A new partnership between the Kansas Corporation Commission, through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, and Kansas State University’s Engineering Extension will offer no cost energy audits, renewable energy site assessments and related services to small businesses and agricultural producers in the Kansas’ Rural Opportunity Zone counties.

 “We are pleased to be working with Kansas State University to provide these important energy efficiency services to help the state’s small businesses and agricultural producers lower their energy costs and increase profitability,” said Shari Feist Albrecht, KCC Chair.

 Participants will receive a written report of the energy audit results, recommendations for cost effective energy efficiency improvements, and an estimate of energy savings that could be realized through implementation of the recommendations. They will also receive help in applying for U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and identifying other sources of services to implement the recommendations.

 The REAP provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase or install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. The next grant application deadline is April 30, 2016. 

 An informational webinar for business owners interested in participating in the REAP program will be held at 11:00 AM (Central Time) on Friday, January 15, 2016.  To register online, go to https://ksu.zoom.us/webinar/register/c2345253400ebc0e4ac87b605f06faf5.  Registrants will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the webinar. The webinar will also be recorded for later viewing.

 For additional information about the energy efficiency services available or the webinar, contact David Carter at dcarter@ksu.edu or 785-532-4998.