CONNECTICUT FARM ENERGY PROGRAM. Train the Trainer Boot Camp January 25, 2014

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1 CONNECTICUT FARM ENERGY PROGRAM Train the Trainer Boot Camp January 25, 2014

2 Connecticut Farm Energy The CT Farm Energy Program (CFEP) began in 2009 to serve as a resource of information on assistance and funding opportunities in relation to energy and agriculture in Connecticut. The CT Farm Energy website Publications such as the CT Farm Energy Best Management Practice (BMP) guide Workshops & Events Updates & Correspondence The CT Farm Energy Program also provides FREE grant writing assistance to CT Farms and Rural Small Businesses in Connecticut with applying for USDA Rural Development REAP Grants. Partnership of Eastern CT RC&D Area, Inc. & USDA - Rural Development

3 Assistance in Connecticut STATE: Energize CT: Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority (CEFIA) C PACE (Financing) ZREC & LREC CL&P and UI Connecticut Department of Agriculture FEDERAL: USDA Rural Development REAP Program USDA NRCS EQIP Program USDA FSA Loan Programs

4 Conservation 1 st Energy Efficiency 2nd Renewable Energy 3rd An Energy Audit is Your 1st step to achieving these goals.

5 Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP) What is an AgEMP? An analysis of current farm infrastructure and management with recommendations about how to reduce energy consumption on the farm. These plans can be done on: Farm Headquarters such as dairy, greenhouse, orchard or maple syrup operations. Field crops Many of the recommendations from the AgEMP can be funded through EQIP financial assistance.

6 Eligibility for Energy Initiative Assistance from NRCS Applicant must be Eligible under the Farm Bill Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Participant & Land must both be Eligible under EQIP rules Contract may only include practices from a current Ag. Energy Management Plan (AgEMP122 or 124) or a comprehensive onfarm energy audit that meets ASABE S612 Type 2 Standard An approved audit is REQUIRED for 374 Farmstead Energy Improvement 670 Lighting System Improvement 672 Building Envelope Improvement

7 AgEMP 2014 Payment Rates Type Livestock Non livestock Non Irrigated Crop Field Irrigated Crop Field Combination Operations: Livestock + Nonlivestock Enterprises Size EQIP General Historically Rate Underserved Rate <70 AU $1, $1, AU $1, $1, AU $1, $2, >2500 AU $2, $3, Single Enterprise $2, $2, Enterprisess $2, $3, Enterprises $3, $4, <50 ac $1, $1, ac $1, $1, ,000 ac $2, $2,431 >5,000 ac $2, $3, <50 ac $2, $2, ac $2, $3, ,000 ac $3, $4, > 5,000 ac $3, $4, <70 AU + 1 Enterprise $2, $2, <70 AU + 2 Enterprises $2, $3, <70 AU + 3 Enterprises $3, $4, AU + 1 enterprise $2, $2, AU + 2 Enterprises $3, $3, AU + 3 Enterprises $4, $4, AU + 1 Enterprise $2, $3, AU + 2 Enterprises $3, $4, AU + 3 Enterprises $4, $5, > 2500 AU + 1 Enterprise $3, $4, > 2500 AU + 2 Enterprises $4, $5, > 2500 AU + 3 Enterprises $5, $6,020.96

8 Energy practices to be offered in 2014 include: Maple Syrup Operations: Reverse Osmosis, Enhanced Preheaters & Evaporators (air injected, parametric control and gasifiers) High efficiency Building Heating Systems Greenhouse Screens Wall Insulation for Buildings and Greenhouses Plate Cooler Refrigeration Scroll Compressors Automatic Controller Systems Variable Speed Drives Motor Upgrades Lighting LED, Fluorescent HAF Fans Exhaust Fans Compressor Heat Recovery Root Zone Heating Greenhouse Roof Vents

