Grants and Guaranteed Loans Provided by USDA Rural Development Renewable Energy
and Energy Efficiency Program

USDA Rural Development is proud to offer assistance to agricultural producers and rural small
businesses looking to finance a renewable energy or energy efficiency project.  All rural areas of the
state, everywhere except Cheyenne, are eligible to receive grant and/or guaranteed loan funds through
the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program.

Grants can cover up to 25% of total eligible costs.  The minimum energy efficiency grant is $1500 and
maximum is $250,000.  The minimum renewable energy grant is $2500 and maximum is $500,000.
  Simplified grant applications may be filed for projects under $200,000 in total cost. 

Guaranteed loans can cover up to 50% of total eligible costs.  The minimum guaranteed loan is $5000
and maximum is $10 million.

Eligible energy projects include solar (small and large), biomass, anaerobic digesters, geothermal
(including electric generation and direct use), as well as hydrogen, wind (small and large) and energy
efficiency improvements.

Examples of energy efficiency projects might be the installation of more energy efficient equipment,
motors, pumps, fans and blowers, compressors, refrigeration units, ventilation systems, windows,
insulation, heating systems, lighting systems, and plumbing fixtures.

Applications can be filed anytime.  Rural Development is urging applicants to start the application
process now to allow sufficient time for gathering the necessary information and to provide the best
chance for receiving funding.   

There will be multiple rounds of grant awards in the coming year.  Guaranteed loan application funding
decisions will be made throughout the year. 

According to State Director Del Tinsley, “The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program is
a great way for small businesses and agricultural producers to reduce their energy costs, while
promoting President Bush’s goal of environmentally friendly energy independence.”  

Energy program information can be found at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html  Please
contact the USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator at (307) 672-5820, ext. 4 with any questions.

The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements program was created as part of
the 2002 Farm Bill to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses develop renewable energy
systems and make energy efficiency improvements to their operations.  To date, the Bush
Administration has committed nearly $68 million in grant assistance to farmers, ranchers,
and rural businesses nationwide.