The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants in Tennessee provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
Workshop
February 27, 2024
Workshop participants learned what’s needed to develop a successful application and how to get started in the grant application process. Presenters explained how to complete the application and how proposals are reviewed and scored. Participants heard from a lender about their perspective and a rural businessman, who previously received a REAP award, about lessons learned from his experience. Participants also learned about the beneficial energy program offered by the Tennessee Valley Authority and by the state of Tennessee.
Presentations
REAP Basics
Chuck Morris
Rural Business-Cooperative Service/Energy Coordinator for USDA-Rural Development
Presentation
Preparing Your REAP Proposal
David Hughes
Professor and Greever Endowed Chair in Agribusiness Development, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Tennessee
Presentation
Tennessee Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources
Sreedhar Upendram
Assistant Professor and Community Economic Development Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Tennessee
Presentation
Energy Services and Program Portfolio
Ruchi Singhal
Senior Program Manager, TVA Energy Right for Business and Industry Tennessee Valley Authority
Presentation
Tennessee Solar Energy Industry Association
Gil Hough
Executive Director, Tennessee Solar Energy Industry Association
Presentation