[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 64 (Thursday, April 2, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18413-18427]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06215]



 ========================================================================
 Rules and Regulations
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
 having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
 to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
 under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
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 The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 64 / Thursday, April 2, 2020 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 18413]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1719

RIN 0572-AC45


Rural Energy Savings Program

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development agency 
of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), hereinafter 
referred to as RUS or the Agency, is issuing a final rule to establish 
the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) as authorized by Section 6407 
of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as amended and 
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to assist rural families and 
small businesses achieve cost savings by providing loans to eligible 
entities that agree to make loans to qualified consumers to implement 
durable cost-effective energy efficiency measures. This rule describes 
the eligibility requirements, the application process, the criteria 
that will be used by RUS to assess Applicants' creditworthiness and how 
to obtain application materials.

DATES: This rule is effective April 2, 2020.
    Electronic and written comments must be received on or before May 
18, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments on this final rule by the following 
method:
     Electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 
https://www.regulations.gov and, in the lower ``Search Regulations and 
Federal Actions'' box, select ``Rural Utilities Service'' from the 
agency drop-down menu, then click on ``Submit.'' In the Docket ID 
column, select RUS-19-Electric-0024 to submit or view public comments 
and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. 
Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for 
accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after 
the close of the comment period, is available through the site's ``User 
Tips'' link.
    Other Information: Additional information about Rural Development 
and its programs is available on the internet at http://www.rd.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Coates, Rural Utilities 
Service, Electric Program, Rural Development, United States Department 
of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1568, Room 5165-S, 
Washington, DC 20250;
    Telephone: (202) 260-5415; Email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review

    This final rule has been determined to be not significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed 
by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
the Office of Management and Budget designated this final rule as not a 
major rule, as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform

    This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. The Agency has determined that this final rule 
meets the applicable standards provided in section 3 of the Executive 
Order. In addition, all state and local laws and regulations that 
conflict with this rule will be preempted. No retroactive effect will 
be given to this final rule and, in accordance with section 212(e) of 
the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 
6912(e)), administrative appeal procedures must be exhausted before an 
action against the Department or its agencies may be initiated.

Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review

    This final rule is not subject to the requirements of Executive 
Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review, as implemented under USDA's 
regulations at 7 CFR part 3015.

Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs

    Executive Order Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control 
regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This final rule is not 
subject to the requirements of Executive Order 13771 (82 FR 9339, 
February 3, 2017) because this final rule is not significant under 
Executive Order 12886.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The policies contained in this final rule do not have any 
substantial direct effect on States, on the relationship between the 
national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Nor does this 
final rule impose substantial direct compliance costs on State and 
local governments. Therefore, consultation with States is not required.

Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    This final rule has been reviewed in accordance with the 
requirements of Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination 
with Indian Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order 13175 requires 
Federal agencies to consult and coordinate with tribes on a government-
to-government basis on policies that have tribal implications, 
including regulations, legislative comments or proposed legislation, 
and other policy statements or actions that have substantial direct 
effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the 
Federal Government and Indian tribes or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. 
Rural Development has assessed the impact of this final rule on Indian 
tribes and determined that this final rule does not, to our knowledge, 
have tribal implications that require tribal consultation under E.O. 
13175. If a tribe would like to engage in consultation with Rural 
Development on this rule, please contact Rural Development's Native 
American Coordinator at (720) 544-2911 or [email protected].

[[Page 18414]]

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    RUS has determined that this final rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, as defined 
in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). RUS provides 
loans to borrowers at interest rates and on terms that are more 
favorable than those generally available from the private sector. RUS 
borrowers, as a result of obtaining federal financing, receive economic 
benefits that exceed any direct economic costs associated with 
complying with RUS regulations and requirements.

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
chapter 35), OMB approved this information collection under OMB Control 
Number 0572-0151. This final rule contains no new reporting or 
recordkeeping burdens under OMB control number 0572-0151 that would 
require approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35).

E-Government Act Compliance

    The Rural Utilities Service is committed to the E-Government Act, 
which requires Government agencies in general to provide the public the 
option of submitting information or transacting business electronically 
to the maximum extent possible.

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

    This final rule has been examined under Agency environmental 
regulations at 7 CFR part 1970. The Administrator has determined that 
this is not a major Federal action significantly affecting the 
environment. Therefore, in accordance with the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an Environmental Impact 
Statement is not required.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The program described by this final rule is listed in the Catalog 
of Federal Domestic Assistance Programs under number 10.751--Rural 
Energy Savings Program. This catalog is available on a subscription 
basis from the Superintendent of Documents, the United States 
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 20402-9325, telephone 
number (202) 512-1800 and at https://www.cfda.gov.

Unfunded Mandates

    This final rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory 
provision of title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995) for 
State, local, and Tribal governments or the private sector. Therefore, 
this final rule is not subject to the requirements of section 202 and 
205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

Civil Rights Impact Analysis

    Rural Development has reviewed this final rule in accordance with 
USDA Regulation 4300-4, ``Civil Rights Impact Analysis,'' to identify 
any major civil rights impacts the rule might have on program 
participants on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex or 
disability. After review and analysis of the final rule and available 
data, it has been determined that based on the analysis of the program 
purpose, application submission and eligibility criteria, issuance of 
this final Rule will neither adversely nor disproportionately impact 
very low, low and moderate-income populations, minority populations, 
women, Indian tribes or persons with disability, by virtue of their 
race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or marital or 
familiar status.

USDA Non-Discrimination Policy

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or 
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on 
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA 
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing 
deadlines vary by program or incident.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible 
Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 
other than English.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA 
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or 
write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint 
form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA 
by: (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: 
[email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Background

    Rural Development is a mission area within the USDA comprised of 
the Rural Utilities Service, Rural Housing Service and Rural Business/
Cooperative Service. Rural Development's mission is to increase 
economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for all rural 
Americans. Rural Development meets its mission by providing loans, loan 
guarantees, grants, and technical assistance through more than 40 
programs aimed at creating and improving housing, businesses, and 
infrastructure throughout rural America.
    Promoting the American agriculture and protecting our rural 
communities where food, fiber, forestry and many of our renewable fuels 
are cultivated have been recognized as matters of national interest. It 
has further been recognized in the national interest to ensure that 
regulatory burdens do not unnecessarily encumber agricultural 
production, harm rural communities, constrain economic growth, or 
hamper job creation. On April 25, 2017, President Trump established the 
Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, Executive 
Order 13790, 82 FR 20237 (April 28, 2017). This working group (the Task 
Force) was charged with identifying legislative, regulatory, and policy 
changes to promote agriculture, economic development, job growth, 
infrastructure improvements, technical innovation, energy security, and 
quality of life in rural America. In response to the President's call 
to action, the Task Force envisioned a rural America with world-class 
resources, tools, and support to build robust, sustainable communities 
for generations to come. Ensuring rural Americans can achieve a high 
quality of life is the foundation of prosperity. See the Report to the 
President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and 
Rural Prosperity, October 21, 2017 (the Report).

[[Page 18415]]

    RUS loan, loan guarantee, and grant programs act as a catalyst for 
economic and community development. By financing improvements to rural 
electric, water and waste, telecom and broadband infrastructure, RUS 
also plays a big role in improving other measures of quality of life in 
rural America, including public health and safety, environmental 
protection and conservation, and cultural and historic preservation.
    Consistent with the above stated policy and under the authority of 
Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as 
amended, the USDA, through the RUS, provides RESP loans to eligible 
entities that agree, in turn, to make loans to qualified consumers for 
energy efficiency measures, including cost effective energy storage and 
renewable energy systems. Eligible energy efficiency measures must be 
for or at a property or properties served by a RESP borrower and use 
commercially available technologies that would allow qualified 
consumers to decrease their energy use or costs through cost-effective 
energy efficiency investments. Loans made by RESP borrowers under this 
program are repaid through a recurring service bill to the qualified 
consumer.

