Sul Ross State University
A Member of the Texas State University System

Texas Agricultural Technical Assistance Program with Ensave

What exactly is this program?

Investing in our communities through energy efficiency in farming operations is a win-win opportunity for Texas agriculture. Energy-efficient farms reduce energy costs, increase available capital, spur economic growth and improve agricultures working evnvironment.

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) has created the Texas Agricultural Technical Assistance Program to provide Texas agriculture producers with free Energy Assessment Reports (EARs) for their farming operations. The EARs will identify and make recommendations on opportunities to save energy( electricity,diesel, propane, etc.) within the farm operation.

How does this program work?

SECO has contracted with EnSave Inc. to administer the program. EnSave also has a partnership with the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils( RC&D). This partnership allows RC&D councils, SECO, and EnSave to work together to maximize energy efficiency activities within agriculture, including free Energy Assessment Reports (EARs).

What is an Energy Assessment Report?

Preparing an EAR involves several steps. Once a producer signs up for a free EAR, they will receive an initial phone interview from EnSave. The interview is conducted to collect pertinent data regarding energy consumption on the farm. After this initial interview, a data collector will visit with the contact person at the farm an tour the operation to gather additional information about the farming equipment. Finally, the producer will receive the EAR with recommendations on how to save energy and a follow-up phone call to review the EAR.

What is the timeline for the EAR process?

The data collector spends one day at the farm for data collections, and it takes approximately six to eight weeks for the final report to be completed.

Who is eligible to participate in this program?

All agriculural producers in Texas are eligible to appl for a free EAR. Some restrtictions apply.

What about funding for project implementation?

In addition to the free EARs, this program will also work with agricultural producers to access additional funds to implement energy efficiency projects, such as grant and guaranteed loan funds available through the USDA Rural Development Section 9007, Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), utility company incentives, or other funds as applicable.

The USDA Rural Development Section 9007 is designed to helf agricultural producers and rural small business obtain federal grants and/or loan guarantees to make energy efficiency improvements to their existing operations or install their own renewable energy systems.

Through the USDA Rural Development Program grants and loan guarantees have been awarded to applicants across the country for renewable energy projects including efficience improvements on poultry houses, grain dryers and irrigation systems as well as renewable energy projects the include utility scale wind power, small wind powerm biomass, biofuels, and solar projects.

Grant funds can be used to pay up to 25 percent of eligible costs. The loan guarantees can fund up to 75 percent of eligible projects. A loan and grant combination can fund up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.

USDA Rural Grant Application Training

USDA Rural Development will provide training on how to complete REAP grant applications on behalf of Texas Agricultural producers.

How do we get involved?

For more information on how to get involved in this program or how to apply for a free EAR, contact EnSave at (800) 732-1399 or visit EnSave online at www.ensave.com.