The Texas Agricultural Technical Assistance Program is a new project overseen by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). This program will provide the agricultural producers of Texas with the technical assistance they need to make cost-effective, energy efficient choices. SECO is working with EnSave, Inc. to deliver this program to the agriculture and ranching industry.

SECO and EnSave have partnered with USDA Rural Development, the Texas Association of Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Areas, Inc. and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. By working together, this partnership will maximize the effectiveness of energy efficiency activities within the Texas agricultural sector.

Free Energy Assessment Reports will be done by collecting data regarding energy consumption usage and information about the farming equipment used in production. These reports will identify opportunities to save on energy costs and recommend changes concerning electricity, propane and diesel fuel within the farm operation. All agricultural producers in Texas are eligible to apply for a free Energy Assessment Report. Some restrictions apply.

In addition to the free Energy Assessment Report, this program will also work with agricultural producers to access additional funds to implement energy efficiency projects, such as grant and guaranteed loan funds available through the USDA Rural Development Section 9007, Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), utility company incentives, or other funds as applicable.

Grant funds can be used to pay up to 25% of eligible project costs. The loan guarantees can fund up to 75% of eligible projects. A loan and grant combination can fund up to 75% of total eligible project costs.

For more information on how to sign up for this new program, please call EnSave at (800) 732-1399 or SECO at (800) 531-5441, ext 3-1931 or visit SECO online at http://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/agriculture.htm. or EnSave at www.ensave.com