Assisting Rural Communities

    The purpose of the RESP is to help rural families and small 
businesses achieve cost savings by providing loans to qualified 
consumers through eligible entities to implement durable cost-effective 
energy efficiency measures pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 8107a(a) of the RESP 
authorizing statute. Rurality was not defined in the statute and there 
is no cross-reference for an existing definition for ``rurality'' in 
another statute. Thus ``rurality'' was left to the Agency's discretion. 
The Agency has determined that the definition of ``rural'' in Sec.  
1719.2 of this rule will be ``any area that has a population of 50,000 
or less inhabitants or any other area designated eligible by statute.'' 
The Agency believes this definition is appropriate for RESP because 
Congress, rather than amending the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 
(RE Act) which is RUS's primary authority to facilitate financing for 
energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in rural areas, 
intended the RESP to be a standalone program under Section 6407 of the 
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as amended. Although 
RUS makes loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies 
in rural areas under the RE Act, the RESP was clearly intended as a 
separate distinct program, providing additional authority to the 
Secretary for facilitating these types of technologies under RESP. This 
directive was further stressed, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 
of 2018, where the Secretary was authorized to allow eligible RESP 
entities to offer loans to customers in any part of their service 
territory. And more recently, Section 732, Title 3, of the FY 2020 
Appropriations, ``provided that the Secretary may allow eligible 
entities, or comparable entities that provide energy efficiency 
services using their own billing mechanism to offer loans to customers 
in any part of their service territory and to offer loans to replace a 
manufactured housing unit with another manufactured housing unit, if 
replacement would be more cost effective in saving energy.''
    RUS acknowledges that there are several population thresholds to 
determine the rural nature of an area in order to participate in the 
multiple USDA Rural Development programs. Under the traditional RUS-
Electric Program authorized by the RE Act, entities serving any area 
other than a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population 
of greater than 20,000 inhabitants are eligible to participate in the 
program. The Administrator may also approve the use of loan funds to 
serve non-RE Act beneficiaries upon finding that it is necessary and 
incidental to the primary purpose of the loan. The Agency recognizes 
the distinct nature of the RESP and adopts a population threshold that 
enables more rural families and small businesses to achieve cost 
savings through energy efficiency investments.
    In April 2017 President Trump issued the Presidential Executive 
Order on Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America, Exec. 
Order No. 13790, 82 FR 20237 (April 25, 2017). The Executive Order 
charged the task force with identifying legislative, regulatory, and 
policy changes to promote economic development, job growth, energy 
security, infrastructure improvements and quality of life amongst 
others. In particular, it instructed the task force to identify the 
policy changes that remove barriers to economic prosperity and quality 
of life in rural America, advance the adoption of innovations and 
technology for agricultural production and long-term, sustainable rural 
development; empower the State, local, and tribal agencies that 
implement rural economic development, agricultural, and environmental 
programs to tailor those programs to relevant regional circumstances, 
and further the Nation's energy security by advancing traditional and 
renewable energy production in the rural landscape.
    Taking into account the above mentioned guiding principles, the 
Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, in its 
Report to the President, predominantly considered nonmetropolitan 
counties (counties outside of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, as 
defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)) when referring to 
rural areas. According to the OMB definition, the Metropolitan 
Statistical Areas include cities of 50,000 or more and counties 
connected to those cities through commuting. Furthermore, the 50,000 
threshold is consistent with many of the Rural Development programs 
currently offering financial assistance in areas with populations of 
50,000 or less inhabitants or that are rural in character, such as the 
Business and Industry Loan Guaranty Program and the Rural Energy for 
America Loan Guaranty Program.
    The Report identified several indicators to promote rural 
prosperity in America, many of which can be supported with the RESP. 
High quality of life was identified as a foundational element of rural 
prosperity. One way to improve the quality of life is providing the 
necessary tools to utilities, energy service companies and similar 
entities so that they can provide the modern financing mechanisms and 
equipment that empower rural residents and businesses to take control 
of their energy use. The RESP enables those entities to access low-cost 
capital to carry out those activities. Economic development in rural 
communities was also identified in the Report as a key element to 
promote rural prosperity. Through RESP, small businesses in rural 
communities will be able to reduce their operational costs. This 
program also fosters the development of a workforce with transferable 
skills, capable of delivering energy efficiency services in diverse 
rural settings.
    In light of the above stated policies and circumstances, the Agency 
will consider the term ``rural''--for RESP beneficiaries' purposes--as 
any area that has a population of 50,000 or less inhabitants or any 
other area designated eligible by statute.

Types of Eligible Borrowers

    RESP is made available to any public power district, public utility 
district, or similar entity, or any electric cooperative described in 
section 501(c)(12) or 1381(a)(2) of title 26, that borrowed and repaid, 
prepaid, or is paying an electric loan made or guaranteed by the Rural 
Utilities Service (or any predecessor agency) and any

[[Page 18416]]

entity primarily owned or controlled by one or more of those entities. 
In addition, the program is available to any other entity that is an 
eligible borrower of the Rural Electric Service, as determined under 7 
CFR 1710.101 or a successor regulation.
    Section 1710.101 provides that RUS makes loans to corporations, 
states, territories, and subdivisions and agencies thereof; 
municipalities; people's utility districts; and cooperative, nonprofit, 
limited-dividend, or mutual associations that provide or propose to 
provide: (1) The retail electric service needs of rural areas, or (2) 
the power supply needs of distribution borrowers under the terms of 
power supply arrangements satisfactory to RUS. This provision has been 
traditionally construed as referring to electric related services 
through utilities in rural areas.
    In addition, the original implementing statute provided that loans 
from the RUS borrower to the qualified consumers had to be repaid 
through charges added to the electric service bill for the property, or 
at which, the energy efficiency measures were implemented or would be 
implemented. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 replaced the term 
``electric'' with the term ``recurring'' service bill, effectively 
expanding the reach of the program to a diverse set of energy 
efficiency initiatives.
    The Agency recognizes that states have arranged different and 
diverse approaches and mechanisms to deliver energy efficiency 
programs. The evolution and restructuring of the electric industry and 
the broader efforts to save energy across the utility sector have led 
some states to look to specialized entities and other utilities to 
administer energy efficiency programs. Some jurisdictions have assigned 
the implementation of energy efficiency programs to state government 
entities or quasi-public organizations or entered into agreements with 
non-profits or private entities to deliver the energy efficiency 
services. States have compelling reasons to facilitate energy 
efficiency in rural areas since research shows that rural households in 
America spend 40 percent more on their energy bills than households in 
metropolitan areas. Energy efficiency upgrades have the potential of 
reducing as much as 25 percent of the energy burden in rural 
households. Alleviating the energy burden in rural America has the 
potential of improving the quality of life and promoting economic 
development in our rural communities.
    In recognition of the multiple and distinct models and mechanisms 
that have been developed by the states to deliver energy efficiency 
programs as the energy industry has evolved, the amendments to the 
program introduced by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, and to 
fulfill the goals set forth in Executive Order 13790 of removing the 
barriers to economic development and quality of life in rural America, 
the Agency is amending Sec.  1710.101 to meet the purposes of RESP. 
Section 1710.101 has been revised to recognize that corporations, 
states, territories, and subdivisions and agencies thereof; 
municipalities; people's utility districts; and cooperative, nonprofit, 
limited-dividend, or mutual associations that provide or propose to 
provide eligible purposes under the Rural Energy Savings Program, 
including energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy storage or energy 
conservation measures are considered eligible entities.

Eligible Activities and Energy Efficiency Measures

    Eligible entities that participate in RESP need to submit with 
their loan application a list of energy efficiency measures that will 
be implemented with a RESP loan funds. The eligible entity may update 
the list of the energy efficiency measures from time to time upon 
approval of the Administrator to account for newly available efficiency 
technologies. RESP loan funds will only be approved to fund projects 
where commercially available technologies are used to increase energy 
efficiency (including cost-effective on- and off-grid renewable energy 
technologies or energy storage systems).
    In Sec.  1719.9 of this rule, the Agency has outlined a series of 
energy efficiency measures that will be eligible under the program. 
This list is not exhaustive. The Agency recognizes the dynamic nature 
and frequent evolution of the energy efficiency technologies and 
applications that could benefit the RESP beneficiaries. To avoid 
depriving rural communities from commercialized technological 
innovations in energy efficiency, energy storage, and renewable energy 
applications, the Agency may update the acceptable energy efficiency 
measures, adjust, and clarify the scope of the eligible activities by 
amending this rule from time to time. RUS will welcome innovative 
solutions to deliver durable cost-effective energy efficiency measures 
in our rural communities if they are consistent with the statutory 
requirements of the program. Consideration will be given to the payback 
period of those solutions.

Measurement and Verification

    RESP loans require eligible entities to implement an appropriate 
measurement and verification (M&V) plan, addressed in Sec.  1719.10 of 
this rule, to ensure the effectiveness of the energy efficiency loans 
and the avoidance of conflicts of interest in carrying out their energy 
efficiency programs.
    Our experience in RESP shows that energy efficiency programs using 
RESP loan funds target multiple customer classes with a wide variety of 
energy efficiency project profiles. The eligible entities or their 
designees, will have to exercise professional judgment in developing 
their M&V plans. Considering the circumstances, it is in the best 
interest of RESP to facilitate a framework upon which the eligible 
entities or their designees, can exercise professional judgement in 
developing their M&V plans. The M&V plans will need to be based on 
generally accepted principles and apply the best practices of the 
industry, using reliable data, reasonable assumptions and verifiable 
analytical methodologies. In developing the M&V plans, eligible 
entities are expected to exercise professional judgment in attaining 
the satisfactory level of effort needed to quantify and verify the 
energy savings. The nature, scope, and complexity of the energy 
efficiency measures and activities will dictate the level of effort so 
that it can be commensurate with the project capital investment and the 
risk of miscalculating the savings. In other words, the value of the 
information provided by the M&V activities is appropriate to the value 
of the project itself. The goal for each project ought to be balancing 
the uncertainty in reporting the savings values with the cost of the 
measuring and verifying those saving values.
    In general, the Agency will consider M&V plans from eligible 
entities that apply any of the following techniques to measure, 
calculate and report the savings:
    1. The retrofit isolation with key parameter measurement whereby 
measurements will be taken at the component or system level for the 
baseline and the retrofit equipment, including the key performance 
parameters that define the energy use of the energy reduction measure.
    2. The retrofit isolation with all parameter measurement whereby 
short-term, periodic or continuous measurements of baseline and post-
retrofit use is taken at the component or system level and saving 
values will result from the analysis of the baseline

[[Page 18417]]

and reporting-period energy use (or proxies of energy use).
    3. The whole facility measurement whereby the whole facility energy 
use or sub-facility level energy use is continuously measured during 
the baseline and post-retrofit period. The analysis of the baseline and 
post-retrofit energy use will be used to determine the savings.
    4. The calibrated simulation where computer simulations are used to 
model energy performance of the whole facility and the model is 
calibrated with actual billing data from the facility.
    5. Applying deemed savings values and calculations when reference 
to technical resource manuals upon which the savings values and 
calculations are based is available and adequate mechanisms to ensure 
that such values and calculations are maintained up to date.
    The Agency considers that deemed savings is a reasonable mechanism 
to quantify the energy savings in certain projects where the 
performance of commercially available technology and related energy 
efficiency measures are well known, accepted in the industry and 
documented with repeatable results.
    In those above circumstances, requiring costly and sophisticated 
measurement activities are unlikely to produce a meaningful difference 
in the expected savings while significantly increasing the cost of the 
project. It could further jeopardize an otherwise cost-effective energy 
efficiency project. A material cost increase in a project as a result 
of measurement and verification activities that do not significantly 
reduce the risk of miscalculating the energy savings, would 
unreasonably limit the access to energy efficiency measures that the 
RESP aims to support. In accepting M&V plans based on deemed savings, 
the Agency will be taking into consideration applicable technical 
resource manuals, M&V studies performed by entities like the eligible 
entity, or such other M&V analysis reasonably applicable to the 
conditions in the area where the energy efficiency measures will be 
implemented.

