USDA Announces More Rural Electric Infrastructure Investments

Another $398.5 million worth of investments to update rural electric infrastructure were announced by USDA Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today (Sept. 19).USDA building, Washington, US against a blue sky“Reliable and affordable electricity is undeniably a necessity in today’s world,” Hazlett said. “Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner in keeping our rural communities connected to this essential infrastructure.”The vehicle being used for the investments is USDA's Electric Infrastructure Loan Program (EILP). The program helps finance generation, transmission and distribution projects, along with system improvements and energy conservation projects in communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.USDA notes that of the $398.5 million, $43.7 million will be used for investments in smart grid technology.