EESI begins initiative to aid loan federal applications for rural utilities
The non-profit Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) has launched a new initiative known as Access Clean Energy Savings (ACES), with the intention of help rural electric cooperatives and public utilities navigate Rural Electric Savings Program (RESP) applications.
RESP is a loan program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It provides zero-interest, 20-year loans meant to help rural operations with energy upgrades, efficiency improvements, energy storage devices, and other electrification projects. ACES will help interested companies through technical assistance — at no cost.
“EESI is delighted to launch the Access Clean Energy Savings initiative to spread the word about the funding available to rural utilities,” EESI Executive Director Carol Wener said. “The Rural Electric Savings Program offers utilities the opportunity to improve energy efficiency—it’s a no brainer! We can help cooperatives apply for those funds with our Access Clean Energy Savings program.”
In all, $100 million is available through the RESP, and ACES will be accepting applications for help through September.
