Simpler Grants.gov #RUS-ARC-2026

USDA RUS funding for rural cooperative transmission and nuclear power projects

USDA’s Rural Utilities Service is offering funding to support rural electric cooperatives’ transmission and nuclear power projects. - Government buyer: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development, Rural Utilities Service (RUS). - Opportunity: Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program funding through loans, grants, or combined assistance; this is a funding opportunity, not a purchase of specified products or services. - Funding: Approximately $175 million is available, with about 30 awards anticipated. Individual awards are expected to range from $100,000 to $20 million. - Supported projects: Advanced, efficient electric transmission infrastructure and nuclear power supply projects intended to reduce emissions and improve the reliability, resilience, and affordability of rural electric systems. - Eligible applicants: Qualifying electric cooperatives and their wholly or jointly owned subsidiaries. - Financing requirements: For Project and System loans, RUS may finance up to 75% of capitalized project costs. Awardees generally must provide and maintain at least 25% as cash or equity; where financially feasible, grant funds or applicable expected tax credits may count toward this share, but borrowed funds may not. - Application information: Applicants are expected to provide project and service-area details, a technical description, estimated emissions reductions using the RUS New Clean Power Tool or comparable data, and project timelines. Projects must be advanced enough for completion well before the statutory program deadline. - OEMs and vendors: None identified. No specific products, services, part numbers, or quantities are listed.

Description

The Rural Utilities Service is soliciting Letters of Interest for the Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Program. Approximately $175 million in appropriated funds is available for loans, loan/grant combinations, and grants to support advanced, efficient transmission infrastructure and nuclear power supply. The program is intended to help eligible entities achieve future net reductions while strengthening the resiliency, reliability, and affordability of rural electric systems. Eligible applicants include qualifying electric cooperatives and their wholly or jointly owned subsidiaries; Letters of Interest are due November 20, 2026.

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