9 2014 NRCS Conservation Programs Sign up Dates Applications for AgEMP or implementation of energy practices are accepted year-round, on a continuous basis NRCS batches applications into a Batching Group for ranking/funding purposes FY 2014 Batching Group Dates for CT NRCS Programs: December 20, 2013 January 17, 2014 February 21, 2014 March 21, 2014

10 Questions about NRCS Energy Program? Fairfield & New Haven Counties: 51 Mill Pond Rd; Hamden CT (203) Contact your local Service Center: Hartford & Tolland Counties: 100 Northfield St; Windsor CT (860) Middlesex & New London Counties: 238 West Town St; Norwich CT (860) Litchfield County: 1185 New Litchfield St; Torrington CT (860) Windham County: 71 Westcott Rd; Danielson CT (860) CT NRCS State Office: 344 Merrow Rd; Tolland CT (860)

11 Renewable Energy of America Program (REAP) What is REAP? Also referred to as Section 9007 of the Farm Bill Is a program of USDA Rural Development, Created in 2002 Farm Bill The program is designed to assist agricultural producers & rural small businesses with energy projects There is National and State allocations REAP Grants can.. Purchase and Install Renewable Energy Systems Make Energy Efficiency Improvements Energy Audits Feasibility Studies Guaranteed Loans for energy projects REAP Grants can not do... Residential Improvements Energy Efficiency Improvements that are related to new construction that is larger than existing size Agricultural Tillage Equipment Vehicles

12 USDA Rural Development REAP Eligibilty AG Producer (50% of gross income must be from Ag production) OR Small Business (Meets the definition of a small business according to SBA) Project must be located in a Rural Area if a small business Technically feasible & commercially available (off the shelf) Renewable Energy projects require 2 separate electric meters if a residence is on the farm Energy Efficiency projects require an Energy Audit to be completed prior to applying RD Grant Approval required before project begins Must not be debarred or have federal delinquency Nonprofit organizations and public entities are not eligible.

13 REAP Grants with CFEP Assistance Since 2010 CFEP has helped to secure $643, in REAP Funds for Connecticut Examples of REAP Grants Funded Greenhouse Energy Efficiency Project to upgrade outdated in efficient oil burning heater units with new energy efficient gas powered heater units $45,218. Perennial Grower Renewable Energy Project to install solar for greenhouse use $20,000. Historic Mill Renewable Energy Project to install hydro electric system $275,000. Veterinary Hospital Renewable Energy Project to install free standing solar panel system $31,750 in REAP Grant Funds with a $63,500 Guaranteed Loan. Installed 21 Modine Heaters at T&C Greenhouses Preston, CT

14 REAP Grants with CFEP Assistance Examples of REAP Grants Funded Greenhouse Grower Energy Efficiency Project to replace glass and install shade/heat curtain in the greenhouse $18, Vineyard Energy Efficiency Project to upgrade refrigeration system and insulate tanks and piping $20,000. Insulated pipes and tanks along with refrigeration upgrades in the winery at Stonington Vineyards, CT

15 REAP Grants with CFEP Assistance In 2013 CFEP helped 5 CT Farms secure $169, in REAP Grants Examples of REAP Grants Funded Dairy Farm Renewable Energy Project to install solar $77, Grower & Farmstand Renewable Energy Project to install solar $41, Installing a 130 kw free standing solar array at the Freund Farm also home to Cow Pots in East Canaan, CT.

16 REAP Grants with CFEP Assistance Examples of REAP Grants Funded Specialty Plant Grower Energy Efficiency Project to replace lights in the greenhouses. $16, Specialty Plant Grower Energy Efficiency Project with multiple measures $12, Vineyard Renewable Energy Project to install solar $22, Installed 72 LumiGrow lights in the greenhouses of Ace Begonias in Woodbridge, CT

17 REAP Grant Amounts Grant can not exceed 25% of total project cost. Can apply for a guaranteed loan for up to 50%. The remaining matching funds 25% must come from non federal sources including assets, other available state or local grants/incentives, loans or investors. Energy Efficiency Projects The minimum grant amount is $1,500 and the maximum grant amount is $250,000 Example $1,500 grant (25% of total project cost) min project cost $6, Renewable Energy Projects The minimum grant amount is $2,500 and the maximum grant amount is $500,000. Example $2,500 grant (25% of total project cost) min project cost $10, Feasibility Studies The maximum grant amount is $50,000. Minimum/Maximum Guaranteed Loan Amounts The minimum guaranteed loan is $5,000 and the maximum loan guarantee is $25 million.

