Protect the environment, strengthen the grid, reduce energy use and costs

USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service provides low-cost, long-term financing to rural electric utilities 

and electric co-ops for generation, transmission, and distribution facilities in rural areas, including renewable energy 

providers. Generating power from renewable energy can help protect the environment by reducing CO2 emissions, 

strengthen the grid, and provide your customers with new options for energy-efficient, affordable electricity.

What types of renewable energy projects are eligible?

• Solar

• Wind

• Hydroelectric

• Biomass

• Geothermal

Who can apply?

Most retail or power supply providers, such as:

• State and local government entities

• Federally recognized Tribes

• Nonprofits including co-ops and limited 

dividend or mutual associations

• For-profit corporations and limited liability 

companies

What type of financing is available?

• Low-interest loans

• Loan guarantees

What are the benefits?

Renewable energy projects:

• Enhance the grid

• Provide affordable, reliable electricity

• Diversify the energy supply

• Protect the environment

• Help create new jobs and other economic 

opportunities in rural areas

• Help meet Federal and State environmental 

requirements

How do we get started?

• Applications for electric loans are accepted 

year-round

• Contact a RUS General Field 

Representative to get started with your 

renewable proposal

• Program resources like forms, guidance, 

certifications, etc., are online

• Apply online with “RD Apply”

Who can answer questions?

• Contact the GFR who serves your area

• Or call the RUS Electric Program at 202-720-

0848

What law governs the program?

• Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as 

amended

• Code of Federal Regulations

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

for Electric Utilities and Co-ops
NOTE: Because citations and other information may be subject to change please always consult the 

program instructions listed in the section above titled “What Law Governs this Program?” You may also 

contact your local office for assistance. You will find additional forms, resources, and program information 

at www.rd.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Last Updated May 2016 

Electric Program renewable energy and energy-efficiency fast facts

• From 2009-2015, the RUS Electric Program invested $1.1 billion for 26 renewable energy projects.

• The projects generate enough electricity to power about 244,600 homes every year.

• And they kept more than 1.8 million metric tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere – comparable to taking 306,500

cars per year off the roads.

RUS offers an energy efficiency program for electric borrowers to help them implement energy efficiency programs.

• Through 2016, the RUS Electric Program has invested $56.6 million for energy efficiency.

Solar projects 

Create energy through solar photovoltaic panels 

that convert sunlight into usable solar electricity. 

Wind projects

Convert wind energy into electricity using utilityscale wind turbines. 

Hydroelectric projects 

Produce electric power using falling or flowing 

water. Hydroelectric is the largest source of 

renewable power in the U.S. 

Biomass projects

Generate carbon-neutral electricity from 

renewable organic waste that otherwise would 

be dumped in landfills, burned, or left as fodder 

for forest fires. Biomass power plants use wood 

waste to make electricity.

Geothermal projects

Convert thermal energy from the earth’s core 

into electric power. 

Energy Efficiency

Low-cost financing for energy efficiency and 

conservation, including demand-side 

management and off-grid renewable energy 

systems, to keep electricity affordable and promote 

economic development. 

To learn more:

• Visit the RUS Electric Program website

• Contact the GFR who serves your area

• Call the RUS Electric Program at 202-720-0848

USDA Rural Development is committed to the 

future of rural communities.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

for Electric Utilities and Co-ops