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                       NEWS RELEASE FROM THE

                    CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
MAY 10, 1995                          Rob Schlichting 916-654-5159


    TWO GREENHOUSE OPERATIONS AWARDED COMMISSION ENERGY LOANS


The California Energy Commission has approved two low-interest 
loans to agriculture operations in the state.  The loans come from 
the Commission's Agricultural Energy Assistance Program.  

The loans are targeted to demonstration projects that use new, 
commercially available technology already tested.  Once the new 
technology is in place, the Commission holds field days to show
other farmers the energy and cost benefits of the application.  


Living Decor Greenhouse in Sanger

The California Energy Commission approved a $27,900 low-interest 
loan for Living Decor, a wholesale nursery in Sanger, to make 
energy efficiency improvements to its greenhouse operation. 

Living Decor, located east of Fresno, is owned and operated by 
Gregory Barber.  His wholesale firm grows blooming plants and 
potted foliage for florists and interior landscaping companies, 
and Barber is expanding the size of his propane-heated greenhouse.  

To keep his energy costs low and ensure more even greenhouse 
temperatures, he will install a heat retention curtain system, 
using funds from the Energy Commission.  The Agricultural Energy 
Assistance Program is supplying $27,900 toward the cost of the 
$34,900 project.

The curtain system will save Barber $7,800 a year in energy and 
labor costs. From the savings alone, he should be able to pay back 
the loan in less than four-and-a-half years. 

For more information contact: 
Gregory Barber, Living Decor, 209-255-5994

                        * * * * * * * * * *

Munyon Farms Greenhouse in Acampo

The California Energy Commission approved a $43,000 low-interest 
loan to Acampo farmer Robert W. Munyon to make energy efficiency 
improvements at his greenhouse operation north of Lodi. 

Munyon's company, Munyon Farms, produces chickens, vegetables and 
catfish.  Its greenhouse operation grows mostly cucumbers and 
potatoes, using natural gas for heat.  The buildings are currently 
roofed with a treated plastic which deteriorates quickly and does 
not retain heat well.

With the Energy Commission loan, Munyon Farms will be able to 
install thermoclear, polycarbonate roofing that will prevent heat 
loss and reduce energy consumption.  The new, tougher material 
will also last longer than the roofing system currently in place.  

"We need to replace the plastic we're using now every 16 to 18 
months, at a high cost for both materials and labor," Munyon 
explained.  

The Energy Commission is loaning the entire cost of the project, 
which will save Munyon Farms $9,700 a year in energy and labor 
costs.  From the savings alone, Munyon should be able to pay back 
the loan in less than four-and-a-half years. 

For more information contact:

Robert Munyon, Munyon Farms, 209-368-2115

                       * * * * * * * * * *

Through the Agricultural Energy Assistance Program, the Energy 
Commission has a total of $929,000 to loan to individual farmers 
or groups at a low 3.3 percent interest rate.  

Loans of up to $150,000 are being made on a first-come, first-
served basis by the Commission. To be considered for future loans, 
applications must be postmarked no later than July 31, 1995.

Greenhouse operations are only one of the three areas in which 
energy loans are being made.  Money is also available to replace 
conventional electrical motors with energy efficient ones and to 
fund innovative irrigation projects that save energy for 
irrigation districts.  

Agricultural operators, farmers or others interested in loan 
applications or more information should contact: 

     California Energy Commission
     Efficiency Services Office
     Agricultural Energy Assistance Program
     1516 Ninth Street, MS-26
     Sacramento, CA 95814
     Attention: Elizabeth Boynton

The telephone number is 916-654-4089.

Members of the news media who would like more information about 
the program should contact Assistant Director Claudia Chandler at 
916-654-4989.


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File Name: 95-05-10_Agricultural_Energy_Assistance_Program_Loans