Auditing and Accounting Requirements

    Section 6303 of The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 
115-334) amended the RESP and required the Agency ``to take the 
appropriate steps to streamline the accounting requirements on [RESP] 
borrowers . . . while maintaining adequate assurances of the repayment 
of the loans.'' Auditing and accounting requirements are found in Sec.  
1719.13 of this rule.
    As a lending program, the Agency monitors the borrowers' ability to 
repay their indebtedness to the Federal Government. In order to provide 
a standardized method to carry out the Agency's responsibility, 
borrowers are required to adopt and follow systems of accounts based on 
the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of 
America (GAAP). The Agency further requires the financial statements to 
be audited to ensure that information upon which decisions will be made 
are based on legitimate data.
    Traditional RUS-Electric Program borrowers follow 7 CFR 1767, the 
RUS Uniform Systems of Accounts-Electric, and submit annual audited 
comparative financial statements in accordance with 7 CFR part 1773. 
Audits are required to follow Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing 
Standards (GAGAS) as set forth by the Comptroller General of the United 
States and the provisions of 2 CFR part 200, subpart F. These 
requirements are material covenants in the existing loan contracts 
executed by the RUS borrowers and these existing RUS borrowers that 
apply for RESP loans will be required to continue to comply with these 
provisions in their existing loan documents.
    The Agency acknowledges that there may be eligible entities 
interested in participating in RESP that are not bound by existing loan 
contracts with RUS and thus are not familiar with the RUS Uniform 
Systems of Accounts-Electric. There also may be provisions of the RUS 
Uniform Systems of Accounts-Electric that do not apply in the context 
of certain eligible entities' business models.
    In the interest of balancing the statutory mandate and preserving 
the integrity of the portfolio and taxpayer's money, the Agency will 
accept systems of accounts based on GAAP as the baseline standard for 
new and RESP borrowers. The Agency will consider reasonable proposals 
of RESP borrowers to streamline the accounting requirements only if 
such proposals afford the Agency adequate mechanisms to ensure the full 
and timely repayment of the RESP loan.
    RESP borrowers will be required to prepare and furnish to RUS, at 
least once during each 12- month period, a full and complete audited 
financial report. RESP borrowers must also comply with the requirements 
of 2 CFR part 200, subpart F. As noted above, RESP borrowers with 
existing RUS loans must continue to comply with the auditing 
requirements in their existing RUS loan documents. The Administrator 
may modify the audit requirements for RESP Borrowers if in his or her 
judgement it is necessary to satisfy RESP Program goals.

Application Process and Agency Review

    The application process in RESP is comprised of two steps. In the 
initial step, an entity interested in RESP will submit a Letter of 
Intent as described in Sec.  1719.5 of this rule. The Letter of Intent 
will be a brief description of the proposed energy efficiency program 
and a description of the prospective RESP applicant. RUS will consider 
the letters of intent in the order they are received and will review it 
to determine if the Applicant and the proposed project are eligible to 
participate in the program as well as to whether the Applicant's 
financial condition will allow it to complete the application process 
and successfully repay the loan. At this stage of the process the 
Applicant is expected to provide a brief overview of its energy 
efficiency program and its financial status in enough detail for RUS to 
make a determination that the potential borrower is likely to 
successfully complete a loan application. A successful Letter of Intent 
will be followed by an invitation to proceed with a complete loan 
application. In the interest of avoiding unnecessary time and effort, 
and expenses on behalf of the Applicant, RUS will only consider 
complete loan applications from entities that have been officially 
invited to proceed with a loan application.
    In reviewing RESP loan applications, the Administrator will assess 
the Applicant's ability to repay the loan in full and its ability to 
meet all other obligations and will also review its past performance as 
well as its determination to satisfy its obligations. The Administrator 
will also consider the financial resources retained by the Applicant to 
provide for a cushion against unexpected losses. In addition, the 
Agency will consider the adequacy of the collateral to ensure the 
interest of the government is sufficiently protected and secured. In 
approving a RESP loan, the Agency will review the energy efficiency 
program implementation and the proposed M&V methods and activities.

Loan Closing

    Upon approval of a RESP loan, the Applicant will be notified by 
written notification through a conditional commitment letter. This 
notification will be a RESP loan offer and will include all the terms 
and conditions considered necessary by the Administrator to make the 
RESP loan. The conditional commitment letter will

[[Page 18418]]

indicate the steps the RESP applicant will need to take to inform RUS 
of its intent to meet the stated loan conditions and will also include 
further loan closing instructions.

Federal Register Notices

    To implement this Part, the Agency will publish at least an annual 
Federal Register notice. Each notice will address the following items 
as necessary:
    Funding Availability. The Agency will issue notices each year 
specifying the amount of funds available for RESP loans. Notices may 
also include funding priorities and application periods.
    Program Changes. If there are any changes to the RESP Program, this 
rule will be amended accordingly.

Request for Comments

    Since its inception in 2016, the RESP has evolved. New and 
clarifying authorities have been added to the program including changes 
made by the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) (Pub. 
L. 115-334) which reauthorized the implementation of the RESP. Title 
VI, subtitle C, Section 6303 of the 2018 Farm Bill introduced several 
amendments to Section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 
Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107a). These changes include an increase in the 
maximum interest rate RUS eligible borrowers may charge to their 
qualified consumers, streamlining the accounting requirements, and the 
use of a recurring bill to the qualified consumer as a repayment 
mechanism for the RUS borrowers.
    To enhance program delivery, the Agency seeks input from the public 
on this rule. The Agency will follow this final rule which affords the 
public an opportunity to comment, with a subsequent final rule which 
will be published in the Federal Register.

List of Subjects

    Electric power, Grant programs-energy, Loan programs-energy, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas.

    Therefore, for reasons set forth in the preamble, chapter XVII, 
title 7, the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 1710--GENERAL AND PRE-LOAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMON TO 
ELECTRIC LOANS AND GUARANTEES

0
1. The authority citation for part 1710 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 901 et seq, 1921 et seq., 6941 et seq.

0
2. In Sec.  1710.101, revise (a)(2) and add new paragraph (a)(3) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  1710.101   Types of eligible borrowers.

    (a) * * *
    (2) The power supply needs of distribution borrowers under the 
terms of power supply arrangement satisfactory to RUS, or
    (3) Eligible purposes under the Rural Energy Savings Program, 
including energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy storage or energy 
conservation measures and related services, improvements, investments, 
financing or relending.

0
3. Add part 1719 to read as follows:

PART 1719--RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM

Subpart A--General Provisions
Sec.
1719.1 Purpose.
1719.2 Definitions.
1719.3 Policy.
Subpart B--Application, Submission and Administration of RESP Loans
1719.4 Eligibility.
1719.5 Application process and required information.
1719.6 Agency review.
1719.7 Conditional commitment letter and loan closing.
1719.8 Loan provisions.
1719.9 Eligible activities and energy efficiency measures.
1719.10 Measurement and verification.
1719.11 Compliance with USDA departmental regulations, policies, and 
other federal laws.
1719.12 Reporting.
1719.13 Auditing and accounting requirements.

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 8107a (Section 6407).

Subpart A--General Provisions


Sec.  1719.1   Purpose.

    This part establishes policies and procedures for the 
implementation of the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) under Section 
6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as amended, 
by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). It is the purpose of this part to 
help rural families and small businesses achieve cost savings by 
providing loans through eligible entities to qualified consumers to 
implement durable cost-effective energy efficiency measures.


 Sec.  1719.2   Definitions.

    The following definitions apply to subparts A and B of this part 
and must have the following meanings for purposes of the Rural Energy 
Savings Program:
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Rural Utilities 
Service, an agency under the Rural Development mission area of the 
United States Department of Agriculture.
    Applicant means an Eligible entity interested in applying for a 
RESP loan that is planning to submit a Letter of Intent.
    Commercial technology means equipment, devices, applications, or 
systems that have a proven, reliable performance and replicable 
operating history specific to the proposed application. The equipment, 
device, application or system is based on established patented design 
or has been certified by an industry-recognized organization and 
subject to installation, operating, and maintenance procedures 
generally accepted by industry practices and standards. Service and 
replacement parts for the equipment, device, application or system must 
be readily available in the marketplace with established warranty 
applicable to parts, labor and performance.
    Completed loan application means an application containing all 
information required by RUS to approve a loan and that is materially 
complete in form and substance satisfactory to RUS within the specified 
time.
    Conditional commitment letter means the notification issued by the 
Administrator to a RESP Applicant advising it of the total loan amount 
approved for it as a RESP borrower, the acceptable security 
arrangement, and such controls and conditions on the RESP borrower's 
financial, investment, operational and managerial activities deemed 
necessary by the Administrator to adequately secure the Government's 
interest. This notification will also describe the accounting standards 
and audit requirements applicable to the transaction.
    Conflict of interest means a situation or situations, event or 
series of events, that taken together or separately undermine an 
individual's judgement, ability, or commitment to providing an 
accurate, unbiased, fair and reliable assessment, or determination 
about the cost effectiveness of the Energy efficiency measures, due to 
self-interest or if such judgement, ability, commitment or 
determination cannot be justified by the prevailing and sound 
application of the generally accepted standards and principles of the 
industry.
    Deemed savings means the per-unit energy savings values that can be 
claimed from installing specific measures under specific operating 
situations. Savings are based on stipulated values stemming from 
historical and verified data, derived

