The Inflation Reduction Act created a new program, called "New ERA", specifically designed to help rural electric cooperative utilities level the clean energy playing field. Under Section 22004 of the IRA, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been provided $9.7 billion of authority to extend grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance to rural electric cooperatives for purposes of purchasing clean energy and zero emissions systems. The competitive grant program from USDA provides an extraordinary opportunity for cooperatives to quickly advance clean energy deployment while buffering their balance sheets.

To facilitate a smooth and cost-effective transition to clean energy, Sierra Club has created a series of cooperative-specific analyses demonstrating how rural electric cooperatives across the country can take advantage of USDA’s New ERA program.

Clean Energy Transition Plans

Explore cooperative-by-cooperative analyses of how cooperatives across the country can take advantage of USDA’s New ERA program and drive deep cost savings for customers.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation

• Analysis –  Leveling the Playing Field

Associated Electric Cooperative  

• Analysis – Getting Cooperative in a New ERA

Oglethorpe Power Corporation

• Analysis – Oglethorpe’s Path to Clean Energy Independence

Buckeye Power

• Analysis – Entering a New ERA at Buckeye Power 

Additional Resources

Use this Rural Cooperative Explorer to learn more about how electric cooperatives across the United States can harness the power of clean energy For the best experience, use a desktop computer.

If you prefer, you can view in Tableau.