Get a No-Cost Energy Audit Update and Grant Application Assistance
Farms are integral to New York State’s economy, food supply, and way of life. Making investments in energy efficiency can help ensure farms continue to thrive while helping meet New York State’s climate goals.
The REAP Technical Assistance Program (RTAP) provides New York State farmers with no-cost assistance applying to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) 
. Through RTAP, farmers receive hands-on support with updates to energy audits and preparing grant application materials.
How it Works
RTAP provides farmers with no-cost support preparing an application package seeking REAP grant funding, which can cover up to 50% of total project costs for energy efficiency improvements. Funding is available on a first come, first serve basis through September 30, 2026.
RTAP can help farmers with:
- Preparation of a technical report in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.119(d)
- Help filing for System Award Management and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) registrations
- Completion of environmental reports and other documentation required for REAP grant applications
- Resources for obtaining an energy audit and additional incentive information
- Energy best practices information to improve the energy efficiency of farm operations
- Translation and interpretation services
Upcoming REAP grant funding cycle due dates:
- March 31, 2024
- June 30, 2024
- September 30, 2024
How Farms Benefit
Participating in RTAP gives farms access to no-cost technical assistance with REAP grants.
Other benefits include:
- Lower energy costs and long-term energy savings
- Improved farm operations, work safety, and comfort
- Reduced maintenance time and cost, and extended equipment life
- Lower carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner and healthier community
Program Guidelines
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for RTAP.
- Be a New York State agricultural producer or rural business
- Not have outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgement, or debarments
- Have at least 50% of gross revenue or receipts coming from agricultural operations, or be considered a rural small business
- Provide a qualified energy audit that has been completed within the last two years. No-cost energy audits are available through NYSERDA’s Agriculture Energy Audit Program.
- Provide your most recent utility and energy bills for the farm and any stationary equipment.
Priority will be given to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Requesting $20,000 or less in REAP grant funds
- Located in disadvantaged or distressed communities as defined by the USDA Distressed and Disadvantaged Communities .
Do not incur project expenses until notification of grant application acceptance by Rural Development has been received.
How to Apply
Complete the RTAP application [PDF] or contact NYSERDA at [email protected] or 1-800-732-1399 to get started.
Program Resources
- USDA REAP Program Overview
- USDA REAP Fact Sheet
- Notice of Solicitation of Applications
- Rural Development State Energy Coordinators
- System for Award Management (SAM) Registration
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Size Standards
- Distressed and Disadvantaged Communities Map
- 7CFR 4280, Subpart B - Program Governance