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USDA commits $1.4 billion to rural electricity

USDA announcing $1.4 billion in loan guarantees to improve the delivery of electricity to rural communities in 21 states.  The guarantees include $106 million for smart grid technologies and $3 million for renewable energy programs and systems. In making the announcement, U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said; “With the help of investments such as these from USDA, rural electric utilities have delivered reliable and affordable electricity for nearly 80 years,” the Secretary added; “Upgrading the electric grid will bring jobs and increased economic opportunities to rural communities.”   USDA has invested nearly $2.5 billion in electric infrastructure improvements in FY 2014.  The loan guarantees have helped build or improve 19,000 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. A list of the loan recipients is available here: