Agricultural Energy Efficiency Program

Summary

Note: The program has been closed since January 31, 2014.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers incentives for electric and natural gas efficiency improvements made on farms and by farm producers. This includes, but is not limited to: orchards, dairies, greenhouses, vegetable growers, vineyards, grain dryers, and poultry/egg operations. The program is only available to customers that pay the System Benefits Charge (SBC) on their natural gas or electricity bills. It will only support improvements related to farm operations; energy efficiency measures in on-farm residences are not eligible for incentives.

The program is based on customized approach where the subject property undergoes an energy audit to identify potential improvements, then receives incentives based on the cost of making improvements identified in the audit. The eligible technologies listed above are only examples of some types of measures that may be supported by the program. Energy audits costing less than $2,500 are provided at no cost, but cost sharing may be required for more complex energy audits that cost more than $2,500. In order to qualify for incentives, a project must have a simple payback from 6 months to 18 years. For qualifying projects, the incentive is set at 75% of the cost of the improvements, up to a maximum of $250,000. A minimum cost share of 25% is required on the part of the applicant, and any other grants or incentives received in connection with the project do not count towards this cost share. The cost of the project is considered to be the total invoice cost, excluding any internal labor costs. The program will not support projects completed prior to an application; projects involving renewable energy installations; fuel switching; or those oriented around power quality or power factor improvements.

The program will accept applications through December 1, 2015 or until funding is exhausted. For further information, interested applicants may visit the program web site or contact the program administrator.