Robert Coates
202.260.5415
Robert.Coates@wdc.usda.gov

The Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) provides loans to qualified small businesses and families to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures. The ultimate goal of the program is to help lower energy bills and encourage investment in energy efficiency projects or activities.

Eligible applicants include current and former Rural Utility Service (RUS) borrowers, subsidiaries of current or former RUS borrowers, and entities that provide retail electric service needs in rural areas.

Total funding available: $8,000,000

Individual loan limits are not specified. Loan terms include:

• Up to 20 years at a 0% interest rate
• Up to 3% interest rate for relending to end users qualified consumers, for up to 10 years
• Up to 4% of the loan total may be used for startup costs

Links to additional guidance, application instructions and amended instructions are available on the program website.

To begin the process, email a letter of intent to resp@wdc.usda.gov. Guidance for the letter of intent may be found in the Application and Submission Information, section D, of the application instructions.

Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application.