Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption in order to meet the nation's critical energy needs.

Agricultural Producers (individual or entity directly engaged in the production of agricultural products that gets 50 percent plus of their gross income from agricultural production) or Small Rural Businesses (must meet SBA definition of small business) that are private entities, sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, or cooperatives. The applicant must also be located in a rural area that has a population of less than 50,000.

Grant funds cannot exceed 25 percent of eligible project costs. Guaranteed loans cannot exceed 75 percent of eligible project costs. Combination guaranteed loan and grant cannot exceed 75 percent of eligible project costs.

Renewable: A minimum grant of $2,500 and a maximum grant of $500,000. A minimum guaranteed loan of $5,000 and a maximum guaranteed loan of $25,000,000.

Efficiency: A minimum grant of $1,500 and a maximum grant of $250,000. A minimum guaranteed loan of $5,000 and a maximum guaranteed loan of $10,000,000.

Consider the following definitions:

Energy Efficiency: Replacement of equipment and/or improvements to a facility, building, or process that will reduce energy consumption.

Renewable Energy: Derived from wind, solar, oceanic, hydroelectric, biomass, anaerobic digester, geothermal, or hydrogen derived from these sources.

Biomass: Any organic material that produces fuel, thermal energy, or electric power from a biomass sources and is available on a renewable or recurring basis, including agricultural crops, trees grown for energy production, wood waste, wood residues, plant residues/fibers, animal wastes, fats, oil, and greases. Biomass does not include paper that is commonly recycled or unsegregated solid waste.

More information about this program can be found in the Rural Energy for America (REAP) Brochure (PDF) or by visiting our national webpage. We are currently selection applications!

Click here for application materials or download a sample application. If you have questions, need further information, or would like to be added to our e-mail list, please contact our State Office for assistance.