United States Department of Agriculture
April 2005
Producer:
Date:
Watershed:
Farm Identification:
This guidance sheet is to be used with the Conservation Security Program (CSP) where an energy
audit is being performed.
A Comprehensive Energy Audit is a written report prepared by an independent, qualified entity or
individual that documents the following:
• current energy usage,
• recommended improvements and their costs,
• expected energy savings from these improvements, and
• an estimated payback, including dollars saved (based on approximate energy costs)
and period in years.
Deliverable: To earn CSP enhancement payment for Energy Audit the applicant must have completed
or agree to complete a Comprehensive Energy Audit. A baseline energy assessment can be
accomplished through a producer self-assessment but will not qualify for an Energy Audit enhancement
payment..
Key Definitions:
• Energy: Fuels (purchased propane, diesel and natural gas) and electricity used to perform
stationary farm and ranch activities. This definition includes renewable energy sources.
• Energy Management: Optimization of energy use on farms and ranches to minimize non-
renewable energy consumption.
• Certified Energy Auditor: A person who has the technical qualifications to perform an
agricultural energy audit. In most cases a Certified Energy Auditor will be a professional
engineer.
• Energy Source: The type of fuel (liquid or gas), electricity or renewable power used to perform
farm and ranch activities.
• Current Energy Usage: The annual usage of grid electricity and/or natural gas and purchased
fuels (liquid or gas) for stationary farm or ranch operations.
Baseline energy assessment: The minimum requirement for participation in the “energy reduction”
enhancement is the baseline energy assessment. Documentation shall include records of metered
electricity, natural gas, propane or other fuel used for stationary equipment. A list of proposed energy