Rural Development Now Accepting Rural Energy for America Program Grant Applications

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Oklahoma State Director, Kenneth Corn today announced that the Oklahoma State Office is now accepting Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant Applications.

A REAP grant is designed to aid small businesses or farms in rural Oklahoma with energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy projects. Potentially more than $5.2 million is available for rural Oklahoma businesses and agriculture producers to apply for up to 40% financial assistance on an energy efficient improvement. Past uses of the grant have included LED lighting, energy-efficient fans, improved refrigeration, solar power, and other energy efficient projects. Applicants must submit their grant package to the Oklahoma State Office no later than March 31, 2023, by 4:30 p.m.

“These grants can be used by a small grocery store to install improved refrigeration units or an ag producer that wants to save costs on cooling for a chicken farm,” Corn said. “Really any small business owner in Rural Oklahoma can benefit from this program with an energy efficient improvement project. Not only do these grants help save Oklahoma businesses or ag producers on their electric bill, but they also have real impact on our electric grid and our climate by reducing energy demand. By increasing the investments available in Oklahoma from previous years, the Biden-Harris

Administration continues to demonstrate how serious they are at finding climate-friendly solutions that benefit all Americans and grow our economy.”

To learn more about the REAP process visit: https://www.rd.usda. gov/programs-services/ energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy/ok.

Stakeholders can also email the Oklahoma State Office for more information at: okenergy@usda. gov.