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U.S. to spend more in building rural electric infrastructure projects

Xinhua, October 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Thursday it will provide loans worth of nearly 2.3 billion U.S. dollars to build and improve rural power infrastructure in 31 states.

"Improving our rural electric utility systems will help us continue to provide reliable and affordable electricity to rural customers," said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. "By financing these improvements, USDA helps increase efficiencies, reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life in rural areas."

USDA is awarding the loans to 77 utilities and cooperatives in 31 states. The funding includes more than 108 million dollars for smart grid technology, 41 million dollars for renewable energy improvements and 9 million dollars for storm damage repairs. These loans will help build or improve nearly 20,000 kilometers of transmission and distribution lines.

Since 2009, USDA has funneled 34 billion dollars in electric loans and more than 1 billion dollars for smart grid technologies. This assistance has helped build transmission and distribution lines serving approximately 8.5 million rural customers. Endit