MAMC to help with application process, conduct free energy audits
All West Virginia small businesses – including agricultural producers – are eligible for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development through its Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to install, upgrade or expand renewable energy systems or improve the energy efficiency of their operations.
Through a supporting Rural Development grant announced in last year, Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) will provide free technical support to educate companies about the program, assist eligible businesses with the application process and provide the requisite energy audits and assessments.
Businesses can receive between $1,500 and $500,000 for energy efficiency upgrades. The grants will provide up to 50 percent of the eligible costs for such things as:
- Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment
- Heating and cooling
- Lighting (such as LED systems)
- Cooling and refrigeration units
- Ventilation and fans
- Energy-efficient doors and windows
- Automated controls
- Insulation
The program offers renewal energy grants of between $2,500 and $1 million, which also cover up to 50 percent of the project’s total costs. Eligible projects include:
- Solar
- Wind
- Anaerobic digesters
- Biomass
- Geothermal
- Hydroelectric (under 30 megawatts)
In addition, REAP provides loan guarantees up to 75 percent of total cost to cover these and similar types of renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. Guaranteed loans range from $5,000 to $25,000,000.
“The goal of REAP is to foster U.S. energy independence while reducing costs for small businesses and agricultural producers,” said Derek Scarbro, MAMC Director. “Our role is to help West Virginia businesses take advantage of this assistance so they can save money and grow their operations. We’re ready to assist throughout the application process.”
To apply for REAP assistance, businesses must register with the federal government’s SAM.gov (System for Award Management) and obtain a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number. For energy efficiency project requests, applicants need an energy audit or assessment.
“MAMC’s staff not only can help with the actual REAP application, but we can assist with the pre-application requirements, including the energy assessments and audits,” Scarbro said. “And these services are free to West Virginia businesses and agricultural producers thanks to the generous support of USDA Rural Development.”
To learn more about REAP and the assistance provided by MAMC, contact Tanner Drown at or 304-781-1688.
Sept. 25, 2024
