Are you a small rural business owner or an agricultural producer that needs to reduce your energy costs? USDA Rural Development Nevada encourages you to apply for assistance through USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
A REAP grant can assist with up to one-fourth of the cost of installing a renewable energy system, such as wind, solar, small hydropower, geothermal, renewable biomass and hydrogen derived from those renewable resources.
REAP grants can also pay up to one-fourth of the cost to make energy efficiency improvements such as new lighting, windows, HVAC, insulation, fans, and automated controls that reduce energy consumption.
Fortifiber in Fernley used REAP funds to offset purchase of a roof-top solar system to reduce energy costs. Nevada retail stores, a veterinarian and manufacturers are seeing benefits of installing new HVAC, LED lighting or automation systems to reduce energy costs.
Eligible agricultural projects (must produce 50% or more of income from farming/ranching) can be located anywhere in the state. Business projects must be located in rural areas with a population of 50,000 or less. USDA accepts REAP guaranteed loan applications year-round; the next REAP grant deadline for funding of $20,000 or less is April 1. Grant applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. at the Nevada State Office, 1390 S. Curry St., Carson City, NV 89703.
Contact State Energy Coordinator Laura Chavez at (775) 887-1222 Ext. 4764 to learn more or visit USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency .