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Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Submit the Application
If you have determined you meet the eligibility requirements, please fill out the AgEE Program Application and email it to cda_efficiency@state.co.us 
If you are having any trouble filling out the application please feel free to reach out to Wil Mannes by phone (303-866-2418) or by email (wil.mannes@state.co.us).
Step 3: Gather Information & Schedule an Audit
Once your application is received the program administrator, Nexant, Inc., will become your "Energy Coach", reaching out to collect historical energy use data and schedule a no-cost onsite energy audit. 
Step 4: Guided Audit & Audit Report Performed
Your Energy Coach will come out to your operation and audit the sites outlined in your application to identify potential energy saving measures and collect operational data. After the site visit, your Energy Coach will develop and review your streamlined audit report with you.

This audit report identifies:
- Potential energy efficiency upgrades
- Estimated project costs
- Estimated annual savings
- Estimated available funding
- Payback periods
    
Step 5: Determine Financing Options & Apply for Funding
If after reviewing your streamlined audit report you decide to move forward with a project, your Energy Coach will once again review potential funding sources (outlined below), help secure project quotes from potential contractors and guide you through the funding application process.

Potential Funding Options Available:
- CEO Rebates (Incentives)
- Utility Rebates
- NRCS EQIP Grants
- USDA REAP Grants
- CDA ACRE3 Grants
- CPACE financing
- Private Loans through a variety of sources
 
It is important to note that to meet qualifications for ACRE3, EQIP, and REAP grants, your Energy Coach will need to develop a more in-depth audit report referred to as an Energy Management Plan or "EMP" before you can move forward with the application process.

Wil Mannes

The ACRE3 program, in coordination with USDA NRCS-Colorado and the Colorado Energy Office, announces the availability of $250,000 for agricultural energy efficiency projects.


Many energy efficiency opportunities can be very economical, paying for themselves in two years or less. You may even find some practical ways to cut energy costs without spending a dime.


The&#x2004;Colorado Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Colorado Energy Office, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, and other partners to promote the [EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=stelprdb1046252) for conducting on-farm energy audits. All EQIP-eligible Colorado dairies, irrigators, greenhouses, and cold storage facilities can receive technical and financial assistance from the ACRE3 program through the [Colorado Agricultural Energy Efficiency Program](https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/energyoffice/agricultural-energy-efficiency).


An AgEMP starts with an agricultural energy audit that may include an assessment of on-site renewable energy resources if desired.



The ACRE3 program, in coordination with USDA NRCS-Colorado and the Colorado Energy Office, announces the availability of $250,000 for agricultural energy efficiency projects.

Many energy efficiency opportunities can be very economical, paying for themselves in two years or less. You may even find some practical ways to cut energy costs without spending a dime.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Colorado Energy Office, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, and other partners to promote the EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative for conducting on-farm energy audits. All EQIP-eligible Colorado dairies, irrigators, greenhouses, and cold storage facilities can receive technical and financial assistance from the ACRE3 program through the Colorado Agricultural Energy Efficiency Program.

An AgEMP starts with an agricultural energy audit that may include an assessment of on-site renewable energy resources if desired.

All EQIP-eligible Colorado agricultural producers and processors can receive technical and financial assistance from the ACRE3 program.

Eligible participants include any of the following operations which also accrue $4,800+ in on-farm energy costs annually.
- Dairies
- Irrigators
- Greenhouses/Nurseries
- Cold Storage Facilities
- Poultry & Swine operations
- Feedlots

Please note Cannabis and Hemp operations are not eligible for this program and transportation energy expenses are excluded from the $4,800 requirement.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Water Management

Infrastructure

Fill out the Preliminary Application and submit it here to get started.

Learn more about the complete application process here.

Sam Anderson

Energy Coordinator

The ACRE3 program has secured $2.9 million, including $1.45 million from the USDA RCPP program, for financial and technical assistance to help farmers upgrade their irrigation systems to save&#x2004;water and energy.


CDA has teamed up with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, Rural Development-Colorado, the Colorado Energy Office, and nine other partners through the RCPP program to facilitate the development of low-impact small hydropower on new and existing pressurized irrigation systems.


In addition to pressurized irrigation systems, the ACRE3 program can also support the development of low-impact hydropower projects in irrigation canal drops and small reservoirs.

The Hydropower Partnership Project will make it as easy as possible for agricultural producers to implement hydropower in their irrigation operations. The project aims to install 30 integrated hydromechanical or hydroelectric power systems across Colorado over the next four years. This project also promotes the conversion of flood-irrigated fields to sprinkler irrigation with integrated hydropower to promote water conservation while preserving the irrigator’s full water rights.


Each landowner participating in the Hydropower Partnership Project will work with NRCS to engage in an Irrigation Water Management Plan as part of the resource assessment and conservation activities. With combined funding from the ACRE3 program, EQIP, and REAP, landowners could receive as much as 50-75% of project costs to install new irrigation and hydropower systems.


You can learn more about how to use hydropower in your agricultural operation through these useful publications:

- [Recommendations for Developing](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGk3SjZBM3pIY00/view?usp=sharing)

- [Agricultural Hydropower in Colorado](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGk3SjZBM3pIY00/view?usp=sharing)

- [Colorado Small Hydropower Handbook](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGpJYmI5dzlYU1k/view?usp=sharing)

- [Agricultural Hydropower Technical Manual](https://drive.google.com/a/state.co.us/file/d/0Bxn6NtpJWc9JTGtZQnFPdnpxbWs/view?usp=sharing)


For more information, here is [how to participate](https://ag.colorado.gov/acre3-how-to-participate) in the ACRE3 Program.



The ACRE3 program has secured $2.9 million, including $1.45 million from the USDA RCPP program, for financial and technical assistance to help farmers upgrade their irrigation systems to save water and energy.

CDA has teamed up with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Colorado, Rural Development-Colorado, the Colorado Energy Office, and nine other partners through the RCPP program to facilitate the development of low-impact small hydropower on new and existing pressurized irrigation systems.

In addition to pressurized irrigation systems, the ACRE3 program can also support the development of low-impact hydropower projects in irrigation canal drops and small reservoirs.
The Hydropower Partnership Project will make it as easy as possible for agricultural producers to implement hydropower in their irrigation operations. The project aims to install 30 integrated hydromechanical or hydroelectric power systems across Colorado over the next four years. This project also promotes the conversion of flood-irrigated fields to sprinkler irrigation with integrated hydropower to promote water conservation while preserving the irrigator’s full water rights.

Each landowner participating in the Hydropower Partnership Project will work with NRCS to engage in an Irrigation Water Management Plan as part of the resource assessment and conservation activities. With combined funding from the ACRE3 program, EQIP, and REAP, landowners could receive as much as 50-75% of project costs to install new irrigation and hydropower systems.

You can learn more about how to use hydropower in your agricultural operation through these useful publications:
- Recommendations for Developing
- Agricultural Hydropower in Colorado
- Colorado Small Hydropower Handbook
- Agricultural Hydropower Technical Manual

For more information, here is how to participate in the ACRE3 Program.

Project Developers should view the Hydro Navigation Guide Resources to download the Agricultural Hydropower Technical Manual, hydropower assessment and design tools, a project planning checklist, and other resources for project developers and program partners.

- P.03a RCPP-EQIP Eligibility Criteria
- P.03c REAP Eligibility Criteria
- P.03b ACRE3 Eligibility Criteria

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Alternative Energy

The RCPP irrigation hydro program provides funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and ACRE3 energy grant program. Additional funding is available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). ACRE3 funding will be awarded after funding has been approved for EQIP and REAP (if applicable). When applying for funding through these programs, please note that funding payments are on a reimbursement basis and upfront costs of the project are the responsibility of the applicant. Please note that federal tax incentives for renewable energy cannot be used together with payments from a federally funded program such as EQIP or REAP.

EQIP:

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to eligible agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related natural resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. EQIP may also help producers meet Federal, State, Tribal, and local environmental regulations. EQIP has three payment rates within the RCPP program: regular EQIP, EQIP special initiatives, and EQIP historically underserved.

To get started with EQIP, go to: www.nrcs.usda.gov/getstarted. Select “Service Center Locator” to find a local representative. Please request assistance through the RCPP hydro program.

This document describes EQIP project eligibility and criteria for the RCPP irrigation hydro program: P.03a RCPP-EQIP Eligibility Criteria.

EQIP payments are determined from the eligible conservation practices listed in the EQIP Practice Payment Schedule. Here are some examples of available practice codes:
- 430 Irrigation Pipeline – Micro Hydro Power Plant 442 Irrigation System, Sprinkler 449 Irrigation Water Management 430 Irrigation Pipeline – HDPE Pipe 587 Structure for Water Control – Cleaning Screens 533 Pumping Plant

While the minimum REAP grant request is $2,500 and competition is lower for requests under $20,000, ACRE3 encourages applicants to consider that the amount of work required for small grants is nearly the same as that required for large grant requests. Before applying for a REAP grant, the applicant should look over the application and REAP checklist to estimate the number of hours that it will take to meet the application requirements both before and after the application is submitted.

This document describes REAP project eligibility and criteria: P.03c REAP Eligibility Criteria.

Additional Incentives, Policies, and Programs:

Participation in the RCPP irrigation Hydropower Program precludes you from receiving renewable energy tax credits from the IRS. However, several other tax incentives, financing options, renewable energy policies, and local programs may provide additional assistance with hydro projects. The attached brochure provides information to help you take advantage of these other opportunities: P.04 Renewable Energy Incentives and Policies in Colorado.

REAP grants provide up to 25% of eligible project costs, including renewable energy equipment and installation costs. REAP grants and loans can be combined for a maximum of 75% of project costs.

Please note: When completing the REAP application, all hydro projects approved for the RCPP irrigation hydro program should always be categorized as Renewable Energy Systems for Energy Replacement (not for Energy Generated or Energy Saved) unless the estimated energy production exceeds the on-farm energy needs. In that case, the project should be categorized under Renewable Energy Systems for Energy Generation.

ACRE3:

The ACRE3 program promotes the development and implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for Colorado’s agricultural producers and processors under the direction of the Colorado Agricultural Value-Added Development Board. The Colorado Department of Agriculture may award ACRE3 funds to projects for up to 25% of eligible project costs, not to exceed $25,000 per project. The ACRE3 program will provide technical services to agricultural producers to complete the project development process described in this navigation guide. This document describes ACRE3 project eligibility and criteria: P.03b ACRE3 Eligibility Criteria. 

REAP:

The USDA Rural Development (RD) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP grants can be used to purchase or install hydropower systems to reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the Nation’s critical energy needs. REAP has two types of funding assistance, Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Assistance Financing programs, for secured loans up to 75% of project costs.

To get started, reach out to your local NRCS representative.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.  Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, NRCS can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. NRCS can help you identify natural resource problems in your operation and provide technical and financial assistance to solve those&#x2004;problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. For example, NRCS can look at ways to address the amount of soil lost; mitigate the impact of excess water; reduce the contribution of agricultural operations to airborne soil particles and greenhouse gas emissions; improve the cover, food, and water available for domestic and wildlife species; or promote energy efficiencies for on-farm activities. If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.


**Benefits:**


CSP is for working lands. It is the largest conservation program in the United States. Thousands of people voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation.


CSP participants are seeing real results.  Some of these benefits include:

- Enhanced resiliency to weather and market volatility

- Decreased need for agricultural inputs

- Improved wildlife habitat conditions



The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.  Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, NRCS can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. NRCS can help you identify natural resource problems in your operation and provide technical and financial assistance to solve those problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. For example, NRCS can look at ways to address the amount of soil lost; mitigate the impact of excess water; reduce the contribution of agricultural operations to airborne soil particles and greenhouse gas emissions; improve the cover, food, and water available for domestic and wildlife species; or promote energy efficiencies for on-farm activities. If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.

Benefits:

CSP is for working lands. It is the largest conservation program in the United States. Thousands of people voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation.

CSP participants are seeing real results.  Some of these benefits include:
- Enhanced resiliency to weather and market volatility
- Decreased need for agricultural inputs
- Improved wildlife habitat conditions

Applicants may include individuals, legal entities, joint operations, or Indian tribes that meet the stewardship threshold for at least two priority resource concerns when they apply. They must also agree to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least one additional priority resource concern by the end of the contract. Producers must have effective control of the land for the term of the proposed contract. 

Payment per unit of land to do or avoid certain practices related to land management.

Easement

Corn

Cotton

Dairy

Livestock

Pigs

Poultry

Rice

Sorghum

Soybeans

Wheat

Forestry

Sweet Corn

Grain Corn

ELS Cotton

Upland Cotton

Pima Cotton

Butter

Cheese

Milk

Yogurt

Cattle

Sheep

Specialty Livestock

Barrows

Boars

Feeder Pigs

Hogs

Sows

Chickens

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Turkey

Industrial Rice

Japonica Rice

Long Grain Rice

Medium Grain Rice

Sweet Rice

Wild Rice

Durum Wheat

Hard Red Spring Wheat

Forest Residues

Timber

Cow Milk

Goat Milk

Beef Cattle

Dairy Cattle

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

Calves

Heifers

Steers

Bulls

Ewes

Lambs

Rams

Alpacas

Beefalo

Bison

Buffalo

Caribou

Deer

Emus

Goats

Guinea Pigs

Llamas

Mink

Mohair

Ostrich

Pheasants

Quail

Rabbits

Reindeer

Water Buffalo

Broilers

Chicks

Fryers

Layers

Pullets

Roasters

Ducklings

Goslings

Poults

Toms

Beef Bottom Round

Beef Brisket

Beef Chuck Roast

Beef Eye Round

Beef Flank Steak

Beef Flat Iron Steak

Beef Heart

Beef Liver

Beef London Broil

Beef NY Strip Steak

Beef Oxtail

Beef Rib Steak

Beef Rump Roast

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Sirloin

Beef Sirloin Tip Roast

Beef Skirt Steak

Beef Soup Bones

Beef Stew Meat

Beef Tongue

Beef Top Round

Beef Whole Filet

Ground Beef

Ground Lamb

Lamb Chops

Lamb Heart

Lamb Leg

Lamb Liver

Lamb Shank

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Stew Meat

Bison Calf

Bison Meat

Bucks

Nannies

Slaughter Goats

Row Crops

Fibers

Drought

Flood

Hurricane

Tornado

Conservation

Disaster Relief

Education

Marketing

Research

Compliance

Emergency

CSP provides two possible types of payments through five-year contracts: annual payments for installing new conservation activities and maintaining existing practices; and supplemental payments for adopting a resource-conserving crop rotation. 

Complete parts 1 and 2 of the application below and return to 
Tony Rutherford
Delaware Electric Cooperative
P.O. Box 600
Greenwood, DE
19950
or by email at trutherford@delaware.coop

Tony Rutherford

Delaware Electric Cooperative has launched a new irrigation grant program to help Delaware farmers&#x2004;install environmentally friendly irrigation systems. The program will provide up to $10,000 in funding to farmers to convert diesel-powered irrigation systems to electric.

Under the program, Delaware Electric Co-op will offer farmers up to $5,000 to cover the cost of running electric to converted systems. Funding from the Delaware Department of Agriculture will provide farmers up to an additional $5,000 to cover costs including parts and labor associated with the electric motor and starter installation, removal of the existing gear head and components, and electrician costs involved in the irrigation system conversion. The grants are only available to farmers served by Delaware Electric Cooperative.

