In May 2008, Congress converted the federal Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program, into the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). 

The purpose of the REAP is to provide grants and loan guarantees for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems, and grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance.  Congress has allocated funds in the following amounts per fiscal year (FY):  $55 million FY 2009, $60 million FY 2010, and $70 million FY 2011 and FY 2012.

The REAP is a new program and the administrative rules are still being written by the United States Department of Agriculture.  Please see the following website for up-to-date information: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill.