Electric Loan Program helps finance wind, solar and natural gas plants, as well as efficiency improvements to coal-fired plants.  Local utilities also use the loans to invest in infrastructure to deliver affordable power to millions of residential, commercial and, agricultural consumers.