Energy Audits for Rural Small Businesses and Farm Operations
USDA – Rural Energy Assistance Program
Rural small businesses and farms can request an energy efficiency assessment by Waste Reduction Partners. The energy assessment will identify cost effective energy saving measures that can be pursued by your business. WRP’s team of energy professionals has received funding support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to perform energy efficiency assessments at qualifying rural small businesses and farms in North Carolina. The assessments can also be used by the business as part of a grant or loan application through the USDA Rural Energy for America Program.
Who is Eligible for an Energy Audit?
Rural small businesses, as defined by the Small Business Administration, are eligible for a subsidized energy assessment. See the Small Business Association website to determining if you meet the small business definition. Rural is defined as communities less than 50,000 in population. Input your address on the USDA Property Eligibility site to make sure your business is rural. Your business’s total energy costs must be greater the $10,000 per year to qualify for this audit program.
What is an Energy Audit?
The energy audit is an on-site assessment and written report which provides a preliminary cost/benefit analysis of recommended energy efficiency measures for your business along with financing suggestions. The WRP energy audit will begin with a utility bill analysis and survey of all major energy-using equipment for efficiency opportunities. WRP engineers typically identify no- and low-cost energy efficiency measures that can save 10 to 20 percent of your total bill.
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Who Will Perform My Energy Audit?
An experienced energy engineer from Waste Reduction Partners will conduct your energy audit. Waste Reduction Partners is a team of 60 staff and volunteer retired engineers who have provided over 1,800 energy and waste reduction assessments to businesses, industries, and institutions across North Carolina. This work has resulted in over $50.1 million in utility cost savings.
Who is Paying for this Energy Audit?
WRP estimates that the total audit cost is valued at $1,300 for a small business and $1,100 for a farm. The USDA Energy Audit Program supports 3/4 of the cost of this assessment. The remaining 25% is funded by the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources. As a result, the audit is provided at no cost to you.
How to Apply for an Energy Audit?
Click on Initiate a Project and submit the requested information or contact Russ Jordan, WRP Energy Manager.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions list can answer all your questions about your business’s eligibility, the energy audit process, its value, and auditor qualifications as well as project implementation assistance.
Questions?
For more information or questions about eligibility, please contact Russ Jordan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 828 251-7477.
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