Agriculture & Rural Energy Audit RFP #21-009

Opportunity Summary
The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) is in the process of being awarded a $100,000 USDA Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grant to support 26 energy audits for Oregon rural small businesses and agricultural producers from July 15, 2021 - June 30, 2023. Our agency is seeking to improve the coordination and coverage of energy efficiency programs in rural parts of the state, including in the agricultural community - supported by collaboration with USDA, Energy Trust of Oregon, various non-governmental organizations, and universities.

A primary barrier to energy efficiency improvements for small, rural businesses and agricultural producers is the cost of an energy audit - a required step if they decide to apply for other USDA funding, such as the Rural Energy for America (25% grant) Program. REDA-funded energy audits, through this Rural Energy Audit Program, can be used by the small business or agricultural producer to apply for other funding sources and to support loan applications, which can be combined with USDA REAP