In May, Medina County Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Wayne County Economic Development, was awarded $100,000 through the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program. The intent of the funds is to help businesses complete ASHRAE energy audits and aid in applying for REAP project grants.
Viridi, an official partner of the Ohio Farm Bureau Energy Program, worked to submit this application and will be assisting in implementing the program to benefit eligible businesses and farms in Medina and Wayne counties.
Energy Audits are a great way to help evaluate and prioritize energy efficiency projects, specifically retrofits or equipment replacements. For businesses that have multiple systems that need upgraded or that have projects that are planned for future investment (within the next 2 years), utilizing this program will allow you to have a written report on the cost benefits of those projects as well as quantified energy savings. Level 2 ASHRAE Audits are also a great way to qualify your business for additional project funding or financing as an engineering study is often a pre-requisite.
Additionally, the TAG program funds can be used to cover the costs of a REAP project grant application for any projects identified or evaluated during the audit. REAP grants, through September 2024, cover 50% of project costs.
If you would like more information on how your business can take advantage of the TAG funds, please email Claire Wilson (claire@viridi.eco).