Allocation: $75M
Provides renewable energy solutions for agrobusinesses and farmers to withstand energy instability and challenges, and secure food and agriculture sector, as a result.
The application process for the program begins on September 17, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. and
will be available until funding is depleted.
AGRO-ENERGY STABILITY PROGRAM
The Agro-Energy Stability Program* aims to provide renewable energy solutions for agrobusinesses and farmers by reinforcing their ability to withstand energy instability and challenges. Investing in renewable energy systems will ensure a steady power supply for sustaining businesses, which in turn, will result in a secure food and agriculture sector.
The Program will award grants to eligible Bona Fide Farmers for the design, acquisition, and installation of renewable solar energy projects to cover up to one hundred percent (100%) of their annual energy consumption.
GUIDELINES
| File | Action |
|---|---|
| Program Guidelines (V1.0) -- Posted 07/30/2024 | Download |
*This program is referred in the CDBG-MIT Action Plan as the Farm & Energy Resilience Program (FER).
For assistance or questions with your application:
PathStone Corp.
939-928-9438 (option #3)
939-928-9433
agroenergia@pathstone.org
energyCDBG@vivienda.pr.gov
Technical problems with the application:
helpdeskpr@horne.com
PROGRAM WORKFLOW
Step 1: Program Intake
Step 2: Program Eligibility Review
Step 3: Underwriting
Step 4: Environmental Review
Step 5: Award determination and grant agreement execution
Step 6: Project Implementation
Step 7: Closeout
ELIGIBILITY
The applicant has to:
Be an agricultural business certified as a Bona Fide Farmer by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Eligible businesses include those engaged in the farming of fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy, among other kinds of food, for human or animal consumption, or as raw materials for the food industry.
Be the owner or have site control over the Participating Property.
Comply with all Organizational documents and Program requirements established in the Program Guidelines.
PROGRAM FUNDING
The Agro-Energy Stability Program has a minimum award requirement of $50,000.00 and a maximum of $250,000.00. Eligible applicants can receive an award for the installation of a photovoltaic system (PVS) and/or a Battery Storage System (BSS) of 100% of the eligible project costs or up to $250,000.00, whichever is lowest. The total project cost may not exceed the awarded amount.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Only projects that have not started at the time of the application are eligible to receive awards under the Program. A project cannot begin until the Applicant and the Puerto Rico Department of Housing (PRDOH) execute a Grant Agreement for the award.
Type of systems: (i) the installation of a new PVS with a BSS; (ii) the addition of a new BSS to an existing PVS, or (iii) an expansion of an existing PVS and BSS incorporation to address unmet load needs. The installation of a PVS without a BSS is not an eligible activity under the Program.
The Program will allow roof-mounted, ground-mounted, pole-mounted, or light frame (canopy) structure-mounted PVS installations, as long as they comply with all permitting requirements, laws, regulations, and codes.
Roof-mounted installation should be considered as a first option if the property has an existing structure that can provide primary support for the system.
Batteries used for BSS shall have lithium-ion chemistry. Must be a behind-the-meter system. Therefore, it must be connected to the electric utility customer’s side of the electric meter.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Government-issued photo Identification for all owners with 25% or more ownership in the business which may include:
- Driver’s license;
- Passport;
- Military ID Card.
- Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Puerto Rico Department of State.
- Negative Debt Certification issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (“Hacienda”). If the Applicant is on a payment plan, they will need to provide proof of the agreement.
- Certification of Income Tax Return Filing issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (“Hacienda”).
- Income Tax Returns for the last three (3) years or, in the absence of Income Tax Returns, Business Financial Projections for the next three (3) taxable years.
- Merchant Registration Certificate issued by the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (“Hacienda”).
- Copy of current Municipal Patent issued by the Municipality where the business is located, or proof of exemption under Article 7.206 of the Municipal Code (21 L.P.R.A. § 8168).
- Electric utility bill, including history, received within three (3) months before the date of the application and issued in the name of the Applicant/Business; or an Electrical Load Study report certified by an Expert Electrician or Licensed Electrical Engineer.
- Three (3) quotes provided by different Program-approved REICs for the Agro-Energy Stability Program (refer to the list of participating companies at (link).
- Completed PRDOH Acknowledgement and Consent Statement and Subrogation Agreement.
- Completed PRDOH Duplication of Benefits Self-Certification (DOB); supporting documentation must be included, when applicable.
- Completed PRDOH Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure Form.
- Any other document requested by the Puerto Rico Department of Housing (PRDOH).
Application Documents
Please download and complete these documents to apply to the program.
| Application Documents | |
|---|---|
|
Acknowledgement and Consent and Subrogation Agreement |
Download |
|
DOB Duplication of Benefits Self-Certification – Property Owner |
Download |
|
Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form – Applicant |
Download |
|
Owner’s Consent for Program Participation |
Download |
|
Project System Quotation |
Download |
|
Selected Quote Cost Reasonableness Form |
Download |
List of Renewable Energy Installation Companies (REIC)
*They appear in random order each time you visit this page.
