Grower Resource: NYSERDA
October 30, 2024 CEAg World recently spoke with Jordan Miller, outreach coordinator at EnSave, an organization that provides agricultural and rural communities with solutions that foster long-term energy independence. Miller does outreach on behalf of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) agricultural energy programs.
Jordan Miller
Designed to help growers make informed decisions about energy efficiency in their operations, these programs reduce energy costs and improve productivity. During our conversation, we covered the “Best Practices Guidebook for Greenhouses,” the Agricultural Energy Audit Program (AEAP), and the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Program.
CEAg World: Can you tell us about the “Best Practices Guidebook for Greenhouses” and what it’s used for?
Jordan Miller: “The ‘Best Practices Guidebook for Greenhouses’ was developed as a resource and educational tool to help growers make better, more informed decisions about what technologies to invest in. The guide explains how energy efficient technologies work their approximate costs, estimated energy savings, and payback in years.
“The guide is a really good starting point for those who are considering installing these technologies. It will inform their decision to invest in energy efficiency.”
CEAg World: The guide is pretty extensive. Are there any specific chapters that growers should pay attention to?
Jordan Miller: “The Best Practices for Greenhouses video is a great resource. The top technologies mentioned in that video are energy curtains, LED lights, environmental control systems, as well as many other technologies that you can [also] find in the guidebook.”
CEAg World: Can you tell us briefly about the Agriculture Energy Audit Program (AEAP)?
Jordan Miller: “Through NYSERDA’s agricultural energy audit program, eligible CEA growers in New York can receive a no-cost energy audit every two years.
“Once an AEAP application is accepted, a NYSERDA approved FlexTech Consultant will visit the CEA facility, collect baseline data, and develop an energy audit report outlining energy-saving measures and prioritizing them based on a payback period.
“NYSERDA assists growers in obtaining incentives through government and energy utility programs to install energy- efficient measures. Greenhouse growers can also receive an energy performance benchmark report at no cost through AEAP. Energy benchmark reports quantify the facility’s energy use intensity in terms of greenhouse area and unit of yield. For example, kWh per head of lettuce. Energy benchmarking enables growers to better understand their energy use costs per unit of product, and to benchmark their energy use intensity against their peers.
“One major energy requirement is that AEAP applicants must pay into is the System Benefits Charge. So, you just need to check your utility bill to make sure you’re paying into that.”
CEAg World: Can you briefly explain what the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Program (RTAP) is?
Jordan Miller: “Once the audit is complete, growers can participate in NYSERDA’s Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Program (RTAP), which offers no-cost grant writing services. Applications are submitted to USDA Rural Development, and if awarded, applicants can receive up to 50% of total project costs.
“There are eligibility requirements for RTAP, so I suggest going over those online.”
CEAg World: Are there programs similar to NYSERDA’s agricultural programs in other states?
Jordan Miller: “Some states have energy efficiency programs that growers can take advantage of. We can always point you in the right direction, depending on your state and situation.
“One national program that’s commonly known is the Rural Energy for America Program. It’s also referred to as REAP, which we can offer auditing, and great grant-writing assistance.”
CEAg World: Is there anything else our viewers should know about NYSERDA’s programs?
Jordan Miller: “If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We do have a toll-free number, and email addresses. So, we can always point you in the right direction for where to start, you know, depending on your state. But New York definitely has some great opportunities, specifically for farmers. We’re really excited to share these programs with you guys.”
For more information:
Toll-free number: 800-732-1399
AEAP email: aeep@nyserda.ny.gov
RTAP email: rtap@nyserda.ny.gov