Applications Due January 31, 2021
MONTPELIER, VT, December 8, 2020 – USDA Rural Development is now accepting
applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit & Renewable
Energy Development Assistance Grants (REAP EA/REDA), with an application deadline
of January 31, 2021. REAP EA/REDA grants strengthen American energy independence
by helping rural businesses gain access to more sources of renewable energy and
establish energy-efficiency solutions.
Eligible applicants include public-body organizations, state and local governments,
institutions of higher education, rural electric cooperatives, and public-power entities,
among others. Applications are available for both energy-audit assistance and renewable energy site assessments and technical assistance. The maximum annual aggregate amount
of an energy audit and REDA grant is $100,000. In 2020, the program provided $291,474
in funding for Vermont and New Hampshire rural communities. Projects from 2020
include:
- Lakes Region Community College – Technical assistance helps agricultural
producers and rural small businesses throughout New Hampshire implement
solar photovoltaic and wood thermal energy. - New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority – Provides
businesses with energy-savings strategies and technical assistance to identify
project funding sources through partner organizations. - Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation- Partners with the
Biomass Energy Resource Center to help hospitality businesses like hotels and
inns reduce fossil-fuel use and convert to efficient wood-heat systems.
For questions and guidance regarding REAP EA/REDA grant applications, please contact
USDA RD Business Program Energy Specialist Ken Yearman at (802) 828-6070 or
[email protected]. - USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic
opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports housing,
infrastructure improvements, business development, high-speed internet access, and
community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care. - For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural
Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.