Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

Geographic Scope: Western Nebraska and rural communities nationwide

Program Type: Grant funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements

Background: REAP has been available for nearly twenty years and is designed to support economic development by helping rural communities improve their energy systems and invest in renewable energy.

Grant Purposes

Funds support:

• Energy efficiency improvements to existing equipment and systems
• Investment in renewable energy systems
• Projects that reduce energy consumption and operating costs

Eligible Activities

Energy Efficiency Projects (minimum $6,000 project cost):

• Upgrading furnaces, HVAC systems, air conditioning units, or water heaters
• Replacing old windows and doors with improved insulation
• Replacing fluorescent lights with LEDs
• Updating roof or wall insulation
• Any system replacement that shows measurable improvement in energy consumption

Renewable Energy Projects (minimum $10,000 project cost):

• Solar panel installation
• Geothermal systems

Funding Percentages

• Up to 50% of project costs through Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
• Up to 25% of project costs under FARM Bill

Eligibility

• Agricultural producers
• Rural small business owners
• Farmers in Western Nebraska

Benefits

• Grant funds do not need to be repaid
• Lower operating costs through energy savings
• Improved return on investment (ROI) over time
• Potential energy savings payoff in as little as 5 years or less
• Support for multi-generational family farms

Contact Information

Twin Cities Development Association, Inc.

• Address: 1620 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
• Phone: 308-632-2833
• Email: info@tcdne.org
• Website: tcdne.org

TCD's Funding Consultant - Contact to discuss REAP opportunities and application process

How to Apply for REAP Funding

Step 1: Contact TCD

• Reach out to Twin Cities Development's Funding Consultant
• Book an appointment online or by phone (308-632-2833)

Step 2: SAM.gov Registration

• TCD can assist with SAM.gov registration process
• This is a required step for USDA applications

Step 3: Energy Audit

• TCD's technical assistance grant can help cover audit costs for energy efficiency projects (renewable projects do not require audit)
• A certified energy management specialist completes the audit
• Audit calculates potential energy savings and payoff timeline
• Audit must show measurable improvement in energy consumption

Step 4: USDA Application

• Submit application with USDA (via SAM.gov portal)
• Include energy audit results
• Provide project documentation

Step 5: Project Approval and Funding

• USDA reviews and approves application
• Funds distributed for eligible project

Technical Assistance Available

TCD received a technical assistance grant to help with REAP applications:

• Application completion support
• SAM.gov registration assistance
• Energy audit cost coverage (for efficiency projects)
• Project documentation support

Application Contact

Book an appointment with TCD's Funding Consultant to get started
Phone: 308-632-2833
Email: info@tcdne.org