Federal agency seeks applicants for utilities grants

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal agency is looking for applicants interested in taking advantage of nearly $15 million in grants to help with high energy costs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the money is being distributed through its Rural Utilities Service.

Many remote Alaska communities would be eligible for the grant funds, said Allan Yost, the service's Alaska field representative.

To qualify, a community's average residential expenditure for home energy must be over 275 percent of the national average. Homeowners must pay at least 22.9 cents per kilowatt hour or more than $2.62 per gallon for fuel oil.

Those who can apply include states, political subdivisions of states and other state-organized entities. Federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal entities also can apply.

The available funds can be used to acquire, build, extend, upgrade or improve energy services.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 7.

------

On the Net: www.usda.gov/rus/electric/hecgp/index.htm.