USDA Accepting Applications for Funding Through ReConnect
Posted on Apr 30, 2019
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently established a loan and grant-based program to strengthen broadband in rural America. The program, known as the ReConnect Rural Broadband Pilot Program (ReConnect), will make at least $600 million available in rural broadband projects through the first round of funding.
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Coastal Electric Earns OSHA SHARP Certification
Posted on Apr 25, 2019
Coastal Electric Cooperative has become the first coop in Georgia, and the second coop nationally, to earn the Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
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NAEC Dedicates Solar Array
Posted on Apr 25, 2019
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) dedicated its new 1 MW solar array. The 4,000-panel array started providing electricity to NAEC’s power grid about a month ago.
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Tenaska Closes Financing for Missouri Wind Project
Posted on Apr 22, 2019
Tenaska recently closed on $302 million of financing for the development of a 242 MW wind project to deliver power to Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. The project is expected to enter commercial operation in late 2019 and will provide new jobs in the Northwestern Missouri region.
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NRECA CEO Voices Support for President Trump’s Executive Orders on Energy Infrastructure
Posted on Apr 15, 2019
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO, Jim Matheson, recently expressed support of President Trump’s Executive Orders on Energy Infrastructure Development: “Today’s announcement paves the way for electric coops to enhance system reliability and reduce wildfire risk by improving access to maintain and upgrade electric systems located on federal lands. By reducing bureaucratic red tape, today’s announcement helps prevent permitting delays and promotes the safety and reliability of our power supply.”
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Midwest Electric Cooperatives Launch Battery Storage Project
Posted on Apr 15, 2019
In an effort to learn if the use of smart batteries can reduce peak electricity demand, or provide other benefits, four Midwestern electric cooperatives are experimenting with storage technology by installing smart batteries in some members’ homes. MiEnergy Cooperative, Richland Electric Cooperative, Oakdale Electric Cooperative and Jo-Carroll Energy pooled resources and knowledge to buy the smart batteries.
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Vermont Electric Cooperative Receives Aid for Storm Damage
Posted on Apr 15, 2019
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will contribute more than $1.2 million to the Vermont Electric Cooperative to fund system repairs that were necessary as a result of the severe storms in May 2018. Vermont Emergency Management helped Vermont Electric to receive the aid.
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USDA Debuts New Investments in Rural Electric Infrastructure and Smart Grid Technology
Posted on Apr 9, 2019
On April 8, 2019, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $485 million in investments in the rural electric system. With investment funds going to 13 states, necessary transmission lines and smart grid technology for rural cooperatives are key targets.
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Louisiana Coops Embrace the Cooperative Spirit in the Wake of Disaster
Posted on Apr 5, 2019
The Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives (ALEC) rallied behind Nebraska coops and rural areas to provide support after historic flooding. ALEC donated funds to the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, who forwarded them to the Nebraska Farm Bureau, to aid the state’s recovery after the storms.
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Congress Moves to Fix Unintended Tax Consequences for Coops
Posted on Apr 5, 2019
Earlier this week, Congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle introduced legislation to fix an unintended consequence of the 2017 tax law that put tax-exempt cooperatives at risk of losing that status. The new bill would roll back provisions of the 2017 tax law that counted grants for broadband development, emergency relief and other items as non-member income.
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New Hampshire Electric Coop to Receive FEMA Funds
Posted on Apr 5, 2019
The New Hampshire Electric Coop will receive $2.8 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a result of costs from storms and floods. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program helps reimburse communities for action taken in response and recovery to disaster.
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FEMA to Aid System Repairs for Minnkota
Posted on Apr 5, 2019
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has committed $5.9 million to Minnkota Power Cooperative to help repair damaged equipment due to severe storms, tornadoes, winds and flooding that occurred last summer. FEMA noted the critical role Minnkota plays in providing power to communities and the need to support that mission.
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GRE Enters Into Wind PPA
Posted on Apr 3, 2019
Great River Energy (GRE) has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC for a new 109 megawatt wind project to be built in Lincoln County, Minnesota.
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Tennessee Provides Grant to Electric Coops for Rural Broadband Expansion
Posted on Mar 21, 2019
Tennessee has granted approximately $15 million in funds to telecom and electric cooperatives for an expansion of rural broadband projects in Tennessee under the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act. The grantees have committed to provide approximately $20 million in matching funds for a combined investment of approximately $35 million.
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