Webinar: Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

Join Wyoming Rural Development staff to discuss the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)! The webinar will discuss eligibility, funding available (new updates), the application process and more. The current application deadline is March 31, 2023.

Register: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_0MmsO2sYSMyL5VnpBXwEpw

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system guaranteed loans for agricultural production and processing.

Renewable energy systems can include: small and large solar generation; biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels); geothermal for electric generation or direct use; hydropower below 30 megawatts; hydrogen; and small and large wind generation.

Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as: 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; and replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.

Two significant recent changes to this program include an increase in maximum Federal grant share from 25% to 40% of total project cost, and an increase in maximum grant amounts from $250,000 to $500,000 for energy efficiency projects and an increase from $500,000 to $1 million for renewable energy systems.

Eligible applicants include rural small businesses, and agricultural producers with at least 50% of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.

Prior to the webinar, we encourage interested applicants to establish a SAM.gov account. SAM registration is a requirement of a complete REAP application. Visit the System for Award Management (SAM) webpage to complete your registration. Neither SAM registration or applying for the REAP program cost money, but they can take time so be sure to get this taken care of right away. If you are already registered with these systems, you do not need to do it again.

If you would like to request a REAP application or have questions about the webinar, please contact Miles at (307) 683-4191.