Overview of the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP)
SWCS-NEC 2010 Winter ConferenceAuburn, MA February 18, 2010
MA Renewable Energy Trust (MRET)/Clean Energy CenterEOEEA MA Division of Energy Resources
USDA-Rural Development MA Woodlands Institute
Massachusetts Farm Bureau NSTAR
National GRIDWestern Mass Electric Co. (WMECO)
Cape Light CompactUnitil (Fitchburg Gas & Electric)
MA Municipal Wholesale Electric Co. (MMWEC) Bay State GasBerkshire Gas
USDA-Farm Service Agency
Objectives & Objectives & Goals Goals of MFEPof MFEP
• increase on-farm energy conservationconservation & efficiency efficiency promote renewable energyrenewable energy strategies for on-farm energy generation (100 audits, 50% (100 audits, 50% implementation, 1 Million kWh savings)implementation, 1 Million kWh savings)
• reduce ag greenhouse gas emissionsgreenhouse gas emissions (500 (500 metric tons or 20%)metric tons or 20%)
• improve farm viabilityfarm viability (annual savings of (annual savings of $1500/farm) $1500/farm)
The MFEPThe MFEP2008 pilot to establish a statewide farm energy program
$250,000 MDAR + $150,000 NRCS + $100,000+ in-kind$250,000 MDAR + $150,000 NRCS + $100,000+ in-kind
• clearinghouseclearinghouse for farm energy assistance
• energy auditsenergy audits and renewable energy assessmentsrenewable energy assessments
• financial incentivesfinancial incentives for implementation of audit & renewable energy recommendations
• leverageleverage other funding programs
• develop best management practicesbest management practices for farm energy systems
MFEP Technical AssistanceMFEP Technical Assistance1) Do a phone intake or questionnaire on web
farm information, energy use, projects implemented to date, project ideas, identify issues
2) Screen for eligibility for MA energy programs
3) Identify next steps, provide referrals, and scope of work for MFEP audit if applicable.
4) Reference MFEP website for additional info.
MFEP Technical AssistanceMFEP Technical Assistance• Massachusetts Farm Discount ProgramMassachusetts Farm Discount Program
• Public utility conservation programsPublic utility conservation programs
• MA Farm Energy Program servicesMA Farm Energy Program services
• MRET & MA Clean Energy Center programsMRET & MA Clean Energy Center programs
• USDA-Rural Energy for America Program (RD)USDA-Rural Energy for America Program (RD)
• USDA-Environmental Quality Incentives Program (NRCS) USDA-Environmental Quality Incentives Program (NRCS)
• USDA-Biomass Crop Assistance ProgramUSDA-Biomass Crop Assistance Program
• MA-DAR Energy Grants (AEEP, etc.)MA-DAR Energy Grants (AEEP, etc.)
• ARRA (MA-DOER)ARRA (MA-DOER)
• Business Investment Tax CreditBusiness Investment Tax Credit
http://www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep/existing.phphttp://www.berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep/existing.php
MFEP Audits & IncentivesMFEP Audits & Incentives• Referral to public utilityReferral to public utility for free electric assessment
• MFEP Audit of other fuelsMFEP Audit of other fuels, consultations, RE assessments: MFEP pays 75%, Farmer 25%
• ““Targeted” scope of work & price negotiatedTargeted” scope of work & price negotiated with MFEP consultants
• Offer MFEP IncentivesOffer MFEP Incentives based on energy savings & payback of 8 years or less (including other incentives), to encourage 50% implementationto encourage 50% implementation
$0.15 per kWh$2.50 per therm gas$2.75 per gallon propane$3.00 per gallon fuel oil$250 per cord wood
• MFEP audit report and TA to “leverage” additional fundsMFEP audit report and TA to “leverage” additional funds to encourage 50% to encourage 50% implementationimplementation
2010 MFEP Grant Writing Services for REAP2010 MFEP Grant Writing Services for REAP
• Projects that primarily reduce or replace farm energy, including forest products
• Priority given to applicants:
applying for “grants <=$20,000” (projects <=$80,000)
who qualify as an “agricultural producer” (greater than 50% income from agriculture)
• Energy Assessment, Audit, or Renewable Energy Energy Assessment, Audit, or Renewable Energy Assessment needed Assessment needed before applicationbefore application – allow 3 monthsallow 3 months
• 3 hour GW session: MFEP provides technical support, MWI provides GW, RD determines eligibility of applicant
• Apply on-line or via phone intake
MFEP Assistance for Leveraging $$MFEP Assistance for Leveraging $$2008 2008 7 REAP applications submitted, 7 funded7 REAP applications submitted, 7 funded
20092009 13 REAP applications submitted, 8 funded 13 REAP applications submitted, 8 funded 18 EQIP referrals, 8 awarded18 EQIP referrals, 8 awarded19 MDAR AgEnergy Grant referrals, 8 funded19 MDAR AgEnergy Grant referrals, 8 funded
greenhouse thermal screens & HAFgreenhouse thermal screens & HAFreverse osmosis, additional membranesreverse osmosis, additional membranesPlate coolers, variable speed drives, pumps, motorsPlate coolers, variable speed drives, pumps, motorsHigh efficiency heatingHigh efficiency heatingLighting, insulation Lighting, insulation PV, WIND, biofuels, biomassPV, WIND, biofuels, biomass
WMECO & MFEP Incentives & AEEP + EQIP & MRET
Reverse Osmosis – 20 cords wood saved Reverse Osmosis – 20 cords wood saved annuallyannually
Thermal screens -18,000 gal. oil saved Thermal screens -18,000 gal. oil saved annuallyannually
Contacts for the Massachusetts Farm Contacts for the Massachusetts Farm Energy ProgramEnergy Program
Phone 413.256.1607Fax 413.253.5542
Jess Cook, Program [email protected] Monds, Coordinator, USDA/[email protected]@ma.usda.govAnn Gibson, Program [email protected] [email protected] Gerry Palano, Renewable Energy Coordinator, MDARGerry Palano, Renewable Energy Coordinator, [email protected] 617.626.1706 617.626.1706
• One Year for MFEP Equals ……One Year for MFEP Equals ……