USDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for grant and loan support for Energy efficiency Improvements and Renewable Energy projects through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to help farmers/ranchers and rural small businesses. Eligible Renewable Energy include Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Anaerobic digesters, Hydro. Energy Efficiency project can include any items on your energy audit or assessment that will reduce your current energy use, such as upgrades on lighting, refrigeration, HVAC, VFD and more.
This is a great opportunity to reduce your energy bills; eliminate energy costs; or generate and sell power to the grid as an added income stream. A REAP grant along with other incentives and rebates can save you money, make your business better and improve your balance sheet.
REAP Grants can cover up to 25 percent of purchase and installation costs up to a maximum $500,000 grant limit; however grant applications of $20,000 or less are most competitive. USDA selects projects for funding on a competitive basis. Eligible projects with the greatest technical merit, greatest amount of energy created or saved, and other factors will receive priority for funding.
Interested applicants should contact Carlotta Donisi, Business Program Specialist at 360-704-7724 or email: Carlotta.donisi@wa.usda.gov for instructions on application submittal and application deadlines.
