Kansas State University’s Kansas Energy Program (KEP) has received over $600,000 in grant funding from the Kansas Corporation Commission to promote energy efficiency across the state. The one-year project will provide free energy assessments to agricultural producers and rural small businesses, conduct technical reviews for the Kansas Facility Conservation Improvement Program, and offer energy education to the public and K-12 schools through STEM activities, presentations, and workshops.

KEP will also offer technical assistance for USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant applications, helping small businesses and agricultural producers implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The funding supports the creation of educational materials and continues the Kansas KidWind competitions, while also providing Energy Star benchmarking for school buildings.

REAP grants can fund renewable energy systems like solar, wind, biomass, and energy-efficient upgrades, including lighting, heating, cooling, and insulation.