This program could be a good source of additional project capital for energy deficiency programs that include a strong component of remote and distributed management, and the applicability of the programs appears broad.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Energy Efficiency Loan Program to Lower Costs for Consumers, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions | USDA Newsroom.

OPower published a nice write up of the program from their perspective, including several helpful links.    Given this is a loan program rather than a research grant, it’s unclear to me if technology demonstration projects would make sense to fund using this method, rather than funding more mature solutions.   That said, this funding program could be helpful for engaging rural co-ops.