On October 18, 2024, USDA announced investments in over 600 projects through the IRA-funded Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program. First, USDA invested $20.5 million in Allegheny Electric Cooperative through the New ERA to bring reliable clean energy to rural communities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Second, USDA awarded $126 million in grants to 654 projects across 39 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico through REAP. These awards will provide direct support to farmers and rural small businesses.
USDA also announced an opportunity for an additional $600 million in REAP funding, to be distributed through three rounds of awards by 2027. The first round of awards has two application deadlines: December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025. Additional details can be found here.
REAP is funded by IRA section 22002 and supports projects to expand renewable energy and improve energy efficiency in rural communities. The New ERA program, funded by IRA section 22004, is intended to reduce emissions from rural electric cooperatives.