Monterey, CA. February 16, 2021 – Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) today announced the launch of its second Agricultural (Ag) Electrification Grant Program in less than one year, supporting the replacement of fossil-fuel powered equipment with new electric equipment including tractors, coolers, boilers, forklifts, light and heavy-duty vehicles, irrigation pumps and more. This program follows 3CE’s initial July 2020 program that funded eight projects for a total of $160,000. 3CE agricultural customers leveraged funding to purchase electrified utility vehicles (UTV), harvesting rakes, forklifts, and irrigation pumps to the benefit of the region’s local farms. Electrifying Ag equipment offers many benefits including improved efficiency, reduced cost, cleaner air and reduced noise for workers.
“Central Coast Community Energy’s Ag electrification grant program means so much to us. It’s already improved our energy and time efficiency. What a gift to run a quieter 2020 harvest with maintenance free electric equipment. We have saved hours in maintenance while reducing our GHG emissions. The benefits of 3CE’s Ag electrification program are priceless to small farmers!” Kimberly Null and Jamie de Sieyes of Wild Poppies Olive Oil in Aptos, CA
Aimed at accelerating the adoption of new all-electric agricultural equipment to decrease reliance on fossil fuels, the Ag Electrification Grant Program supports the Central Coast’s local agricultural industry in transitioning Ag equipment to clean, all-electric equipment. Funding for 3CE’s Ag Electrification Grant Program totals $400,000 and is to be administered through a competitive bid process for enrolled 3CE agricultural customer across the 4 counties and 26 cities 3CE currently serves. The program is expected to provide grants for up to 20 Ag customers, funding up to $20,000 each to assist with “fuel-switching” or Ag equipment electrification projects.