[[Page 18419]]

from research of historical savings values from typical projects.
    Deemed savings calculations means standardized algorithms to 
calculate energy savings applicable to well-defined energy efficiency 
measures that have documented and consistent savings values.
    Eligible entity means an entity described in Sec.  1719.4.
    Energy audit means an analysis of the current energy usage or costs 
of a Qualified consumer with the goal of identifying opportunities to 
enhance energy efficiency. The activity should result in an objective 
standard-based technical report containing recommendations on the 
Energy efficiency measures to reduce energy costs or consumption of the 
Qualified consumer and an analysis of the estimated benefits and costs 
of pursuing each recommendation in a payback period not to exceed the 
loan term to the Qualified consumer. The analysis must meet 
professional and industry standards and be commensurate to the 
complexity of the project.
    Energy efficiency measures (EE measures) means for or at property 
served by an Eligible entity, structural improvements and investments 
in cost-effective, commercial technologies to increase energy 
efficiency (including cost-effective on- or off-grid renewable energy 
or energy storage systems).
    Energy efficiency program (EE Program) means a program set up by an 
Eligible entity to provide financing to Qualified consumers so that 
they can implement durable cost-effective Energy efficiency measures.
    Financial feasibility means an Eligible entity's capacity to 
generate enough revenues to cover its expenses, sufficient cash flow to 
service its debts and obligations as they come due, and meet the 
financial ratios set forth in the applicable loan documents.
    Government means the Federal Government.
    GAAP means the generally accepted accounting principles in the 
United States of America as issued by the Financial Accounting 
Standards Board (FASB) in the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC).
    Implementation Work Plan or EE Program Implementation Work Plan 
(IWP) means an Implementation work plan that meets the requirements 
listed in Sec.  1719.5(b)(3)(i)(F).
    Invitation to proceed means the written notification issued by RUS 
to the Eligible entity acknowledging that the Letter of Intent was 
received and reviewed, describing the next steps in the application 
process, and inviting the Eligible entity to submit a complete loan 
application.
    Key performance indicators mean the set of measures that help an 
entity to determine if it is reaching its performance and operational 
goals. These indicators can be both financial and non-financial.
    Letter of Intent means a signed letter issued by an Applicant 
notifying RUS of its intent to apply for a RESP loan and addressing all 
the elements identified in Sec.  1719.5(b)(2).
    Loan to a Qualified consumer means a transaction by which an RUS 
borrower makes RESP funds available to a Qualified consumer for the 
purpose of implementing Energy efficiency measures at a property or for 
the property of a Qualified consumer to increase energy efficiency on 
the condition that the RUS borrower will be able to collect the funds 
made available to the Qualified consumer.
    Manufactured home means a structure that is transportable, built on 
a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling that meets 
the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development definition set 
forth in 24 CFR 3280.2 or a successor rule.
    Measurement and Verification (M&V) means the process of quantifying 
the energy and cost savings resulting from the improvements in an 
energy-consuming system or systems.
    Multi-tier Agreement means an agreement entered into by the RESP 
applicant that complies with the Rural Development's Environmental 
Policies and Procedures, pursuant to 7 CFR part 1970 or its successor 
regulation.
    Qualified consumer means a consumer served by an Eligible entity 
that has the ability to repay a loan made by a RESP borrower under the 
RESP program, as determined by the Eligible entity.
    RESP applicant means an Eligible entity that has received a written 
Invitation to proceed from RUS to apply for a RESP loan.
    RESP borrower means an Eligible entity with an approved RESP loan 
as evidenced by duly executed RESP loan documents.
    Rural, for purposes of 7 U.S.C. 8107a(a), means any area that has a 
population of 50,000 or less inhabitants or any other area designated 
eligible by statute.
    Small business means an entity that is in accordance with the Small 
Business Administration's (SBA) small business size standards found in 
13 CFR part 121.
    Special advance means an advance, not to exceed 4 percent of the 
total approved loan amount, that a RESP borrower may request to defray 
the startup costs of establishing a new EE Program.
    Start-up costs mean amounts paid or incurred for:
    (1) Creating or implementing an active EE program; or
    (2) Investing in the integration of an active EE Program. Start-up 
costs may include, but are not limited to, amounts paid or incurred in 
the analysis or survey of potential markets, products such as software 
and hardware, labor supply, consultants, salaries and other working 
capital directly related to the creation or enhancement of an EE 
Program consistent with RESP.
    Technical Resource Manual (TRM) means a resource document that 
includes information used in program planning and reporting of EE 
Programs. A TRM may include savings values for measures, engineering 
algorithms to calculate savings, impact factors to be applied to 
calculated savings, foundational documentation, specified assumptions, 
and such other pertinent information to support the calculation of 
measure and program savings and the application of such values and 
algorithms in appropriate applications.


Sec.  1719.3   Policy and Federal Register Notices.

    (a) Eligible entities (see Sec.  1719.2 and Sec.  1719.4) are 
permitted to participate in the Rural Energy Saving Program on the 
condition that loan funds will be used to make loans to Qualified 
consumers for the purpose of implementing EE measures.
    (b) The Agency will issue annual Federal Register notices each year 
specifying the amount of funds available under this Part. Notices may 
also include program priorities and loan application periods. The 
Administrator in setting funding priorities and application periods may 
consider the amount of available funds, the nature and amount of 
unfunded loan applications, prior commitments, Agency resources, Agency 
priorities and policy goals, and any other pertinent information.
    (c) In making loans under this Part, the Administrator may consider 
a proposed EE Program's effect on existing RUS borrowers and the 
integrity of the RUS portfolio and deny or limit approval of a specific 
RESP loan application on that basis if it is determined that such 
requested loan would have a negative effect on existing RUS or RESP 
borrowers or the RUS loan portfolio.
    (d) The Administrator may, on a case-by-case basis, grant an 
exception to any requirement or provision of this subpart provided that 
such an exception is in

[[Page 18420]]

the best financial interests of the Federal government. Exercise of 
this authority cannot be in conflict with applicable law.
    (e) With regard to the rules of grammatical construction, unless 
the context otherwise indicates, ``includes'' and ``including'' are not 
limiting, and ``or'' is not exclusive.

Subpart B--Application, Submission and Administration of RESP Loans


Sec.  1719.4   Eligibility.

    Under this subpart, Eligible entities for the RESP include:
    (a) Any public power district, public utility district, or similar 
entity, or any electric cooperative described in section 501(c)(12) or 
1381(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, that borrowed and 
repaid, prepaid, or is paying an electric loan made or guaranteed by 
the Rural Utilities Service (or any predecessor agency);
    (b) Any entity primarily owned or controlled by one (1) or more 
entities described in paragraph (a) of this section; or
    (c) Any other entity that is an eligible borrower of the Rural 
Utilities Service, as determined under 7 CFR 1710.101.


Sec.  1719.5   Application process and required information.

    (a) General. The following are general provisions for the 
application process:
    (1) The RUS, from time to time and subject to appropriations, will 
notify the public specifying funding priorities, funding availability, 
and deadlines.
    (2) Complete applications for loans to Eligible entities will be 
processed pursuant to the provisions in this Part and on a first-come-
first served basis until the funding appropriated to the program is 
fully obligated.
    (3) The submittal of a Letter of Intent is required to participate 
in the program. The letters of intent will be queued as they are 
received. If it advances program and policy goals, RUS may consider 
loan applications from Eligible entities that have submitted Letters of 
Intent under prior funding announcements but that were not invited to 
proceed with a loan application.
    (4) Upon review of the Letter of Intent, RUS may issue an 
Invitation to proceed with a loan application. RUS reserves the right 
to notify the Applicant in the queue that the amount of financing RUS 
will consider for a loan is below the level sought in the Letter of 
Intent. In making this consideration, RUS will consider overall RUS 
program objectives or budgetary constraints. An Invitation to proceed 
with the loan application issued by RUS is not to be deemed as an offer 
by RUS.
    (5) A RESP applicant will have up to ninety (90) days to complete 
the documentation for a complete loan application. The ninety (90) day 
timeframe will begin on the date the RESP applicant receives RUS' 
Invitation to proceed. If the deadline to submit the completed loan 
application falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal holiday, the 
application is due the next business day.
    (6) The Administrator may grant an extension of time to complete 
the documentation required for an application if, in the 
Administrator's sole judgment, the interest of the program would be 
advanced by the extension.
    (7) RUS may limit the number of applications it will consider in 
the same funding cycle from the same Applicant or combine applications 
from a single entity.
    (b) Application process. The application process consists of the 
following two steps:
    (1) An Applicant seeking financing must submit a Letter of Intent 
to be considered under this Part.
    (2) The Letter of Intent must include the following information:
    (i) Legal name and status of the entity seeking financing under 
this Part and its address and principal place of business.
    (ii) The Applicant's tax identification number, SAM Managed 
Identifier (SAMMI), Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number, and such similar 
information as it may be subsequently amended or required for federal 
funding.
    (iii) A statement indicating if the Applicant is a current or a 
former RUS borrower.
    (iv) A description of the service territory.
    (v) Value of the net assets, including any information as to 
whether the Applicant has been placed in receivership, liquidation, or 
under a workout agreement or whether the Applicant has declared 
bankruptcy or has had a decree or order issued for relief in any 
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar action over the last 10 years. 
The Applicant must submit a copy of its balance sheet and income 
statements for the last 3 years. If applicable, the Applicant must 
provide the balance sheet and income statements for the last 3 years of 
the entity or entities providing equity or security for the RESP loan 
together with an explanation of the legal relationship among the 
entities.
    (vi) Identification of a point of contact and provide contact 
information.
    (vii) Description of the program or projects expected to be 
financed with the RESP loans funds. This description must not exceed 
five (5) pages (size 8.5 x 11). RUS reserves the right not to consider 
Letters of Intent where the project description exceeds five (5) pages. 
The description should include the following:
    (A) Description of the service to be provided to Qualified 
consumers.
    (B) Identity of the staff or contractors that will be implementing 
the EE Program and their credentials.
    (C) A summarized version of the expected IWP addressing the 
following elements:
    (1) The marketing strategy.
    (2) The relending process.
    (3) A brief description of the processes, procedures, and 
capabilities to quantify and verify the reduction in energy consumption 
or decrease in the energy costs of the Qualified consumers.
    (4) A list of eligible EE measures expected to be implemented. An 
Applicant with an existing EE Program in place by April 8, 2014, may 
describe the EE measures, its IWP, and its M&V plan for the existing 
program in its Letter of Intent to expedite the application process.
    (viii) The Applicant must provide evidence of its key performance 
indicators for the 5 complete years prior to the submission of the loan 
application if the total loan amount exceeds $5 million.
    (3) Instructions on how to submit the loan application package will 
be included in the RUS Invitation to proceed to the RESP applicant. RUS 
will timely schedule an initial conference call with the RESP applicant 
to discuss the elements of the loan application.
    (i) Content of the application package includes the following:
    (A) A signed cover letter from the RESP applicant's General Manager 
or highest-ranking officer requesting RESP loan funds to make loans to 
Qualified consumers for the purpose of implementing EE measures.
    (B) A signed copy of the board resolution or applicable authorizing 
document approving and establishing the EE Program and authorizing the 
Eligible entity to take a RESP loan.
    (C) The RESP applicant must provide the Applicant's articles of 
incorporation or other applicable organizational documents currently in 
effect, as filed with the appropriate state office, setting forth the 
RESP applicant's corporate purpose; and the RESP Applicant must also 
provide the bylaws or other applicable governing documents currently in 
effect, as adopted by the RESP applicant's applicable governing body. 
RESP applicants that are active RUS borrowers may comply with this 
requirement by notifying RUS in writing

