This report highlights investments in energy efficiency and clean energy that Central Appalachian businesses and schools have undertaken in recent years with support from the Rural Energy for America Program, a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

REAP supports economic development in Central Appalachia by enabling business owners to reduce their energy consumption and lower their electric bills. These savings allow owners to reinvest in their businesses, employees and communities. REAP provides loan guarantees and grants to farmers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

From 2014 to 2024, REAP supported:

• 462 projects in Kentucky, for a total of $77 million funded or guaranteed;
• 610 projects in North Carolina, for a total of $1.2 billion funded or guaranteed;
• 320 projects in Tennessee, for a total of $17 million funded or guaranteed;
• 209 projects in Virginia for a total of nearly $23 million funded or guaranteed;
• And 232 projects in West Virginia, for a total of $12 million funded or guaranteed.

The report highlights projects in West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky, including schools, wineries, a creamery and farms. The report highlights interviews with the grant awardees and details regarding how much money and electricity they have saved.