Rural Energy for America Program

What is a USDA REAP grant?

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants, funded by the USDA, work to accelerate renewable energy and energy efficiency in the rural United States. USDA REAP grants provide funding for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to implement renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency upgrades-- up to 50% total project cost.

How can Wy’East RC&D help?

Wy’East’s trained staff—including engineers, certified energy managers, grant Writers, and project managers— can assist producers and rural small business owners with the entire USDA REAP grant process from start to finish. This no-cost service includes services such as:

  • Site Visits

  • Energy Assessments or Audits

  • Project Planning and Scoping

  • Working with your Solar Developer, Irrigation Vendor or Contractor to collect necessary project documentation

  • REAP Grant Writing

  • Submission of REAP Grant to USDA Rural Development

  • Identifying and connecting you to Utility Incentives through Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) or BPA Member Owned Utilities (MOU’s)

Am I eligible for a USDA REAP grant?

I am a…

  • The entity must be engaged in production of agricultural products with at least 50% of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.

  • The entity must meet the Small Business Administration size standards.

    The entity must be located in eligible rural areas.

    The entity must be one of the following:

    • Private for-profit entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).

    • A cooperative (including those qualified under Section 501(c)(12) of IRS Code).

    • An electric utility (including a Tribal or governmental electric utility) that provides service to rural consumers and operates independent of direct government control).

    • A Tribal corporation or other Tribal business entities that are chartered under Section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act (25 USC 477) or have similar structures and relationships with their tribal entity without regard to the resources of the Tribal government.

  • Not sure if you’re eligible? Contact us to verify your eligibility at no cost.

    Lanier Fussell
    Rural Energy Coordinator
    (541) 978-9839
    lanier@wyeast-rcd.org

    Jackie Solomon
    Rural Energy Specialist
    (541) 978-9469
    jackie@wyeast-rcd.org

What kinds of projects are eligible?

Renewable Energy Systems (RES)

RES Eligible Projects

  • Biomass (biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).

  • Geothermal for electric generation or direct use.

  • Hydropower below 30 megawatts.

  • Hydrogen.

  • Small and large wind generation.

  • Small and large solar generation.

  • Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation

RES Grant Terms

  • Grant funding is available for up to 50% total eligible project cost for projects that produce zero greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emitting projects are limited to 25% of the federal grant share.

    • $2,500 minimum, $1,000,000 maximum.

Energy Efficiency Improvements (EEI)

EEI Eligible Projects

  • High efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC)

  • Insulation.

  • Lighting.

  • Cooling or refrigeration units.

  • Doors and windows.

  • Electric, solar, or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.

  • Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor.

  • Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.

EEI Grant Terms

  • Grant funding is available for up to 50% total eligible project cost.

    • $1,500 minimum, $500,000 maximum.

Loan Guarantees

Loan guarantees are available on loans up to 75% of total eligible project costs. The lender, with Agency concurrence, will establish and justify the guaranteed loan term based on the use of guaranteed loan funds, the useful economic life of the assets being financed and those used as collateral, and the borrower’s repayment ability. The loan term will not exceed 40 years.

Additional Requirements

  • Individual borrowers must be citizens of the United States or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent residence.

  • Agricultural producers and small businesses must have no outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgement, or debarment.

  • Applicants must provide matching funds if applying for a grant only.

  • Applicants must provide at least 25% of the project cost if applying for a loan.

  • All projects must have technical merit and utilize commercially available technology.

  • Energy efficiency projects require an energy assessment or energy audit.

Ready to get started?