SWAMC is offering low-cost energy audits and access to a USDA REAP improvement grants

Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference (SWAMC) is again offering low-cost energy audits and access to a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) REAP improvement grant for small businesses in Southwest Alaska. So far, five Bristol Bay commercial fishers have used this program and received $54,000 in grant funding for energy efficiency improvements including RSW upgrades and adding hold insulation. 

All small, for-profit businesses in Southwest Alaska are eligible for the program including commercial fishing vessel owners and building owners – offices, warehouses, stores, restaurants, hotels, and more.

This is how the program works for commercial fishers. You sign-up for a targeted fishing vessel energy audit to identify the energy savings of upgrading or installing an RSW system, insulating fish holds, switching out lighting, installing high performance hydraulic pumps and gensets, and more. You use the energy audit report to apply for USDA’s improvement grant that covers 25% of the upgrade cost. We help you with the application process.  

For example, the cost of the targeted fishing vessel audit runs between $500 and $625. A commercial fisher looking to purchase an RSW system and have it professionally installed for $50,000 would be able to apply for a USDA grant that reimburses them for $12,500 of the system cost.

Keep in mind – All commercial fishers that live or fish (and store their vessel) in Bristol Bay, Kodiak, and the Aleutians are eligible.

Spots are filling up! Find out more on the program and how to register by emailing  energy@swamc.org, calling Jamie Hansen at 907.450.2461, or visitinghttp://www.southwestakenergy.org/.