Utility Co-op Coooection:Utility co-ops helping members cut bills with new USDA energy efficiency loans

摘要

Rural electriccooperatives nationwide have for many years used energy efficiency programs to bettermanage energy systems and contribute to economic development in their communities. Now, with approval of loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS), part of USDA Rural Development, two rural electric cooperatives are taking their energy efficiency programs to the next level. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the awarding of energy efficiency loans to Roanoke Electric Cooperative in North Carolina (Roanoke), and North Arkansas Electric (North Arkansas). "Thisis a historic-new bond in the partnership between USDA and our rural electric cooperatives," Vilsack said.Nearly every rural electric cooperative utility nationwide has some form of energy efficiency program as part of its strategy to manage power costs, meet consumer demand and increase environmental regulatory compliance. Expanding those programs could reduce the need to purchase or generate energy, reduce emissions from generation of electricity and help strengthen rural economies through increased funding for energy efficiency and conservation projects. In addition, energy efficiency and conservation programs meet one of the core cooperative principles: "concern for community."