The USDA REAP-TAG program is a great opportunity for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to receive expert assistance in determining eligibility in energy efficiency or renewable projects within their operations.
Hoosier Energy has partnered up with GDS Associates to assist applicants in the process of applying to the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) at no cost to the applicant.
The REAP TAG grant offers:
- Assistance to determine eligibility for REAP grants
- Assistance to apply for REAP grants
- Measurement and verification of results from REAP project
- Zero cost to member-consumer for technical assistance
- Cost-share component in REAP project grant acceptance
Who can participate?
Member-consumer must meet Small Business Qualifications under NAICS Standard.
What kind of projects qualify?
Projects may include, but not limited to:
- Solar PV
- Lighting Projects (T12’s & Metal Halides)
- Geothermal Projects
- Grain Dryers (In disadvantaged or distressed communities)
- Poultry Barn Upgrades – Heaters, Insulation, Lighting, etc.
- Other Projects TBD
Are there any stipulations?
A Member-consumer project may fall into 1 of 3 categories:
- No project dollar cap if located in a distressed or disadvantaged community based on USDA Map
- If not in a distressed or disadvantaged community – any grant request of $20,000 or less and total project cost less than $40,000*
- Installs in underutilized technology – any renewable that is not solar PV; biomass will be restricted to 25%
* Project will change on October 2024
Distressed or Disadvantaged Communities
- To fall into Category 1, member-consumer must live in blue or green U.S. Census blocks (USDA Map)
- If outside of these communities, project must fall into Categories 2 or 3
- Illinois does not qualify under Hoosier Energy’s program but we will provide further information on that program