RI Agricultural Energy Program
RI Agricultural Energy Program supports Rhode Island farms with energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy resilience.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Due Dates: November 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000; at least 10% applicant cost share; completion within one calendar year of award
Summary: Supports energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at Rhode Island agricultural operations to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Information: Projects already completed or interconnected are ineligible, and costs incurred before an executed OER contract cannot be reimbursed.
Description
The RI Agricultural Energy Program is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) in partnership with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER). Funded through Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auction proceeds, it helps Rhode Island farms adopt energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy systems, lower operating costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Supported investments include solar photovoltaics, small-scale wind, biomass, insulation, LED lighting, HVAC systems, automatic temperature controls, variable-speed equipment, and solar thermal systems. Past awards have supported solar arrays and expansions, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and produce-storage cooling equipment. The program also aims to improve farm operations and energy resilience.