[[Page 18421]]

that there are no material changes to the documents already on file 
with RUS.
    (D) A copy of the duly executed Multi-Tier Action Environmental 
Compliance Agreement (Multi-Tier Agreement) consistent with Rural 
Development's Environmental Policies and Procedures, 7 CFR part 1970 or 
its successor regulation. A copy of the Multi-tier Agreement will be 
provided to the RESP applicant with the Invitation to proceed and the 
requirements of Sec.  1970.55 will be discussed with the RESP applicant 
in the initial conference call. Activities and investments listed in 
the IWP must match the activities and investments identified in the 
Multi-tier Agreement executed between RUS and the RESP applicant. 
Additional RUS environmental review will be required if the RESP 
applicant pursues additional or different activities other than the 
ones listed in the Multi-tier Agreement. If funded, a RESP borrower 
would be responsible for performing and documenting environmental 
reviews consistent with Sec.  1970.55.
    (E) A financial forecast approved by the applicable governing body 
of the RESP applicant in support of its loan application. The financial 
forecast must cover a period of at least 10 years and must demonstrate 
that the RESP applicant's operation is economically viable and that the 
proposed loan is financially feasible. RUS may request additional 
information or projections for a longer period, if RUS deems such 
supplemental data necessary based on the financial structure of the 
RESP Applicant or necessary to make a determination regarding loan 
feasibility. A RESP applicant must, after submitting a loan 
application, promptly notify RUS of any changes in its circumstances 
that materially affect the information contained in the loan 
application. The financial forecast and related projections submitted 
in support of a loan application must include:
    (1) Current and projected cash flows.
    (2) A pro forma balance sheet, statement of operations, and general 
funds summary projected for each year during the forecast period. The 
requested RESP loan must be included in the financial forecast. Revenue 
from the interest charged to the Qualified consumer must also be 
included together with an explanation of the expected use of such 
proceeds.
    (3) The financial goals established for margins, debt service 
coverage, equity, and levels of general funds to be invested in the EE 
Program. The financial forecast must use the accrual method of 
accounting for analyzing costs and revenues and, as applicable, compare 
the economic results of the various alternatives on a present value 
basis.
    (4) A full explanation of the assumptions, supporting data, and 
analysis used in the forecast, including the methodology used to 
project revenues, operating expenses, and any other factors having a 
material effect on the balance sheet and the financial ratios such as 
equity and debt service coverage. RUS may require additional data and 
analysis on a case-by-case basis to assess the probable future 
competitiveness of the RESP applicant.
    (5) Current and projected nonoperating income and expense.
    (6) An itemized budget and schedule for the activities to be 
implemented with the RESP funds and a discussion on the expected 
delinquency and default rates and how the loan loss reserve will be set 
up. The RESP applicant is expected to forecast the amount of loans to 
be made to Qualified consumers over a 10-year timeframe. If the RESP 
applicant determines to charge interest, the RESP applicant must 
describe how it is going to use the funds generated from the interest 
to be received from the loans to the Qualified consumers.
    (7) A sensitivity analysis may be required by RUS on a case-by-case 
basis.
    (F) The RESP applicant must produce, to the satisfaction of the 
Administrator, an Implementation Work Plan or EE Program Implementation 
Work Plan (IWP), duly approved by the applicable governing body of the 
Eligible entity. The IWP will cross reference the Financial Forecast 
and must address the following core elements:
    (1) The RESP applicant will identify the Qualified consumers by 
customer classes that will benefit from the proceeds of a loan made 
under this Part and explain the promotional activities that will be 
executed to carry out the energy efficiency relending program. The RESP 
applicant should also include the target penetration rates by market 
segment and expected investments in marketing the relending program. In 
doing so, it is expected that racial and ethnic demographics for the 
service area would be provided.
    (2) The RESP applicant will describe the activities and investments 
(list of EE measures) to be implemented in the EE Program and the 
expected energy savings.
    (i) The RESP applicant must include a schedule for implementation 
with an itemized list of anticipated costs for each task.
    (ii) The RESP applicant must specify whether a Special advance will 
be requested and, if so, must detail the expected use of such loan 
proceeds.
    (iii) In describing the EE Program, the RESP applicant must 
describe the intake process, including but not limited to, the 
underwriting criteria, if applicable, and the quantifiable elements 
considered in recommending energy retrofits or investments to reduce 
the Qualified consumer's energy cost or consumption. It is also 
expected that a description of the process for documenting and 
perfecting collateral arrangements with Qualified Consumers, when 
applicable, be also included in the narrative.
    (iv) The RESP applicant will also identify the staff that will be 
carrying out the EE Program and will describe the tasks that will be 
performed by such individuals together with their expertise and 
credentials. Should the RESP applicant decide to outsource 
implementation of the EE Program, the credentials and expertise of the 
third party implementing the outsourced tasks must be described. 
Consideration must be given to the third party's ability and expertise 
in implementing an EE Program at the scale pursued with the RESP 
funding. The statement of qualifications must show the party's 
experience carrying out the financial and technical components of an EE 
Program at the desired scale. A RESP applicant with an existing EE 
Program as of April 8, 2014, may submit the IWP plan previously 
established to fulfill this requirement.
    (3) The RESP applicant must include an evaluation of the financial 
and operational risk associated with the EE Program. When applicable, 
the RESP applicant should include an estimate of the prospective 
consumer loan losses consistent with the loan loss reserve.
    (4) A Measurement and Verification (M&V) plan that meets the 
requirements of Sec.  1719.10. In the alternative, a RESP applicant may 
provide an M&V plan approved by a state or local regulatory entity.
    (G) The RESP applicant must provide a statement of compliance with 
the federal statutes as provided in Sec.  1719.11.


Sec.  1719.6   Agency review.

    (a) General. Loans made under this program will be made only when 
the Administrator finds and certifies that in his or her judgment there 
is reasonably adequate security and the loan will be repaid within the 
time agreed.
    (b) Eligibility for other loans. RUS will not include any debt 
incurred by a borrower under this program in the calculation of the 
debt-equity ratios of the borrower for purposes of eligibility

[[Page 18422]]

for loans under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et 
seq.).
    (c) Letter of intent. RUS will consider complete Letters of intent 
in the order they are received. In reviewing Letters of intent, RUS 
will be assessing:
    (1) Applicant eligibility. Applicant's eligibility to participate 
in the program.
    (2) Project eligibility. Eligibility of the proposed EE Program or 
project.
    (3) Financial status. The financial status of the RESP applicant to 
determine the Applicant's likelihood to complete a loan application and 
successfully repay a RESP loan.
    (d) Loan application. Prudent lending practices require that the 
Administrator make certain findings prior to approving a RESP loan. 
RESP applicants must provide the evidence, in form and substance 
satisfactory to the Administrator, to be able to make such findings. In 
making loans under this Section, the Administrator will consider, 
including, but not limited to, the following factors:
    (1) Loan feasibility. The RESP applicant's ability to repay the 
loan in full as scheduled and all other obligations of the borrower 
will be met.
    (2) RESP applicant's character. The RESP applicant's past 
performance and determination to satisfy its obligations; evidenced by 
such factors as credit history, previous experience addressing 
adversity, and manner of conducting business.
    (3) RESP applicant's equity. The financial resources retained by 
the RESP applicant to provide a cushion against unexpected losses.
    (4) Overall condition of RESP applicant and project. Verification 
that the proposed EE Program meets all the requirements of the Rural 
Energy Savings Program and an assessment of those factors that may 
affect the RESP applicant's ability to repay the RESP loan or implement 
the EE Program as proposed.
    (5) Loan security. The RESP applicant's assets pledged to secure 
the loan. Collateral will be assessed for each applicant taking into 
consideration asset value, lien position, credit risk and borrower's 
profile. Collateral pledged should be adequate to protect the 
Government's interest. RUS reserves the right to require an asset 
appraisal.
    (6) EE program implementation and measurement and verification. 
RESP applicant's IWP must be based on reasonable assumptions and 
adequate supporting data and the M&V plan reasonably complies with 
Sec.  1719.10. However, the Administrator, in his or her sole 
discretion, may deem this requirement satisfied upon finding that the 
IWP and M&V plan from an existing EE Program as of April 8, 2014 is 
consistent with the purpose of the Rural Energy Savings Program. A RESP 
applicant with an existing EE Program as of April 8, 2014, may submit 
the M&V plan previously established to fulfill this requirement.


Sec.  1719.7   Conditional commitment letter and loan closing.

