USDA Invests in Southeastern Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation

Dearborn, Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties

 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director Michael Dora today announced that Southeastern Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation will receive $15 million from USDA Rural Development to finance smart grid technologies that improve system operations and monitor grid security.

   “USDA is committed to being an effective partner to rural communities in building, expanding and modernizing electric infrastructure,” said Dora. “This investment will be used to assist 796 customers and build and improve 107 miles of line.” The loan includes $2.6 million for smart grid technologies. Southeastern serves approximately 27,000 customers over 3,225 miles of line in Dearborn, Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties.

   Today’s announcement is part of a larger statement from USDA Deputy Under Secretary of Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy in which he announced USDA is investing $251 million to upgrade rural electric systems in 13 states.

   USDA is providing financing through the Electric Loan Program for 12 projects that will serve rural areas in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The funding will help build and improve 1,971 miles of line to improve electric reliability in rural areas.

   USDA will make additional funding announcements in coming weeks. USDA had $5.5 billion available for Electric Program loans in fiscal year 2019.