$2.3 B to strengthen rural US power grid
This includes the first five awards totalling $139 million under the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program and $2.2 billion in funding to 39 projects.
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USA, Washington: The US Department of Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, has announced clean energy investments in 23 states in order to reduce pollution and strengthen rural US’ power grid. The investments include the first five awards worth $139 million under the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program and $2.2 billion of funds for 39 projects to help ensure more than 2 million people in rural areas have access to reliable electricity.
USDA is investing $28 million in Wisconsin and Minnesota to help utility providers and electric cooperatives build and upgrade infrastructure, smart-grid technologies, and renewable energy systems, through the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program.
East Central Energy, which provides electric service to 63800 consumers through 8511 miles of in east central Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, will utilize an infrastructure loan of $28,2 million to connect 1028 consumers and build 84 miles of line.
The announced infrastructure projects should help rural business owners, families and individuals in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, South Carolina, Utah, Texas and Wisconsin.
Source: T&D World