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 Assistance

1) 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 Managerjesscook@berkshirepioneerrcd.orgDarlene Monds, Coordinator, USDA/NRCSdarlene.monds@ma.usda.govdarlene.monds@ma.usda.govAnn Gibson, Program Assistantagibson@berkshirepioneerrcd.org agibson@berkshirepioneerrcd.org Gerry Palano, Renewable Energy Coordinator, MDARGerry Palano, Renewable Energy Coordinator, MDARGerald.Palano@state.ma.us 617.626.1706 617.626.1706

• One Year for MFEP Equals ……One Year for MFEP Equals ……