The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced over $7.3 billion in financing for rural electric cooperatives through the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program. This is the largest investment in rural electrification since the 1930s, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The funding will benefit 16 electric cooperatives, delivering more than 10 gigawatts of clean energy to rural areas across 23 states. These projects are projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43.7 million tons annually, which is equivalent to removing over 10 million gasoline-powered vehicles from the roads.

The first finalized award of $573 million goes to the Dairyland Power Cooperative for projects that will add 1,080 megawatts of solar and wind power. The initiative is expected to create more than 20,000 jobs and provide cleaner, more affordable electricity to approximately 5 million households.

According to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, these investments will support rural communities by reducing energy costs, creating jobs, and contributing to cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure.

Source: usda.gov