Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) applications for Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvements are due March 31, 2021.
MT. LAUREL, NJ, February 1, 2021 – USDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvements (REAP RES/EEI), with an application deadline of March 31, 2021. REAP projects strengthen American energy independence by providing funding to eligible applicants to make energy efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems for their operations.
Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and rural small for profit businesses. Applicants may apply for funding to purchase and install renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, geothermal, renewable biomass, hydro-power, hydrogen or anaerobic digesters. Energy efficiency improvements outlined in an energy audit or assessment which reduce energy consumption on an annual basis may include improvements such as: heating ventilation and conditioning (HVAC), lighting, refrigeration, computerized controls or variable frequency drives, irrigation systems and grain dryers.
Grant funding is available for up to 25 percent of total eligible project costs with a maximum of $500,000 for renewable energy systems and a maximum of $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements. Guaranteed loan funding is also available in conjunction with grant funding.
Program funding for fiscal year 2021 of approximately $9 million is set-aside for grants requesting $20,000 or less and funding for grants of any size is approximately $32 million. Each state receives an allocation of grant funds to administer to projects located within the state. Please join us on Thursday February 4, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 pm eastern time for a webinar to learn more about the program and how to apply. Registration for the webinar is available at: https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp
To learn more about the application process here in New Jersey, please contact our Energy Coordinator, Helen Wurst at 856.787.7758 or email her at .
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports housing, infrastructure improvements, business development, high-speed internet access, and community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/.
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