To All Rural Utilities Service Borrowers:

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Electric Program (EP) will be rolling out a series of ongoing 

streamlining and efficiency initiatives, starting with the following. These initiatives are part of 

our efforts to improve customer service and experience, shorten processing times, and reduce 

unnecessary burdens. 

The following changes are effective immediately and available to borrowers. 

Transmission of Documents and Requests via email

Borrowers may now use email to transmit to RUS certain requests and signed forms, in portable 

document format (pdf), including: 

• Any request for approval, consent, and mortgage, loan contract or security instrument notice 

• Form 219 Inventory of Work Orders

• Special Equipment Summary

• Form 595 Financial Requirement and Expenditure Statement

• Form 675 (Certificate of Authority)

• Form 674 (Certificate of Authority to Submit or Grant Access to Data)

A separate electronic mailbox has been set up to receive the requests and provide access to the 

appropriate RUS staff for processing. This is not available for loan applications. 

RUSElectric@wdc.usda.gov

Approval of RUS Standard Contract Forms 

Borrowers now have three options for submitting standard contract forms. This includes two new 

options using a certification to RUS. The options are: 

1. Submit the actual executed contract, except for those given prior approval and do not 

require submittal, 

2. Certify that the applicable RUS standard contract form was used and executed. This 

certification is sent to EP in lieu of submitting the actual executed RUS standard 

contract. The borrower will retain the executed applicable RUS standard contract from in 

its records, or 

3. Certify the contract used for the specified project is not an RUS standard contract form, but that it nonetheless contains all of the essential and identical provisions of the RUS 

standard contract forms specifically identified in the certification.

The certifications are available on the USDA RD EP website or from your GFR or the EP. 

However, certifications are not available for use for EPC contracts (engineering, construction & 

procurement contracts) for RUS-financed projects.

Reduction in Submittal of Board Resolutions
RUS has drastically reduced the number of board resolutions previously required from up to 60 

to just five. RUS will only require Board resolutions for:

• Loan document approvals, including promissory notes, loan contracts, and mortgages;

• Loan contract amendments, including loan maturity extensions and note modifications, such 

as extension of the last date for advance of funds; 

• Initial Access to RD Apply or EP web applications and services via the internet and any 

subsequent changes to the borrower’s certifier or administrator; 

• Requests for approval for any departure from the prescribed RUS Uniform System of 

Accounts; provided however, that requests related to those deferrals identified in 7 CFR 

1767.13(d)(1)-(5) that do not require board resolutions; and

• eAuthentication requirements.

Load Forecasts

• RUS will only require a load forecast in conjunction with a new loan application. However, it 

must be prepared within 24 months of the application. Approval of the loan will constitute 

approval of the load forecast, in one seamless process.

Certification of Design, Standards and Specifications and Use of Materials 

and Equipment 

• Borrowers will also have the option to certify that the electric system design and standards 

and specifications used meet all RUS requirements and that RUS approved materials and 

equipment were used for RUS-financed projects. No separate submittal and review are 

necessary if all such requirements have been met. The certifications are available on the

USDA RD EP website or from your GFR or the EP. 

Please feel free to contact your GFR or the EP with any questions.