What does this program do?
The Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) grant offers financial assistance for rural communities to further develop renewable energy.
Who may apply?
Eligible applicants to this program are Rural Energy Community Partnerships as defined in the REPP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), Federal Register Notice.
REPP partnerships may be comprised of, but are not limited to:
- Non-profit entities.
- State and local entities.
- Tribal entities.
- Municipalities and other public bodies.
How may funds be used?
REPP grant funds can be used to support:
- Community energy planning, capacity building, and technical assistance
- Community efficiency and weatherization
- Installation and equipping of community-scale renewable energy technologies and systems
What is an eligible area?
A REPP partnership must serve a rural community as specified in the REPP NOFO. Visit our Eligibility site to search for eligible rural areas. Priority is given to distressed and high energy-burden communities, in which households spend a greater proportion of their income on energy costs compared to the average U.S. household.
What is the maximum amount of a grant?
Awards to successful applicants will be in the form of cost-share grants for up to 80 percent of total eligible project costs, not to exceed $2 million.
What are the terms of the grant?
The grant term is 3 years.
How do I apply?
Interested applicants are encouraged to review the materials, including application deadlines, found in the REPP NOFO.
Application materials and instructions are available by clicking the To Apply tab of this website.
What governs this program?
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116 – 260) - provides the Secretary of Agriculture $10 million until expended to carry out a pilot program to offer financial assistance for rural communities to develop renewable energy. The REPP is governed by a Notice of Funding Opportunity originally published January 19, 2022 (87 FR 2747).
Why does USDA Rural Development do this?
The REPP meets a recognized need for federal support to further develop renewable energy to help meet our nation’s energy needs and combat climate change while prioritizing environmental justice, racial equity, and economic opportunity.
Closed on July 18, 2022
REPP Complete Application Guide:
- Certification of Matching Funds (included in Complete Certification that the lead applicant is a legal entity in good standing (as applicable), and operating in accordance with the laws of the state(s) or Tribe where the applicant exists (included in Complete Application Guide))
- The application must identify whether the lead applicant has a known relationship or association with an Agency employee. If there is a known relationship, the lead applicant must identify each Agency employee with whom the lead applicant has a known relationship (included in Complete Application Guide).
- Copy of Response (Letter of Encouragement or Letter of Advisory) received from the Agency
Required Forms:
- Form SF-424, "Application for Federal Assistance." In 8.a. provide Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number (in parentheses) after legal name
- Form SF-424C, "Budget Information - Construction Programs”
- Form SF-424D , "Assurances - Construction Programs"
- SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities”
- RD Form 400-4 , “Assurance Agreement”
- RD Environmental Checklist
There are no additional requirements.
Anthony Crooks
(202) 205-9322
RuralEnergyPilotProgram@usda.gov
You may also consult your State Rural Development Energy Coordinator.
Persons with disabilities that require alternative means for communication should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Target Center at
(202) 720–2600 (voice).
Upcoming Webinars
There are currently no events scheduled.
Past Webinars
January 25, 2022: Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) Grant
Recording | PowerPoint | Transcripts
February 1, 2022: REPP Required Letter of Intent
Recording | Transcripts
May 24, 2022: Submitting a REPP Complete Application
Recording | Transcript
June 28, 2022: REPP Question & Answer
Introductory Webinar
Rural Development staff will host an introductory Webinar on the Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 2:00 pm EST to provide an overview of the REPP, its purposes, opportunities, eligible applicants, and application requirements.
A question and answer session on the new pilot program will follow immediately after the presentation.
The link to register for the Introductory Webinar is provided here,
Upcoming Webinars
The USDA Rural Development Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) will host a Rural Energy Pilot Program (REPP) Application Webinar series to assist potential applicants and stakeholder learn more about the funding opportunity.
- November 9, 2021: REPP Required Letter of Intent
INSERT LINK TO REGISTER FOR REQUIRED LOI WEBINAR HERE - December 7, 2021: REPP Complete Application
INSERT LINK TO REGISTER FOR REPP COMPLETE APPLICATION WEBINAR HERE - January 11, 2022: REPP Question & Answer Hour
INSERT LINK TO REGISTER FOR REPP Q&A HOUR WEBINAR HERE
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