18 2014 REAP Funding USDA Rural Development puts out a NOSA (notice of soliciting applications) once a year, then you have 60 days to submit your application NOSA came out in March due in May and we expect it to be similar this year. Since we are on a continuation pattern with the Farm Bill it is unclear at this point what fund allocations will be in Next Step.. Do you meet eligibility requirements? Have you had an Energy Audit done? Do you have a project in mind? (CT Farm Energy BMP Guide can help with that) Have you meet with contractors for cost estimates? (More than 2estimates is best) Have you selected a contractor and do you have a budget/funding sources

19 Energize Connecticut Energy Efficiency Programs For your AG business

20 Energize Connecticut State s new branding initiative to help consumers save money and use clean, affordable energy. A partnership of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), and local electric and gas utilities Energy efficiency is a valuable resource: Reduces air pollutants and greenhouse gases Saves customers money Reduces need for more energy generation Creates jobs 20

21 Program Funding Electric customers pay 3 mills per kilowatt hour Natural gas programs are funded through gas utility bills and approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Forward Capacity Market Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) 21

22 New Construction & Equipment Captures electric and natural gas savings where they are most cost effective: during design Covers up to: 95% of the incremental cost of installing measures in new construction 75% of the incremental cost for equipment replacement projects New Construction Major Renovation Equipment Replacement 22

23 Prescriptive Rebates HVAC Unitary Equipment Heat pumps Infrared heaters Water heaters Food service rebates Gas heating equipment Condensing boilers Non condensing boilers Condensing furnaces Condensing unit heaters 23

24 Existing Buildings Incentives to replace functioning equipment with more energy efficient options Covers up to: 40% of installed cost 50% of installed cost for comprehensive projects 24

25 Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) Turnkey energy saving services Cost effective energy savings 25

26 Who is Eligible to Participate? Existing Commercial and Industrial customers with an average 12 month peak demand between 10 kw (kilowatts) and 200 kw A municipal / governmental agency facility that meets the above criteria 26

27 How Does the Program Work? 1. CL&P confirms your eligibility 2. You are contacted by an authorized contractor 3. SBEA contractor conducts FREE assessment 4. SBEA contractor submits proposal 27

28 The Proposal All possible energy efficiency measures Complete costs and estimated energy savings Available SBEA program incentives Your financing options Your Project Project starts approximately 30 days after paperwork is signed Option to pay nothing up front Program incentives offset costs Interest free financing available for qualifying customers 28

29 Financial Incentives Up to 35% of installed cost of standard lighting Up to 40% of installed cost of high performance lighting (LED & induction) Up to 40% of installed cost of non lighting measures Comprehensive Initiative Lesser of: Up to 50% of installed cost, or Energy savings up to.50/kwh or $1500/kW 29

30 Financing Type Min Max Rate Term Max SBEA/ Muni Pymt Source $500 $100,000 0% 4 yrs On Bill Utility C&I $2,000 $1 Million (1 st $100,000 w/ subsidy) PURA Loan (>50 kw savings) $1 Million 2.99% or 4.99% 1% below rate/no more than prime 5 yrs 3 rd Party 3 rd Party 10 yrs 3 rd Party 3 rd Party 30

31 Success Story Fish Family Farm Savings: $5,600 annually 31,913 kwh annually 395,816 kwh lifetime Equivalent to 47 homes provided with electricity for one year Total cost: $35,933 Incentive: (16,171 ) Net cost: = $19,762 Estimated payback time: 3.5 years Net monthly savings: $

