Rural Electric Program Grant
The Rural Electric Program began in 1947. It is a cost-sharing program, which helps defray the high cost of electrical service to farmers.
The Rural Electric Program assists farmers to access a basic, essential service at a reasonable cost and aids in the diversification of our rural economy. It also provides partial equity with other Albertans living in urban areas as well as those living in other western provinces that benefit from lower hook-up costs and power rates sponsored by their provincial governments through Crown corporations.
Grant assistance is provided to Alberta farmers through the Alberta Federation of REAs (AFREA). You can reach the AFREA Program Coordinator, Gillian White, by email to gillian@afrea.ab.ca or via her direct line at 780-416-3366 during office hours.
The intent of the program is to assist in the cost of conveying electricity for farm purposes, and in this respect, “farm” status is determined by possession of an Alberta Farm Fuel Benefit (AFFB) Number. For information on, or to make application for, an AFFB number you can call toll free 310-0000, then 780-422-9167.
Where individuals are not the registered owner of the property to which the service is installed, a written document setting out their interest in the property (ie: rental/lease or purchase agreement) is required.
Grants can be advanced up to a year from when the service is completed, giving you an opportunity to obtain an AFFB number if you feel you may be eligible. The application should be submitted so that we can follow up directly with you to provide a deadline for submission of the AFFB number.
