USDA Invites Applications for Loans Under the Rural Energy Savings Program

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today invited applications from utilities to help rural families and small businesses make cost-saving energy efficiency improvements.

USDA is making funding available under the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP). Through this program,
qualified utilities and similar intermediaries can provide loans to rural families and small businesses to help
them reduce energy costs and make energy efficiency improvements. Additionally, the funds may be used to
replace manufactured housing units with more energy-efficient ones.

To apply, applicants must submit a letter of intent to RESP@usda.gov. Paper submissions will not be accepted.
USDA will notify selected applicants in writing to submit a loan application. For application deadlines and
other details, see the notice in the Federal Register.

USDA encourages applications that will support recommendations made in the Report to the President of the
United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB) to help improve life in
rural America.

Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities
build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments. Key strategies include:
• Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America
• Developing the Rural Economy
• Harnessing Technological Innovation
• Supporting a Rural Workforce
• Improving Quality of Life

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More information on the program can be found here.