Renew Grid: Content / Policy Watch / $134 Million More For The Smart Grid, Courtesy Of The USDA

by Renew Grid on October 12, 2012

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced $1.95 billion in loan guarantees to modernize and improve the efficiency of rural electric generation and transmission systems.

Vilsack announced in September that the USDA had met its goal to finance $250 million in smart grid technologies in fiscal year 2012. This newest round of funding includes $134 million related to smart grid technologies.

South Alabama Electric Cooperative has received $17.8 million to build and improve 144 miles of distribution lines and make other system improvements. The loan guarantee includes $125,000 in smart grid projects.

California-based Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District has received $50 million to build or improve 40 miles of distribution and transmission lines and make other system improvements. The loan guarantee includes $200,000 in smart grid projects.

Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative Inc. has received $10 million to build and improve 106 miles of distribution lines and make other system improvements. The loan guarantee includes $135,000 in smart grid projects.

A full list of rural utilities receiving the USDA funding can be found here.

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