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PAHRUMP, Nev., August 29, 2024 – The Biden-Harris Administration announced a $140 million investment in clean energy projects across rural Nevada and Kentucky, aimed at reducing power bills, expanding reliable access to clean energy, and creating jobs for rural families, small businesses, and agricultural producers.
These projects are part of the USDA’s Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program, funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which represents the largest investment in rural electrification since the Rural Electrification Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small made the announcement during a visit to Pahrump, Nevada, where a new solar power facility is planned. The facility, which will generate and store solar energy, is expected to provide uninterrupted electricity in a region prone to wildfires and power outages.
“Rural communities deserve continued energy opportunities as the demand for clean energy grows,” said Deputy Secretary Torres Small. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that efforts to combat climate change also foster economic growth. These USDA investments will lower costs for Americans and create good-paying jobs in rural areas for years to come.”
In Nevada, Valley Electric Association will receive an $80.3 million investment to install a 37-megawatt solar power generation and storage system serving Pahrump and the Fish Lake Valley region. This project will bolster the energy grid, reduce rates for association members, and ensure critical services remain powered. It is expected to produce enough electricity to power 3,500 homes. Valley Electric serves communities involved in the Rural Partners Network (RPN), a USDA-led collaboration designed to help underserved communities access federal funding.
In addition to Nevada, four new PACE investments were announced in Kentucky:
- Bluestem Energy Solutions TEC1 LLC will receive approximately $6.6 million to build a solar power facility in Allen County, generating 5 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power more than 900 homes annually.
- Lock 9 Hydro Partners LLC will receive around $19.3 million to construct a run-of-river hydroelectric plant on the Kentucky River, producing 3 megawatts of renewable energy to power 1,600 homes in Jessamine County each year.
- Lock 10 Hydro Partners LLC will receive approximately $18.9 million to build another run-of-river hydroelectric plant on the Kentucky River, generating 3 megawatts of renewable energy for Madison County, also expected to power 1,600 homes annually.
- Lock 13 Hydro Partners LLC will receive about $17.7 million for a similar hydroelectric project on the Kentucky River in Lee County, which will provide enough electricity to power 1,600 homes each year. Lee County is also part of the RPN initiative.
Background: Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE)
Launched in May 2023, the PACE program provides $1 billion in funding for clean energy and energy storage projects in rural America. The program offers low-interest loans with up to 60% loan forgiveness to developers, rural electric cooperatives, and other energy providers for renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass. These projects aim to make energy more affordable for heating homes, running businesses, and powering essential services in rural areas.
PACE is also part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that 40% of the benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy go to disadvantaged communities. To date, USDA has announced over $665 million in PACE investments, with more awards expected in the coming months.
Background: Rural Partners Network (RPN)
The RPN, launched in April 2022 and expanded in November 2022, operates in 36 community networks across 10 states and Puerto Rico. These networks receive support from USDA staff who live and work locally, providing technical assistance, building relationships, and helping communities navigate federal programs. The RPN also coordinates with other federal efforts, including the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative.
About USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to enhance economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This support includes infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities, and high-speed internet access. To learn more about the impact of these investments, visit the Rural Data Gateway or subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates on the GovDelivery Subscriber Page.
For more information about USDA and its initiatives under the Biden-Harris Administration, visit www.usda.gov.
Kentucky to receive $62 million to expand solar energy access to low-income households
Source: USDA
