Farmers across Massachusetts who are interested in becoming more energy efficient are invited to apply for a new audits and incentives program offered by the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program. The program will provide energy audits, renewable energy assessments and financial incentives for implementation of audit recommendations, including those recommended by public utility programs.

The program has negotiated with energy consultants to provide audits and assessments to farmers at a lower cost than they would pay on their own. Farmers will only be responsible for 25 per cent of the cost. Currently, farms served by municipal utilities do not have access to a free energy audit.

Although farms served by public utilities can receive a free energy audit, those audits do not address other fuels such as heating oil and propane which account for the majority of energy use on many farms.

The program will pay incentives of up to $7,500 for implementation of recommended measures, with greater incentives to farms with less access to other audits and incentives programs. Incentives are based on energy savings for fuel oil, propane, electricity, and natural gas.

For details and to apply, go to berkshirepioneerrcd.org/mfep/energy.php.