Editors Note: This column was originally published in the July 26, 2023 issue of the Chronicle Progress.
By Michelle Weaver
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the single largest rural electrification investment since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Act into law in 1936.
The Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program and the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program are two transformative endeavors that are driving change throughout the electric energy landscape. Through the Inflation Reduction Act, both programs illustrate the Biden-Harris administration’s continued commitment to rural communities. Utah’s diverse geography and abundance of renewable resources, positions us well to benefit from these initiatives.
Our state experiences continued growth in renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, battery energy storage, etc.). However, some rural communities in Utah face challenges in accessing reliable and affordable electricity, interfere with their economic potential and quality of life.
Recognizing the importance of bridging this divide, USDA launched the New ERA program, which commits $9.7 billion to modernize rural electric infrastructure across the nation. This visionary initiative will help rural Americans transition to clean, affordable and reliable power. The New ERA program is designed to be flexible and streamlined, prioritizing greenhouse gas reductions rather than requiring the use of specific technologies. Funding is available to member-owned rural electric cooperatives, which are the backbone of America’s rural power delivery. Utah’s rural electric cooperatives have the unique opportunity be early participants in this innovative program and should act now or very soon.
Like the New ERA program, the USDA PACE program is devoted to promoting access to clean energy in rural communities. This program provides a unique chance for municipalities, cooperatives, Tribes, nonprofits and other eligible entities to participate in improving affordable energy outcomes for rural areas. The PACE program fosters environmental sustainability while reducing energy costs for rural Utahns by investing in cutting-edge systems and encouraging the use of clean energy sources such as solar panels and geothermal heat pumps.
These two new programs align harmoniously with the Biden-Harris administration’s interest in boosting the rural economy and reducing our carbon footprint.
Through the Inflation Reduction Act, the administration has prioritized significant resources to strengthen rural infrastructure and address persistent disparities. By investing in initiatives like New ERA and PACE, the administration aims to drive economic growth, create jobs and strengthen sustainability in rural America.
We’re ready to see outcomes that converge sustainability and economic growth in rural Utah. Rural communities can and should tap into the vast potential of clean energy generation and adopt renewable energy sources. This transition will further position rural Utah as a leader in clean energy, attracting investments to stimulate local economies.
As we embrace sustainability, it is vital to continue supporting and expanding investments in energy modernization, which will pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Utah and the nation.
Michele Weaver is the Utah state director for USDA Rural Development. Weaver’s professional experience includes more than 25 years of experience in affordable housing development. Weaver has been instrumental in providing technical assistance and training, assisting nonprofit organizations, tribal housing developments and administering small business lending programs. Weaver is a finance graduate from the University of Utah and enjoys spending time in the outdoors, enjoying Utah’s beautiful and unique geography.
