Agriculture and Rural Communities

Energy efficiency for farms, fields, and rural families.

Rural America carries a large share of the nation’s energy costs. Rural households often spend a higher percentage of their incomes on home energy than their urban counterparts — and face even higher transportation energy burdens due to longer distances and limited public transit options. Farms and agricultural operations, among the most energy-intensive businesses in the economy, face high costs that efficiency investments can reduce. ACEEE has spent decades working to change that.

ACEEE’s work on agriculture and rural communities spans research, policy advocacy, and direct engagement with states, utilities, and federal agencies. We helped develop the Energy Title of the 2002 Farm Bill and have continued to advise Congress on subsequent updates. Our research documents rural energy burdens and identifies the policy and program designs that best serve rural households, agricultural producers, and rural institutions. 

From precision agriculture to manufactured home upgrades, from rural weatherization to cooperative utility partnerships, ACEEE identifies the opportunities that help rural communities use energy more efficiently — and make the savings last.