It was announced on 4/8/2019 that the USDA is investing $485 million to upgrade rural electric systems and reduce energy costs. $7.1 million of the funding is allocated for smart grid technologies that improve system operations and monitor grid security. The investment comes in the form of providing financing through the Electric Loan Program, and 13 states concentrated in the central US are receiving loans to help build or improve 2,635 miles of line.