    (a) Conditional commitment letter. A successful RESP loan applicant 
will receive a Conditional commitment letter from the Administrator 
notifying the RESP applicant of the total loan amount approved by RUS; 
any additional controls on the its financial, investment, operational 
and managerial activities; acceptable security arrangements; and such 
other conditions deemed necessary by the Administrator to adequately 
secure the Government's interest, ensure repayment, and abide by the 
RESP requirements as outlined in this Part. This written notification 
is a conditional RESP loan offer.
    (1) The requirements for coverage ratios will be set forth in the 
Conditional commitment letter.
    (2) Receipt of a Conditional commitment letter from the 
Administrator does not authorize the RESP applicant to commence 
performance under the approved loan.
    (b) Intent to meet conditions. The RESP applicant must acknowledge 
receipt of the Conditional commitment letter and notify RUS in writing 
within 60 days or otherwise specified in the Conditional commitment 
letter that it has reviewed and understood the conditions set forth in 
the Conditional commitment letter and that it is the intent of the RESP 
applicant to meet all the conditions. The RESP applicant must promptly 
notify RUS should circumstances or its intent of meeting the conditions 
change. The Administrator may consider requests to amend the conditions 
and amend the conditions in a subsequent Conditional commitment letter, 
when it advances program and policy goals and is in the best interest 
of the Government.
    (c) Loan closing. The loan will be closed in accordance with RUS 
instructions.
    (1) Upon receipt of the acceptance of the loan offer from the RESP 
applicant, RUS, working with its legal counsel, will draft the loan 
documents which will include the loan conditions and other applicable 
legal requirements.
    (2) The loan documents will be forwarded to the RESP applicant by 
RUS for execution by the RESP applicant's signatories and returned to 
RUS prior to a mutually acceptable closing date. RUS reserves the right 
to unilaterally set a closing date to advance program and policy goals.
    (3) The loan closing date will be used to determine the RESP loan 
maturity date which under no circumstances will exceed 20 years.
    (4) An opinion of counsel is required at closing and must be in 
form and substance acceptable to the Administrator. A form opinion of 
counsel will be included in the closing instructions.
    (d) Post-closing activities. All RUS requirements and conditions 
for lending set forth in the loan agreement must be met before the loan 
will be advanced. RUS will notify the RUS borrower when it is 
authorized to commence activities to be funded by the RESP loan.


Sec.  1719.8   Loan provisions.

    (a) Financial ratios. The Administrator will set financial coverage 
ratios based on the risk profile of the RESP applicant and specific 
loan terms. Those financial ratios will be included in the RESP 
borrower's loan documents with RUS.
    (1) Unless otherwise notified, existing RUS borrowers will be 
subject to their current debt service coverage ratios as provided in 
their previously executed loan contracts with RUS.
    (2) The minimum coverage ratio required for RESP borrowers, whether 
applied on annual or average basis is 1.05 Debt Service Coverage (DSC) 
unless specifically waived by the Administrator.
    (3) DSC for RESP borrowers that are not existing RUS borrowers 
under the Rural Electrification Act will be defined as (Net Income or 
Total Margins) + (Interest Charges on Long Term Debt) + (Principal 
payments from RESP relending activities) + (Depreciation and 
Amortization Expenses)/Total Debt Service Billed.
    (4) In reviewing and approving a RESP loan, the Administrator may 
increase the coverage ratio required to be met by an individual RESP 
borrower if the Administrator determines that higher ratios are 
required to ensure the repayment of the loan made by RUS, or reduce the 
coverage ratios if the Administrator determines that the lower ratios 
are in the best interest of the Government. The coverage ratios will be 
set forth in the loan documents.
    (b) Collateral. RUS generally requires that borrowers provide it 
with a first priority lien on all of the borrower's real and personal 
property, including intangible personal property and any property 
acquired after the date of the loan. Collateral that is used to secure 
a loan must ordinarily be free from liens or security interests other 
than those

[[Page 18423]]

permitted by RUS or existing security documents.
    (1) For existing RUS borrowers, the Administrator may, in his or 
her sole discretion, rely on existing security arrangements with RUS.
    (2) When a RESP borrower is unable, by reason of preexisting 
encumbrances, or otherwise, to furnish a first priority lien on its 
entire system, the Administrator may accept other forms of security, 
including but not limited to a parent guarantee, state guarantee, an 
irrevocable letter of credit, surety bond, pledge of revenues, or other 
security if the Administrator determines such credit support is 
reasonably adequate to protect the government's interests and otherwise 
acceptable in form and substance.
    (3) RUS may in certain circumstances agree to share its priority 
lien position with another lender provided the RESP loan is adequately 
secured and the security arrangements are acceptable to RUS. In such 
circumstances, RUS will consider entering into joint security 
arrangements with other lenders on a pari passu basis.
    (c) Equity contributions. To be eligible for a RESP loan, a newly 
created Eligible entity or an entity primarily owned or controlled by 
one (1) or more entities as described in Sec.  1719.4 must meet a 
minimum equity contribution in the proposed EE Program requirement at 
the time of the loan closing. The eligible entity will be required to 
continue to maintain the minimum equity contribution for the life of 
the loan or other time period as determined by the Administrator and as 
set forth in the loan documents. The minimum acceptable equity 
contribution for each RESP borrower will be determined by the 
Administrator as set forth below and will be included in the 
Conditional commitment letter and the loan documents as a condition and 
covenant to the RESP loan.
    (1) The required equity contribution and related terms will be 
determined by the Administrator for the individual RESP applicant based 
upon the its risk profile and available collateral for the RESP loan.
    (2) RUS reserves the right to require additional equity 
contributions from existing RUS or RESP borrowers when it is in the 
best interest of the Government.
    (3) If the RESP applicant under this section is unable to achieve a 
minimal acceptable contribution, as set forth in the Conditional 
commitment letter, the Administrator may consider the following to meet 
such shortfall to the minimum acceptable equity contribution:
    (i) The infusion of additional capital into the EE Program by an 
Investor to meet the shortfall to the minimum acceptable equity 
contribution. RUS may require that the additional capital be deposited 
into a RESP applicant's special account subject to a deposit account 
control agreement with RUS prior to loan closing.
    (ii) An unconditional, irrevocable letter of credit, in form and 
substance satisfactory to the Administrator, in the amount necessary to 
meet the shortfall to the minimum acceptable equity contribution. RUS 
must be an unconditional payee under the letter of credit and the 
letter of credit must be in place prior to loan closing and remain in 
place until the loan is repaid unless specified otherwise in the loan 
documents.
    (iii) General obligation bonds or special revenue bonds issued by 
tribal, state or local governments in the amount necessary to meet the 
shortfall to the minimum acceptable equity contribution. If the minimum 
acceptable equity position is satisfied in full or part with general 
obligation bonds or special revenue bonds, any lien securing the bonds 
must be subordinate to the lien of the Government securing the RESP 
loan.
    (iv) Any other requirements or mechanisms approved by the 
Administrator to meet the shortfall to the minimum acceptable equity 
contribution.
    (d) Loan advances. RUS will disburse loan funds to the RESP 
borrower in accordance with the terms and conditions of the executed 
loan documents.
    (1) Excluding the Special Advance, all loan funds will be disbursed 
either as an advance in anticipation of loans to be made by the RESP 
borrower to the Qualified consumers; or as a reimbursement for eligible 
program costs, including loans already made to Qualified consumers. No 
disbursements will be made until the RESP borrower has complied with 
the loan conditions set forth in the loan documents. Any disbursement 
of loan funds to a RESP borrower within a 12-month consecutive period 
must not exceed 50 percent of the approved loan amount.
    (i) The RESP borrower must provide to the Qualified consumers all 
RESP loan funds that the RESP borrower receives within one year of 
receiving them from RUS. If the RESP borrower does not re-lend the RESP 
loan funds within one year, the unused RESP loan funds, and any 
interest earned on those RESP loan funds, must be returned to the 
Government and will be applied to the RESP borrower's debt.
    (ii) The RESP borrower will not be eligible to receive additional 
RESP loan funds from RUS until providing evidence, in form and 
substance satisfactory to the Administrator, that RESP loan funds from 
a previous advance have been fully relent to Qualified consumers or 
returned to the Government.
    (iii) RUS will disburse the RESP loan funds as an advance in 
anticipation of loans to be made by the RESP borrower to the Qualified 
consumers only if the RESP borrower has established written procedures 
that will minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of RESP loan 
funds from RUS to the RESP borrower and its corresponding disbursement 
to the Qualified consumer.
    (iv) A RESP borrower's request for an advance in anticipation of 
loans to Qualified consumers should be limited to the minimum amounts 
needed and timed to be in accordance with the actual immediate cash 
needs to carry out the EE Program.
    (2) The RESP borrower may elect to request a Special advance to 
defray the appropriate start-up costs of establishing a new EE Program 
or modify an existing EE Program.
    (i) The Special advance must not exceed 4 percent of the total 
approved loan amount.
    (ii) Repayment of the Special advance must be required during the 
10-year period beginning on the date on which the Special advance is 
made.
    (iii) The RESP borrower may elect to defer the repayment of the 
Special advance to the end of the 10-year period.
    (iv) All Special advances must be made during the first 10-years of 
the term of the loan.
    (v) All amounts advanced on the loan by RUS to the RESP borrower, 
including the Special advance, must be paid prior to the final maturity 
which must not exceed 20 years.
    (vi) The Special advance maximum amount must be requested by the 
Borrower and approved by RUS prior to loan closing.
    (e) Loans to Qualified Consumers. RUS borrowers loans to Qualified 
Consumers will be subject to the following terms and for the purposes 
listed below.
    (1) RESP borrower's loans to its Qualified consumers must be for 
the purpose of implementing EE measures.
    (2) Loans to Qualified consumers may bear interest not to exceed 5 
percent.
    (3) Each loan made by the RESP borrower to a Qualified consumer may 
not exceed a term of 10 years.

