The program offers a no-cost energy assessment to evaluate your farm’s potential benefit by replacing your diesel engine and three-phase generator with single or three-phase electrification.

Your participation in BEA can improve your irrigation systems, will help you lower energy costs, and increase your bottom line.

Benefits of switching from diesel to electric:

• Cost Savings: Electric motors offer a more cost-effective alternative to diesel engines, thanks to significantly lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance needs.
• Ease of Operation: Electric motors are easier to start and control than diesel engines,
  requiring less maintenance and providing more consistent performance.
• Improved Site Quality and Lower Impact on Your Land: Diesel-to-electric conversion eliminates ground contamination at your site and reduces air emissions.
• Reduced Noise Pollution: Electric motors operate more quietly than diesel engines, minimizing noise pollution in the surrounding area.

What does this program offer?

This program provides an energy assessment to evaluate the costs and potential savings of
replacing your diesel-powered irrigation pump with an electric system.

What is the cost to participate?

Nothing! The energy assessment is provided at no cost to you through a USDA Rural Development grant.

How is this assessment beneficial to me?

The assessment will provide you with the information necessary to make an informed decision regarding the conversion from a diesel to an electric irrigation pumping plant. It will outline the estimated installation cost, estimated annual cost savings, as well as other savings and beneficial information.

What equipment can be included in these assessments?

These assessments will include any equipment necessary for a diesel to electric pumping plant conversion. The equipment includes, but is not limited to:

• Electric motors
• Electric pumps
• VFDs
• Phase converters
• Rotophases
• Electrical wiring and hookup
• Electrical boxes and switches
• Trenching and conduit
• Concrete pads and more…

What do I do with my assessment once I have it?

This assessment will meet the requirements set forth by USDA Rural Development for REAP grants. It will also meet the requirements of USDA NRCS to receive incentives through EQIP. You can bring your assessment to either of these offices and engage them about their funding opportunities.

What funding is available to help install my project?

• USDA Rural Development REAP grants can fund your project up to 25% of the total project cost.
• USDA NRCS can fund fuel-switching projects through EQIP, covering up to 75% of installation costs.
• You should also check with your local extension and state agricultural offices to see if there are any other funding sources available.