Businesses across the country are making efforts to improve their sustainable efforts and lower carbon footprints. From irrigation to the use of heavy machinery, the agriculture sector tends to exert a lot of energy and water to maintain their daily operations. The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) have collaborated to create The Agricultural Energy Program to offer businesses means to offset costs of sustainable projects.
Agriculture Energy Incentive Program Overview
Launched to fill a gap in Rhode Island’s clean energy portfolio, the Agricultural Energy Program offers grants of up to $20,000 to eligible agricultural operations. The goal is to reduce energy use, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve on-site energy resilience through efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations. These grants are funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state effort focused on reducing carbon emissions in the power sector.
Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis and ranked, with funds awarded to the highest scoring projects depending on available funding.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is funding grants up to $20,000 for the Agricultural Energy Program to help fund eligible agricultural operations. The goal for this program is to reduce energy usage and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Qualifying projects range from lighting upgrades and automated temperature control to renewable energy resources. RGGI is a multi-state effort focused on reducing carbon emissions in the power sector.
Incentive Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this program, applicants must meet several key criteria:
- Operate an agricultural business located in Rhode Island
- Be able to enter into a legal agreement with the state
- Provide proof of $2,500 or more in agricultural income in the past two calendar years (nonprofits are exempt from this income requirement)
- Own the property or have written permission from the landowner to implement the project
- Undergo a general energy efficiency audit (or receive a waiver if impractical)
- Cover at least 10% of the total project cost through a cost-share requirement
Both for-profit and nonprofit agricultural operations are eligible, and farms must not have received more than three grants (maximum two for renewable energy and one for energy efficiency) through the program.
Incentive Rebate360 has over 62 years of accumulative commercial rebate recovery experience. If your organization is considering an energy efficiency roll-out, or have completed one in the last year, review our process here, then schedule a call and start maximizing your rebate recovery efforts.
Qualifying Projects
The program supports a wide range of energy upgrades, including both energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies:
Renewable Energy Investments:
- Solar photovoltaics (PV)
- Small-scale wind turbines
- Biomass systems
- Battery storage solutions
Energy Efficiency Improvements:
- Envelope insulation
- LED lighting
- HVAC upgrades (including heat pumps)
- Automated temperature controls
- Variable speed motors and pumps
- Solar thermal systems
Each project must meet design, installation, and safety standards and be completed within one year of award. Projects must not already be completed or use funding from conflicting state programs, such as the Renewable Energy Growth Program.
Funding and Reimbursement
Applicants can receive up to $20,000, split into two payments:
- 50% upfront after submitting a signed vendor contract and proof of material purchase
- 50% after completion, subject to a final site inspection and proof of payment
Reimbursement is only provided for eligible work completed after a contract with OER is signed. Projects may also leverage additional funding sources, such as USDA REAP, NRCS EQIP, the Commerce RI Renewable Energy Fund, and the federal investment tax credit.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward and managed entirely by OER:
- Contract with a vendor for an eligible energy project
- Submit the application electronically to OER before the posted deadline
- If selected, provide a signed W-9, vendor contract, and invoice documentation within 30 business days of award notice
- After project completion, submit final documentation for review and schedule a post-installation site inspection
Applications are scored and prioritized based on their readiness, impact, and adherence to guidelines.
We Can Help You Navigate the Incentive Process
Incentive Rebate360 offers expert rebate management assistance to streamline the rebate process and maximize your savings, so you don’t leave money on the table. Our team can help identify the rebates that best fit your projects and energy goals. To contact us for a consultation, call 480-653-8180, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below!
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