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.
Furthering this effort, working in conjunction with USDA NRCS and Berkshire Pioneer Resource Conservation & Development, the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP) was created. Now in its 13th year of operation, MFEP is now solely operated under MDAR and currently with the Center for EcoTechnology (CET) as our contracting partner. MFEP is intended to be the one-stop shop for Agri-businesses in Massachusetts, being a clearinghouse of information, technical assistance, incentives, rebates, grant programs, etc. Please visit Mass Farm Energy and become part of the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program.
MFEP FY2024/2025 Services Request for Responses (RFR) Posted
MDAR, through its Agricultural Energy Grant Program, invites proposals from a contractor to administer, implement and provide all services relative to the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP).The Department’s contract for the MFEP currently expires June 30, 2023, and the Department is seeking services that will extend the program through June 30, 2025.
The RFR can be found on COMMBUYS at COMMBUYS - Bid Solicitation.
The due date is by 4:00pm, Friday, June 9, 2023, either by email or hard copy mailed to MDAR’s Lakeville Office.
Agricultural Business Determination
Massachusetts General Laws (G.L.), c. 164, §§138 through 143, include sections relating to “net metering facilities”. Among the classes of net metering facilities is “agricultural net metering facility.” Such a facility is defined in G.L. c. 164, §138, as a renewable energy generating facility that is operated as part of an agricultural business, generates electricity with a capacity of no more than two megawatts, is located on land owned or controlled by an agricultural business, and is used to provide energy to metered accounts of the business. MDAR is responsible for making agricultural business determinations. This application needs to be filled out and submitted to MDAR for these purposes.
Energy Best Management Practices
Mass Farm Energy Program has developed a series of Farm Energy Best Management Practices (BMPs) that walk through considerations for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on farms in the Northeast. These documents are organized by sector and based on the experiences of Massachusetts farmers as they make upgrades to farm infrastructure to save energy and money and set up renewable energy systems across the state.
