Helping to reduce energy costs for rural small businesses and agricultural producers is one of the goals of the staff at the Kansas Energy Program, housed within the K-State Engineering Extension Department.
The program provides free energy assessments to eligible small businesses, agricultural producers, and non-profit entities. It also provides assistance with applying for USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants to agricultural producers or rural small businesses. Applications for the REAP program are anticipated to reopen on October 1.
The Kansas Energy Program assists with the REAP grants, which fall into two main categories: renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. While planning can take time, support is available.
“Depending on the project and its complexity, we can usually come out and conduct an on-site energy assessment,” said Ryan Hamel, Energy Program Specialist with Kansas State University Engineering Extension. “For energy efficiency improvements, we look at existing equipment and the proposed new equipment and estimate the savings. It’s important to note that for energy efficiency projects, they must involve replacing an existing system and cannot be for an expansion.”
Funding through the REAP program is provided via reimbursement-based grants of up to 25% of eligible project costs.
“We are happy to provide assistance/guidance with the energy assessments and grants. We try to make the application process as simple as possible,” said Hamel.
To learn more or to get started, visit the Kansas Energy Program.
This article appeared in the Quarter 2 2025 NCRPC Newsletter.
