About REAP

The Renewable Energy for America Program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers can also apply for new energy-efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.  The REAP Fact Sheet includes basic information about eligibility, types of projects covered and award amounts.The 2023 Dairy Winter Management Series focused on the REAP program and how it can be used for energy efficiency improvements on NC farms.  The Renewable energy projects are also eligible under the program; however, most likely application of REAP funds on dairies in NC include the following energy efficiency improvements that replace less efficient:

• Lighting
• Ventilation/fans
• Cooling units
• Variable frequency controllers for pumps, motors, etc.
• Converting from diesel motor to electric motors
• Insulation

A recording of the November 15, 2023, workshop is available here.  Slides from each of the presenters follow:

• Welcome and Overview of Resources & Process - Brittany Whitmire, NC State University Extension
• What to Expect for Farm Energy Audits - Charlie Martin, Advanced Energy
• Applying for and Using REAP Grant Dollars - Ann Wilkinson & Jessica Ratcliffe, Origin Farms Consulting
• REAP Program Details, Timeline, and Requirements - Bill Tew & Jenny Taylor, USDA Rural Energy for America Program

Contacts

Resources and Contacts for Energy Audits, Technical Assistance and Grant WritingREAP Contact for NORTH CAROLINA Bill Tew, USDA Rural Development 2416 Tramway Rd. Sanford, NC 27332 Tel: (919) 895-3647 bill.tew@usda.gov
USDA Rural Development

Registering for a Unique Entity ID

In order to receive funding through REAP or other federally-funded grants, your operation must register with Sam.gov for a Unique Entity ID (UEI).  The process is free, but takes some time and requires you to input documentation about your entity.  This Quick Start Guide will help as you navigate the online process.  Note:  You only need a UEI, you do not have to register for awards (option 3 on page 3 of the guide). 

Note:  If you don't recall dates for origination of your entity, a workaround solution is calling the IRS at 1-800-829-4933, providing them with your EIN (different from your UEI, but another federal identifier for your business) and asking them to send/fax you Form 147C.  It will have an origination date on it that you can use in this UEI verification process.