The Rhode Island Agricultural Energy Program, a collaborative effort between the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), provides grants to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for agricultural operations in the state. The program is designed to help agribusinesses reduce energy use, lower energy costs, and promote renewable energy adoption, while contributing to the state's greenhouse gas reduction goals. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for eligible projects.
Eligible applicants must be Rhode Island-based agricultural operations that can demonstrate a minimum of $2,500 in agricultural income over the past two years. Nonprofits with agricultural operations are also eligible, even without meeting the income requirement. Projects must be implemented at Rhode Island locations and must involve energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy installations such as photovoltaics, small-scale wind, or energy storage. Energy efficiency projects could include HVAC systems, LED lighting, or solar thermal systems, among others.
The application process includes contracting with an energy vendor and submitting an application to OER. Applicants are responsible for a 10% cost share of total project costs. Projects are funded competitively, with awards based on available funds and the ranking of proposals. Successful applicants receive 50% of the awarded amount upon project initiation and 50% upon project completion and inspection.
Applications must be submitted electronically by the program deadline, and all projects must be completed within one year of the award.
