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USDA Seeks Applications for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects

Name
Erica Salley
City
Columbia
Release Date

COLUMBIA, S.C., Apr 4, 2016 – USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Michele J. Cardwell announced today applications are now being taken to fund the installation of renewable-energy systems or make energy-efficiency improvements projects for small businesses in rural communities and Ag-producers throughout the state of South Carolina. The funding is being made available through Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

USDA is offering grants for up to 25 percent of total project costs and loan guarantees for up to 75 percent of total project costs for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. USDA will accept and review loan and grant applications year-round.

Eligible renewable energy projects must incorporate commercially available technology. This includes renewable energy from wind, solar, small hydropower, hydrogen, geothermal, and renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters). The maximum grant amount is $500,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.

Energy efficiency improvement projects eligible for REAP funding include lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, fans, automated controls and insulation upgrades that reduce energy consumption. The maximum grant amount is $250,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.

The REAP program is not available for residential use and is only available for businesses in communities of less than 50-thousand people, however there is no population limit for ag-producers wishing to apply for this program.

The deadline for applying for REAP funding is on May 2, 2016. Please call the South Carolina Rural Development State Office at 803.253.3183 for more information or to get an application.

Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested $11 billion in more than 103,000 rural businesses to start or expand their operations; helped more than 1 million rural residents buy homes; funded nearly 7,000 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; financed 180,000 miles of new and improved electric transmission and distribution lines; and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses.