Most of these programs need a written quote, an equipment list or a wiring plan from an electrician. I write those up, help you with the paperwork, and do the work once you're approved. I can't promise you'll get the money, but I'll tell you straight if a program fits your farm.
Free farm energy audit
Opens in rounds
From: NYSERDA (the state energy office)
What you get: An energy expert walks your farm at no cost and lists where you're wasting power: vacuum pumps, milk cooling, lights, grain dryers.
Who: Farms on NYSEG or National Grid (you pay into it on your electric bill). Co-op members usually don't qualify.
How I help: I price out the fixes the audit recommends, so you can use them to apply for rebates and grants.
Current status at Ag Energy NY →
Rebates on efficient equipment
Year-round
From: NYSEG and National Grid
Pays for: Part of the cost of variable-speed drives on vacuum pumps, plate coolers, scroll compressors, LED lights, grain dryers and more.
Watch out: Simple rebates come after the work is done. Bigger "custom" rebates must be approved before work starts, or you lose them.
How I help: I pick equipment that's on the rebate list and handle the paperwork with you.
NYSEG rebates →
Three-phase & bigger service
Year-round
From: NYSEG's Agriculture Capital Investment program. National Grid has a similar one.
Pays for: Up to $100,000 toward electrical upgrades when you expand. That includes going from single-phase to three-phase power.
Who: Farms making a real investment (NYSEG has asked for at least $50,000 in new buildings or equipment).
How I help: New barns and expansions are my specialty. I work out the electric load and the plan the power company asks for.
NYSEG ag program → · National Grid →
Dairy Modernization Grant
Due Oct 28
From: NY Ag & Markets, through the Farm and Food Growth Fund
Pays for: $50,000 to $250,000 for milk storage, cooling and transfer: tanks, silos, pipelines, glycol chillers, loading systems.
Who: New York dairy farms. A Round 3 is already funded for later.
How I help: New tanks and chillers need new circuits and often a bigger service. I give you the electrical quote to put in your application.
Program page →
USDA farm energy help (EQIP)
Apply anytime
From: USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Pays for: A farm energy plan, then a share of the cost of the efficient equipment it recommends.
Who: Most farms. You can sign up any time. Applications are ranked once or twice a year, so apply early.
How I help: I install what the plan calls for and give you the receipts and details NRCS asks for.
NY EQIP at USDA →
USDA REAP
Grants paused
From: USDA Rural Development
What's going on: USDA stopped taking new REAP grant applications in 2026 while it rewrites the rules. REAP loan guarantees through your bank are still available.
Who: Farms and rural small businesses.
How I help: If grants come back, I'll have your quotes ready. Ask me and I'll tell you where it stands.
REAP at USDA →
Farm discount on your house bill
Apply yearly
From: NYSEG and National Grid (the Residential Agricultural Discount)
What you get: A discount on the farm's residential electric account if your farm qualifies.
Who: Working farms with a residential account. Ask your power company. The application comes out each year.
How I help: Not my program, but it's easy money a lot of farms miss, so I mention it.
NYSEG discount →
Not sure where to start?
Free
Your county's Cornell Cooperative Extension office and the USDA Service Center (Farm Service Agency and NRCS) know what's open locally. Their help is free.
Easiest of all: Book my free visit. I'll look at your barn and tell you which of these programs fit your farm.
Find your Extension office → · Find your USDA office →