[[Page 18424]]

    (4) The EE measures financed with a RESP loan proceeds must be for 
the purpose of decreasing energy (not just electricity) usage or costs 
of the Qualified consumer by an amount that ensures, to the maximum 
extent practicable, that a loan term of not more than 10 years will not 
pose an undue financial burden on the Qualified consumer.
    (5) RESP loan proceeds must not be used to fund purchases of, or 
modifications to, personal property unless the personal property is or 
becomes attached to real property (including a manufactured home) as a 
fixture.
    (6) Loans made to Qualified consumers must be repaid through 
charges added to the recurring service bill for the property for, or, 
at which the EE measures have been or will be implemented. This 
requirement does not prohibit the voluntary prepayment of the loan by 
the owner of the property; or the use of any additional repayment 
mechanisms that are demonstrated to have appropriate risk mitigation 
measures, as determined by the RESP borrower, or required if the 
Qualified consumer is no longer a customer of the RESP Borrower.
    (7) Loans made by a RESP borrower to a Qualified consumer using 
RESP loan funds must require an Energy audit by the RESP borrower to 
determine the impact of the proposed EE measures on the energy costs 
and consumption of the Qualified consumer. For purposes of this 
section, an energy audit performed by a contractor or agent of the RESP 
borrower would be deemed as performed by the RESP borrower.
    (8) The RESP borrower must comply with all applicable federal, 
state, and local laws and regulations in making loans to Qualified 
consumers. Approval by RUS and its employees of a loan under this 
section does not constitute a Government endorsement. The Government 
and its employees assume no legal liability for the accuracy, 
completeness or usefulness of any information, product, service, or 
process funded directly or indirectly with financial assistance 
provided under RESP. Nothing in the loan documents between RUS and the 
RESP borrower will confer upon any other person any right, benefit or 
remedy of any nature whatsoever. Neither the Government nor its 
employees make any warranty, express or implied, including the 
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, 
with respect to any information, product, service, or process available 
from a RESP borrower or its agents.
    (f) Loan term and repayment. RUS loans to an eligible borrow will 
be subject to the following terms and repayment conditions set forth in 
this section.
    (1) The RESP loans under this section will bear no interest (0 
percent) and have a maturity not exceeding 20 years.
    (2) The amortization schedule must be based on a loan term that 
does not exceed 20 years from the date on which the loan is closed.
    (3) Except for the Special advance, the repayment of each advance 
must be amortized for a period not to exceed 10 years.
    (4) The Administrator may include additional conditions on the 
repayment schedule if, in his or her sole discretion, it is in the best 
interest of the Government.
    (5) The RESP borrower is responsible for fully repaying the RESP 
loan to RUS according to the loan documents regardless of repayment by 
its Qualified consumers.
    (6) The RESP borrower may use the revenues from the interest 
charged to the Qualified consumer to establish a loan loss reserve, and 
to offset personnel and EE Program costs.
    (7) Loans under this Section will not bear interest (0 percent), 
however, indebtedness not paid when due will be subject to interest, 
penalties, administrative costs and late fees as provided in the loan 
documents.


Sec.  1719.9   Eligible activities and energy efficiency measures.

    (a) A RESP Borrower may provide financing to Qualified consumers to 
implement or invest in one or more set of EE measures such as those 
listed in this section.
    (b) A RESP borrower may be able to provide financing to Qualified 
consumers for EE measures not listed in this section, if it can 
justify, to the satisfaction of the Administrator, that the proposed EE 
measure is consistent with the RESP statute, is cost effective, and the 
technology is commercially available. The Administrator must make the 
determination prior to the borrower implementing the EE measure.
    (c) A RESP applicant with an existing EE Program as of April 8, 
2014, may submit the list of the EE measures used in its program to RUS 
for validation and approval. The Administrator will make a finding as 
to whether such EE measures are consistent with the purpose of RESP.
    (d) A RESP borrower, subject to the Administrator's written 
approval, may modify the list of EE measures if those measures are 
consistent with the statutory purpose of RESP.
    (e) RESP loan proceeds must finance EE measures for the purpose of 
decreasing energy usage or costs of the Qualified consumer by an amount 
that ensures, to the maximum extent practicable, that the loan term 
will not pose an undue financial burden on the Qualified consumer.
    (f) Eligible EE measures and investments include, but are not 
limited, to:
    (1) Lighting:
    (i) Lighting fixture upgrades to improve efficiency.
    (ii) Lighting control technologies.
    (iii) Daylighting systems.
    (iv) Energy-efficient lighting technologies.
    (2) Space conditioning, including Heating, Ventilation, and Air 
Conditioning (HVAC):
    (i) Central Air Systems--Energy Star [supreg] qualified equipment.
    (ii) Room air conditioners.
    (iii) Boilers.
    (iv) Heat pumps.
    (v) Ducts and duct sealing.
    (vi) Furnaces--Energy Star[supreg] qualified equipment.
    (vii) Thermostats.
    (viii) Economizers.
    (ix) Air handlers.
    (x) Automated controls.
    (3) Building Envelope Improvements:
    (i) Improved insulation--adding insulation beyond existing levels, 
or above existing building codes.
    (ii) Moisture barrier improvements and air sealing.
    (iii) Caulking and weather stripping of doors and windows.
    (iv) Windows upgrades--Energy Star[supreg] qualified windows.
    (v) Door upgrades--including man-doors, overhead doors with 
integrated insulation and energy efficient windows.
    (4) Motor Systems:
    (i) Pumps, coupling and low-friction pipes.
    (ii) Capacitors.
    (iii) Variable frequency drives.
    (iv) Induction motors repairs or replacements for energy 
efficiency.
    (v) High efficiency motors--motors with a rated efficiency beyond 
the Energy Policy Act standards.
    (vi) Permanent magnet motors.
    (vii) Reluctance motors.
    (5) Waste Heat Recovery:
    (i) Recuperators.
    (ii) Regenerators.
    (iii) Waste heat boilers.
    (iv) Combined heat and power (CHP) and Waste heat to power (WHP).
    (6) Compressed Air Systems.
    (7) Water heaters.
    (8) Fuel switching.
    (9) Irrigation or water system and waste disposal system efficiency 
improvements.

[[Page 18425]]

    (10) On or off-grid renewable energy systems if consistent with the 
statutory purpose of this section.
    (11) Energy storage devices if permanently installed to reduce 
energy cost or usage of the Qualified consumer.
    (12) Energy efficient appliance upgrades if attached to real 
property as fixtures.
    (13) Energy audits.
    (14) Necessary and incidental activities and investments directly 
related to the implementation of an Energy efficiency measure.


Sec.  1719.10  Measurement and verification and quality control.

    (a) General. A RESP applicant must provide a Measurement and 
Verification (M&V) plan, satisfactory to the Administrator, to ensure 
the effectiveness of the energy efficiency loans made to its Qualified 
Consumers and that there is no conflict of interest in carrying out the 
EE Program.
    (1) RUS acknowledges the broad nature of energy efficiency projects 
and diverse scope of EE Programs that can be carried out under RESP. A 
RESP applicant, and its designees, must exercise professional judgment 
in developing their M&V plans. The nature, scope, and complexity of the 
EE measures and activities will dictate the level of effort needed for 
quantifying and verifying the savings. The effort expended should be 
commensurate with the project capital investment and the risk of 
miscalculating the savings.
    (2) A RESP applicant with an existing EE Program as of April 8, 
2014, may submit for consideration the M&V plan previously established 
to fulfill this requirement.
    (3) RUS may reject a loan application or refuse to disburse loan 
proceeds to an RESP borrower that fails to demonstrate that the Energy 
audits or M&V plan have been adequately implemented and performed by 
qualified individuals.
    (4) The M&V plan should be based on generally accepted principles 
and use the best practices of the industry, reliable data, reasonable 
assumptions and verifiable analytical methodologies.
    (5) The M&V plan must describe the organized activities that the 
RESP applicant will implement to facilitate the adoption of the Energy 
efficiency measures that will result in energy use or cost savings to 
the Qualified consumer.
    (6) Energy savings should be determined by comparing measured 
energy unit values (consumption or demand) before and after the 
implementation of the EE measures, making appropriate adjustments for 
changes in conditions.
    (7) The computation of the savings formula is as follow:

Savings = (Baseline Energy--Post-Installation of EE Measures Energy*) 
 Adjustments
Note: * = performance period

    (b) M&V Techniques for measuring, calculating and reporting 
savings. The RESP borrower may address the M&V requirements by applying 
any of the following techniques recognized in the International 
Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol.
    (1) The Retrofit Isolation with Key Parameter Measurement Option 
(RIKPM) alternative is based on a combination of measured and estimated 
factors. Measurements will be taken at the component or system level 
for both the baseline and the retrofit equipment and should include the 
key performance parameters that define the energy use of the energy 
conservation measure. Savings will be determined by calculating the 
baseline and reporting period energy use predicated on the measured and 
estimated values. Estimated values will have to be supported by 
historical or manufacturer's data.
    (2) The Retrofit Isolation with All Parameter Measurement Option 
(RIAPM) option will be based on short-term, periodic or continuous 
measurements of baseline and post-retrofit energy use (or proxies of 
energy use) taken at the component or system level. Savings will be 
based on the analysis of the baseline and reporting-period energy use 
or proxies of energy use.
    (3) The Whole Facility Measurement Option (WFMO) will be based on 
continuous measurement of the energy use (such as utility billing data) 
at the whole facility or sub-facility level during the baseline and 
post-retrofit periods. Savings will be established from the analysis of 
the baseline and reporting-period energy data.
    (4) The Calibrated Simulation Option (CSO) is an alternative where 
computer simulations can be used to model energy performance of a whole 
facility (or sub-facility). Models must be calibrated with actual 
hourly or monthly billing data from the facility. In this option, 
savings will be determined by comparing a simulation of the baseline 
(after having calibrated the model) with either a simulation of the 
performance period or actual utility data.
    (c) Use of deemed savings. A RESP applicant may elect to meet the 
M&V plan requirements by applying deemed savings values and 
calculations. If choosing this option, the RESP applicant's M&V plan 
must:
    (1) Describe the process to stipulate with the Qualified consumer 
the values and assumptions for determining the energy savings.
    (2) Identify the TRMs upon which the deemed savings values and 
assumptions are based. In the alternative, identify such other 
technical M&V studies reasonably applicable to the conditions of the 
RESP applicant's service area or such other detailed M&V studies 
performed by similar entities to determine deemed savings for identical 
or similar energy programs or energy efficiency measures.
    (3) Describe the mechanism to ensure that deemed savings values and 
related calculations will be maintained and kept up to date.
    (4) The approval by RUS of a M&V plan under this section is solely 
for the benefit of RUS. Approval of a plan pursuant to this section 
does not constitute an RUS endorsement of the M&V plan or an EE 
Program. RUS and its employees assume no legal liability for the 
accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information, product, 
service, or process funded directly or indirectly with financial 
assistance provided under RESP.
    (d) Quality control. The RESP borrower must produce a detailed 
explanation, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrator, 
describing the methods and processes to verify that the installation of 
the EE measures for the EE program, for which those measures have been 
implemented were properly executed.
    (1) The RESP borrower and the Qualified consumer must agree on the 
EE measures to be implemented based on a quantifiable and verifiable 
assessment of the impacts that such measures will have in reducing the 
Qualified consumer's energy cost or consumption.
    (2) A RESP borrower may elect to engage a third-party contractor to 
carry out the assessments required in this Section and install the EE 
measures as long as there is no Conflict of interest.
    (3) RESP borrower employees and third-party contractors engaged to 
carry out activities in the EE Program must be qualified and have 
adequate expertise to perform energy audits, retrofit installations, 
and do the quality control assessments according to the applicable 
industry best-practices. Individual's credentials and expertise should 
be accredited through one of the following options:
    (i) Possessing a current Home Energy Professional Certification or 
a similar certification from a nationally, industry-recognized 
organization that is consistent with the Job Task Analyses