32 New to the Program Boost yield and quantity and save 40% to 70% compared to HID lamps Reduced electrical requirements No ballasts or reflectors 70% cooler than HID lamps Receive up to 40% of installed cost SBEA contractor JK Energy Solutions is a licensed distributor 32

33 Residential Programs 33

34 Contacts New Construction: Rich Asselin (860) Existing Buildings: Glen Eigo (860) Business & Energy Sustainability: Dave McIntosh (860) Small Business: Randy Vagnini (860) Financing: Gentiana Darragjati (860) Residential Programs: Lomont White (860) Natural Gas Programs/Rebates: Mark Foley (860) For UI/SCG/CNG call Roy Haller (203)

35 CEFIA Anaerobic Digestion Program 3 yr. pilot program (Public Act 11 80, July 1, 2011) $6M allocated for new projects: $2M/year Up to $450 kw Maximum project size 2 MW Up to five total projects Incentives can be Grants, Loans or Power Purchase Agreements Feedstock must be organic waste generated by farms or other businesses

36 CEFIA Anaerobic Digestion Program Continued CEFIA issued 1st round RFP in April of 2012 No applications received at RFP closing (July 13, 2012) Modified round 1 RFP to be reissued by end of 2012 Removed the on site generation requirement Excess generation sold to utility Projects that incorporate organic food waste get scored higher

37 CEFIA Anaerobic Digestion Program Criteria Open to all types of organic waste feedstock Digester gas must be used to generate electricity Must be either CL&P or UI ratepayer Requires data acquisition system for performance measurement & verification Competitive RFP process Must select either financing, grant or power purchase based incentive Project size must be 2 MW or less Must be grid connected any excess generation sold back to utility Contact: Rick M. Ross rick.ross@ctcleanenergy.com

38 Low and Zero Emissions Renewable Energy Credit Program DEEP s ZREC Program: Utilities must spend $8 million/year on ZRECs Competitive process system owners bid in a reverse auction for right to sell Zero-emission Renewable Energy Credits to UI and CL&P Fifteen year contract Payments based on actual output, paid to system owner Winning bids in 2012 averaged $117/MWh for projects 250 kw 1,000 kw and $135/MWh for projects between 100 kw and 250 kw ZREC price for projects <100 k/w will be 110% of average for the kw bids See for more information. For more information on the LREC/ZREC Program, and to download and view program documents, please visit either CL&P's or UI's webpages. CL&P: UI

39 QUESTIONS? WISE USE EnergizeCT.com 39

40 Connecticut Department of Agriculture Grants & Deadlines 1. Farm Transition Grant (Applications from farmers and agricultural cooperatives ) Deadline is November 8, 2014 Priority will be give to projects involving the following: strengthening of agricultural infrastructure other adaptations to increases in the number and/or severity of weather events operations to follow GAP and/or anticipated FSMA requirements 2. Farm Viability Grant (Applications for Non-Profits and Municipalities) Deadline is December 9, Farm Reinvestment Grant Deadline is April 2014 (If Funding is available) Contact Information for AG Grants Ron Olsen at Ronald.Olsen@ct.gov Applications are available at

41 Connecticut Farm Energy CFEP Projects & Upcoming Events Connecticut Farm Energy Best Management Practice Guide is available online at Connecticut Farm Energy Survey is currently open until January 31, 2014 and farms are encouraged to take it online at This Project was funded in part by matching funds from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture through the Community Investment Act, /2014 Connecticut Farm Energy Grant Assistance Workshops 2014 Connecticut Farm Energy Expo: March 22, Goodwin College

42 CONTACT US CT Farm Energy Program Middlesex County Extension Office 1066 Saybrook Rd, Po Box 70 Haddam, CT (860) Eastern CT RC&D Area, Inc. Tolland AG Center (TAC) 24 Hyde Ave Vernon, CT CT.org USDA Rural Development David Brown USDA Service Center 100 Northfield Drive, 4 th Floor Windsor, CT (860) Ext. 135 This is an Equal Opportunity Employer