# Simpler Grants.gov #RUS-ARC-2026

USDA RUS funding for rural cooperative transmission and nuclear power projects

**Buyer:** Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
**Posted:** October 19, 2026
**Respond By:** November 20, 2026
**Identifier:** RUS-ARC-2026
**NAICS:** 221121, 221113

USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service is seeking Letters of Interest for funding rural electric cooperative energy projects.
- **Government buyer:** U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development, Rural Utilities Service (RUS).
- **Funding opportunity:** The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program offers approximately $175 million in loans and grants; about 30 awards are anticipated, with individual awards from $100,000 to $20 million.
- **Eligible applicants:** Qualifying electric cooperatives serving predominantly rural areas and their wholly or jointly owned subsidiaries.
- **Project focus:** Advanced, efficient electric transmission infrastructure and nuclear power supply projects intended to reduce emissions and improve rural electric-system resilience, reliability, and affordability.
- **Cost share:** Applicants generally must provide and maintain at least 25% of project costs as cash or equity. Where financially feasible, grant funds or applicable expected tax credits may count; borrowed funds may not.
- **Project requirements:** Proposals should describe the project and service area, provide a technical description and timeline, and estimate emissions reductions using the RUS New Clean Power Tool or comparable data. Projects must be positioned for completion well before the program’s statutory deadline.
- **OEMs and vendors:** None are identified. No specific products, part numbers, or quantities are requested.

### Description

The Rural Utilities Service is soliciting Letters of Interest for applications under the Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Program. Approximately $175 million in appropriated funds is available for loans and grants supporting advanced, efficient transmission infrastructure and nuclear power supply, with the goal of achieving future net reductions and improving rural electric system resiliency, reliability, and affordability. Eligible applicants include qualifying electric cooperatives serving predominantly rural areas and their wholly or jointly owned subsidiaries. Cost sharing is required, and Letters of Interest are due November 20, 2026, at 11:59 a.m. ET.

[View original listing](https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/363779)