Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Renewables Program
 The MDAR Energy Program’s primary function is to promote energy knowledge and awareness and to facilitate the implementation of energy related projects for our agri-businesses through energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy applications, as a means to reduce both energy costs and environmental pollution. A number of data bases of relevant resources are being developed and informative web-links are being identified to assist in your ability to obtain technical and financial assistance toward energy related matters for your agricultural business.
FY 2010 Ag-Energy Grant Program Request for Responses (RFR) Announced – November 5, 2009
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) requests MA agricultural operations to submit proposals to fund agricultural energy projects in an effort to improve energy efficiency and to facilitate adoption of alternative clean energy technologies by Massachusetts farms in order that farms can become more sustainable and the Commonwealth can maximize the environmental and economic benefits from these technologies. Reimbursement grants of up to $30,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis. Farms with less access to Federal, State and electric and natural gas energy efficiency incentive rebate and grant programs are encouraged to apply. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2010. You can find the RFR at the following link. Deadline for responses : December 10, 2009.
USDA’s EQIP Energy Program -2009
For the first time, in FY 2009 the MA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) division of USDA sponsored energy related completive grants under their Air and Quality Program. Several farms have been pre-approved. Similar to the REAP grants, further details will be forthcoming. In the meantime, we anticipate another round of MA USDA NRCS energy related grant funding for FY 2010 which begins October 1, 2009. Please contact and stay in touch with your local USDA NRCS for more information as this becomes available. Similar to the REAP Grants above, this funding opportunity can be significant toward building qualified energy efficiency and/or renewable energy projects.
Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Net Metering – Regulations and Model Tariffs
MA Net Metering Regulations have been adopted effective July 10, 2009.: Visit the Energy and Environmental Affairs website for more details. In conjunction with the Net Metering Regulations is a corresponding Net Metering Model Tariff which also must be placed into service concurrently with the adopted net metering regulations to be utilized by the utilities and net metering customers alike. DPU held public hearings for utilities October 14, 2009 and interventions were requested. Final adoption of the tariffs will depend on the resulting intervention process.
Massachusetts Farm Energy Program:- The Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP), a jointly funded program by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and USDA, managed by Berkshire-Pioneer RC&D has proceeded to phase II, technical assistance. Please refer to www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep for all program information, MFEP application, and grant assistance writing for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Contact: Gerry Palano, Renewable Energy Coordinator for MDAR.
Email:
Gerald.Palano@state.ma.us,
Phone:
617-626-1706
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