Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1355500
Electrifying the Agricultural Sector By Leslie Madarang of Central Coast Community Energy Agriculture is a key economic industry along the Central Coast The agricultural sec- tor accounts for nearly 8% of California's total GHG emissions. Here on the Central Coast, the Ag community sprawls across much of 3CE's service area, playing a pivotal role in regional economics as well as our region's commitment to sus- tainability. Partners in Mitigating Climate Change Many of 3CE's Ag customers have already taken steps to reduce the environmental impact of their opera- tions. As a local part- ner in reducing GHG emissions, 3CE has identified the electrifi- cation of the Ag sector as a key opportunity and initiative for future Energy Programs. Fuel Switching Electrification, often referred to as "fuel switching," has a variety of benefits for ag businesses, the surrounding com- munities as well as the people who work in the fields every day. Some benefits include; cleaner air for the region, more efficient technology, regional GHG reduc- tion, and cost savings. Electrifying the Local Ag Industry *Place AG Electrifi- cation Image in this section* 3CE is providing incentives to the Ag sector for the purpose of fuel switching heavy-duty equip- ment and farm tools from fossil fuels to cleaner all-electric alternatives. The program will be implemented via a competitive grant process. Recipients of the award will receive up to 80% of the total project cost, not to exceed $20,000. The total available fund- ing for 3CE's Ag energy program is $400,000. Why do this? The agricultural sector accounts for 8% of total Provided photo GHG emissions in the State of California. The 3CE service territory has a large Ag sector pres- ence and a significant percentage of our GHG emissions are from Ag sector activi- ties such as: • Diesel-powered irrigation pumps. • Tractors and fork- lifts • Light/heavy-duty vehicles • Coolers/Boilers • and more Ag electrification ben- efits include; cleaner air for farm workers and for our Central Coast through local GHG reduction, more efficient technology requiring less main- tenance, and possible cost savings. Program Walk- through To qualify, an ag customer must be an enrolled 3CE custom- er within our current service area. Funding will be distributed via a competitive grant process. Interested customers may apply for specific projects and will be eligible for up to 80% of the total project cost, not to exceed $20,000, to support electrifi- cation/fuel switching costs. Funding to be provided at 3CE's discretion. Grant funds will be made available through a competitive grant process, which will include analyzing GHG reductions and total project costs for each application. Other considerations will be made as well including the benefit to people working in proximity to the equipment. Applications will be accepted through Friday, March 26, 2021, at 11:59 pm. Visit https://3cenergy.org/ ag-electrification/ or email programs@3Ce. org today! 3CE recently wel- comed 11 communities and nearly 100,000 customers within San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, as well as the City of Del Rey Oaks. Customers will have a first-ever choice for an electricity provider and the opportunity to turn electricity needs into economic and environmental benefits for your home, busi- ness, and community. 3CE service began in January 2021. Provided photo