PEI Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program

The Prince Edward Island (PEI) Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program supports the adoption of clean technologies and implementation of on-farm projects that improve energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase farm resilience to energy costs.

Who is eligible?

The following includes a summary of program and funding eligibility. Before completing the application form, please review program and funding criteria in the PEI Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program Guidelines.

Eligible Recipients

• Bona-fide agricultural producers; 
• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups conducting farming activities; and
• Other agri-businesses may be considered at the discretion of the program review committee

What activities are funded?

The program supports farmers to undertake energy projects  in the following categories:

CATEGORY 1:  LIVESTOCK BARNS, CROP STORAGES AND GREENHOUSES 

• Upgrade building heating, ventilation, cooling, lighting equipment and systems.  Generate and use renewable energy.

CATEGORY 2:  IMPROVED EFFICIENCY GRAIN DRYERS

• Retrofit existing grain dryers or purchase and install upgrade components on new grain dryers.

CATEGORY 3:  FARM EQUIPMENT AND PROCESS EFFICIENCY  

• Switch processes and equipment from fossil fuels to electricity and/or biofuels  and undertake activities to optimize equipment   energy use efficiency.

Proposals for other innovative, effective and resilient energy projects may be considered by the Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program review committee.

What expenses are eligible?

Direct costs to adopt approved energy efficiency projects, including:

• Specialized commercial grade equipment (including used equipment that has not been previously funded through government programs);
• Contracted labour, consultants, and professional fees for project design and implementation;
• Materials, supplies, and rentals;
• Modifications to existing equipment or technology;
• One-time purchase of specialized software systems related to upgrading and acquiring new equipment and technology; and
• Other costs as specifically approved by the Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program review committee

How do I Apply?

1. Complete, sign and submit the application form and supporting documents (written quotes, equipment specifications, previous energy assessments) prior to the intake deadline of  February 7th, 2025.
2. Department staff will review your application for completeness and follow up if any additional project information is needed to inform project assessment.

Eligible project expenses will be recognized within the Project Activity Period stated above. Expenses incurred prior to April 1st, 2025 will be ineligible for program support. Following application intake deadline, the program review committee will assess and rank project applications based on the information and supporting documentation provided. Funding will be allocated on a competitive basis to projects with the greatest merit.  Those projects that achieve the most cost-effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will be prioritized for approval.

For more information contact:

Ankita Shrestha, Agriculture Energy Systems Specialist 

PEI Department of Agriculture 
11 Kent Street
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
Phone: 782-772-6414
Email: agenergy@gov.pe.ca