Farmers, who receive a grant from the Delaware Electric Co-op, will also save money by participating in the Co-op’s load control program, which allows the Co-op to cycle-off power to irrigation units during peak energy usage times. Participants in the load control program typically enjoy a savings of 18 to 25 percent on their energy bills.



Delaware Electric Cooperative has launched a new irrigation grant program to help Delaware farmers install environmentally friendly irrigation systems. The program will provide up to $10,000 in funding to farmers to convert diesel-powered irrigation systems to electric.
Under the program, Delaware Electric Co-op will offer farmers up to $5,000 to cover the cost of running electric to converted systems. Funding from the Delaware Department of Agriculture will provide farmers up to an additional $5,000 to cover costs including parts and labor associated with the electric motor and starter installation, removal of the existing gear head and components, and electrician costs involved in the irrigation system conversion. The grants are only available to farmers served by Delaware Electric Cooperative.
Farmers, who receive a grant from the Delaware Electric Co-op, will also save money by participating in the Co-op’s load control program, which allows the Co-op to cycle-off power to irrigation units during peak energy usage times. Participants in the load control program typically enjoy a savings of 18 to 25 percent on their energy bills.

Applicants must
- Be an agricultural producer in Delware
- Be a Delaware Electric Cooperative customer
- Have a minimum electric load of 20kW

Grant payments will be made through the State of Delaware. The State of Delaware requires all applicants to register in the new State of Delaware eSupplier Portal before payments can be made.

To apply for this program through EQIP, work with your local NRCS office.

A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). With high tunnel systems, no summer is too short or winter too cold because high tunnels:

- Extend the growing season

- Improve plant quality and soil quality

- Reduce nutrient and pesticide transportation

- Improve air quality&#x2004;through reduced transportation inputs

- Reduce energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce


High tunnels protect plants from severe weather and allow farmers to extend their growing seasons – growing earlier into the spring, later into the fall, and sometimes, year-round. And because high tunnels prevent direct rainfall from reaching plants, farmers can use precise tools like drip irrigation to efficiently deliver water and nutrients to plants. High tunnels also offer farmers a greater ability to control pests and can even protect plants from pollen and pesticide drift.


A number of soil health practices can be used in high tunnels, including cover crops and crop rotations, which also prevent erosion, suppress weeds, increase soil water content, and break pest cycles.


Perhaps the best thing about high tunnels is that they help farmers provide their communities with healthy local food for much of the year – food that requires less energy and transportation inputs.



A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). With high tunnel systems, no summer is too short or winter too cold because high tunnels:
- Extend the growing season
- Improve plant quality and soil quality
- Reduce nutrient and pesticide transportation
- Improve air quality through reduced transportation inputs
- Reduce energy use by providing consumers with a local source of fresh produce

High tunnels protect plants from severe weather and allow farmers to extend their growing seasons – growing earlier into the spring, later into the fall, and sometimes, year-round. And because high tunnels prevent direct rainfall from reaching plants, farmers can use precise tools like drip irrigation to efficiently deliver water and nutrients to plants. High tunnels also offer farmers a greater ability to control pests and can even protect plants from pollen and pesticide drift.

A number of soil health practices can be used in high tunnels, including cover crops and crop rotations, which also prevent erosion, suppress weeds, increase soil water content, and break pest cycles.

Perhaps the best thing about high tunnels is that they help farmers provide their communities with healthy local food for much of the year – food that requires less energy and transportation inputs.

In addition to implementing high tunnel practices outlined with your local NRCS office, producers must meet all other eligibility requirements associated with EQIP.


Farmers Market

Waste & Manure Management

Weeds

Inputs

Fertilizer

Supporting practices may be needed to ensure that resource concerns associated with implementing and managing high tunnel systems are addressed. These conservation practices may include:
- Critical Area Planting
- Diversion Grassed Waterway
- Mulching
- Irrigation System, Micro-irrigation
- Subsurface Drain
- Surface Drainage, Field Ditch
- Underground Outlet


List of Agricultural Funding for Solar Power