[[Page 18426]]

Guidelines issued by the US Department of Energy's National Renewable 
Energy Laboratory or its successor.
    (ii) Possessing a current certification issued by an organization 
recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy in accordance with the 
Better Buildings Workforce Guidelines or its successor.
    (iii) Producing evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the 
Administrator, that the individual possesses proficiency in the 
knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform the tasks and 
critical work functions relevant to the duties assigned in the EE 
Program.
    (4) A RESP borrower that elects to carry out the EE Program with a 
contractor, must validate and document the following:
    (i) The contractor has adequate capacity and resources to engage 
with customers, conduct whole-property assessments, performance 
testing, diagnostic reasoning, and fulfill all data collection and 
reporting requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, having 
access to satisfactory diagnostic equipment, tools, qualified staff, 
data systems and software, and administrative support.
    (ii) The contractor is current and in good standing with all 
applicable registration and licensing requirements for their specific 
jurisdiction and trade.
    (iii) The contractor employs individuals (either its own employees 
or subcontractors) that are qualified to install or physically oversee 
the installation of home improvements in compliance with local building 
codes and industry-accepted protocols.
    (5) A RESP borrower is responsible for actions or omissions 
departing from the required standards under this Section by third party 
partners or contractors employed in connection with an EE Program 
funded under this Section.
    (6) The RESP loan documents are solely for the benefit of RUS and 
the RESP Borrower and nothing in the loan documents between RUS and the 
RESP borrower will confer upon any third party any right, benefit or 
remedy of any nature whatsoever. Neither RUS nor its employees makes 
any warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of 
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to 
any information, product, service, or process available from a RESP 
borrower or its agents.


Sec.  1719.11  Compliance with USDA departmental regulations, policies 
and other federal laws.

    (a) Equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. RUS will ensure that 
equal opportunity and nondiscriminatory requirements are met in 
accordance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and 7 CFR part 15. In 
accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or 
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on 
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA 
(not all bases apply to all programs).
    (b) Civil rights compliance. Recipients of federal assistance 
hereunder must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In general, recipients should have 
available the Agency racial and ethnic data showing the extent to which 
members of minority groups are beneficiaries of federally assisted 
programs. The Agency will conduct compliance reviews in accordance with 
7 CFR part 15. Awardees will be required to complete Form RD 400-4, 
``Assurance Agreement,'' for each federal award received.
    (c) Discrimination complaints. Persons believing, they have been 
subjected to discrimination prohibited by this section may file a 
complaint personally, or by an authorized representative with USDA, 
Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250. A complaint must be filed no later than 180 days 
from the date of the alleged discrimination, unless the time for filing 
is extended by the designated officials of USDA or the Agency.
    (d) Appeal Rights. Applicants and RESP applicants have appeal or 
review rights for RUS decisions made under this part.
    (1) Programmatic decisions based on clear and objective statutory 
or regulatory requirements are not appealable; however, such decisions 
are reviewable for appealability by the National Appeals Division 
(NAD).
    (2) An Applicant and a RESP applicant can appeal any RUS decision 
that directly and adversely impacts it. Appeals will be conducted by 
USDA NAD and will be handled in accordance with 7 CFR part 11.
    (e) Federal Debt and Settlement of Debt. It is the policy of the 
Administrator that, whenever possible, all debt owed to the Government 
shall be collected in full in accordance with the terms of the 
borrower's loan documents. Debt owed to RUS constitutes federal debt 
and is subject to collection under the Debt Collection Improvement Act. 
RUS can use all remedies available to it to collect the debt from the 
borrower, including offset in accordance with part 3 of this title. In 
addition, it is the intent of the Administrator, notwithstanding Sec.  
1717.1200(b) of this chapter, that debt settlements under this Part 
will be governed by the provisions set forth in 7 CFR part 1717, 
subpart Y or its successor Agency policies or regulations.


Sec.  1719.12  Reporting.

    (a) General. RESP borrowers must file periodic performance and 
financial reports as provided in the loan documents.
    (b) Frequency of reporting. Performance and financial reports will 
be filed semiannually for the first 10 years of the RESP loan and 
annually thereafter through the term of the loan. However, RUS may 
require additional, or more frequent, reporting when necessary to 
preserve the quality and integrity of the program portfolio or advance 
policy goals.
    (c) Reporting elements. RUS will identify the reporting 
requirements, in form and substance, in the loan documents based on the 
RESP borrower and EE Program profile. The RESP borrower's reports to 
RUS will include, but will not be limited to, the following 
information:
    (1) Number and amount of loans to qualified consumers.
    (2) Types of investments in EE measures and eligible activities.
    (3) EE Program portfolio performance.
    (4) Evidence of compliance with Multi-Tier Action Environmental 
Compliance Agreement.
    (5) Status and amount of Loan Loss Reserve (when applicable).


Sec.  1719.13  Auditing and accounting requirements.

    (a) Accounting requirements. RESP borrowers must follow RUS 
accounting requirements as set forth in the loan documents.
    (1) Existing RUS borrowers must continue recording and reporting 
transactions pursuant to the RUS Uniform Systems of Accounts--Electric, 
7 CFR part 1767. Such borrowers will continue to follow the accounting 
and reporting requirements set forth in the previously executed loan 
documents for RUS outstanding loans.

[[Page 18427]]

    (2) New and RESP only borrowers must adopt and follow a GAAP based 
system of accounts acceptable to RUS, as well as compliance with the 
requirements of 2 CFR part 200 (for RESP Awardees, the term ``grant 
recipient'' in 2 CFR part 200 will also mean ``loan recipient.'')
    (3) All RESP borrowers must promptly notify RUS should a state 
regulatory authority with jurisdiction over it require it to apply 
accounting methods or principles different from the ones specified in 
the loan documents.
    (4) RUS will consider borrowers' reasonable proposals to streamline 
reporting and accounting requirements only when such proposals afford 
RUS adequate mechanisms to ensure the full and timely repayment of the 
loan, as determined by RUS.
    (5) The Administrator may modify the accounting requirements for 
RESP borrowers if, in his or her judgement, it is necessary to satisfy 
the statutory purpose of the program, streamline procedures, or advance 
policy goals.
    (6) Nothing in this policy shall be construed as a limitation or 
waiver of any other federal statute or requirement or the 
Administrator's authority and discretion to implement the RESP in such 
a way that the Government's interest is adequately preserved.
    (b) Auditing requirements. RESP borrowers will be required to 
prepare and furnish to RUS, at least once during each 12-month period, 
a full and complete report of its financial condition, operations, and 
cash flows, on a comparative basis, along with a report on internal 
control over financial reporting and on compliance in other matters, 
both reports in form and substance satisfactory to RUS, audited and 
certified by an independent certified public accountant, satisfactory 
to RUS according to the requirements set forth in 7 CFR 1773.5.
    (1) Audits must follow governmental auditing standards issued by 
the Comptroller General of the United States (GAGAS) and the provisions 
of 2 CFR part 200, subpart F--Audit Requirements if applicable.
    (2) RESP borrowers with outstanding RUS loans will be subject to 
the auditing requirements set forth in their existing RUS loan 
documents. RUS Policy on Audits of RUS Borrowers as provided in 7 CFR 
part 1773 will govern audits under this paragraph.
    (3) RESP borrowers must comply with all reasonable RUS requests to 
support ongoing monitoring efforts. The RESP borrowers must afford RUS, 
through their representatives, a reasonable opportunity, at all times 
during business hours and upon prior notice, to have access to and the 
right to inspect any or all books, records, accounts, invoices, 
contracts, leases, payrolls, timesheets, cancelled checks, statements, 
and other documents, electronic or paper of every kind belonging to or 
in possession of the RESP borrowers or in any way pertaining to its 
property or business, including its parents, affiliates, and 
subsidiaries, if any, and to make copies or extracts therefrom.
    (4) The Administrator may modify the audit requirements for RESP 
borrowers if, in his or her judgement, it is necessary to satisfy the 
statutory purpose of the program or advance policy goals.
    (5) Nothing in this policy shall be construed as a limitation or 
waiver of any other federal statute or requirement or the 
Administrator's authority and discretion to implement the RESP in such 
a way that the Government's interest is adequately preserved.

Chad Rupe,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-06215 Filed 4-1-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P