Wisconsin Power Cooperative to Receive $595M Grant
WASHINGTON — A $595 million grant first awarded under the Biden administration’s Empowering Rural America, or New ERA program, has been “affirmed” by the Trump administration.
Dairyland Power Cooperative said that the award will benefit Dairyland’s members and rural communities from three major standpoints:
- Resource diversification to support rural communities, economic growth and U.S. energy independence.
- Downward rate pressure for rural residents.
- Increased grid reliability and resilience resulting from critical transmission line upgrades.
In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dairyland will continue to pursue over 1,000 megawatts of power purchase agreements for clean energy projects in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
“Dairyland’s New ERA award will create job opportunities, support economic development and generate new sources of tax revenue for local communities,” the company said in a press release.
In addition, New ERA will facilitate transmission infrastructure projects to ensure a reliable grid to meet growing energy demand and support an all-of-the-above resource portfolio.
Dairyland said the funds will allow them to advance clean energy transition plans more quickly and affordably.
“New ERA projects will accelerate Dairyland’s sustainability goals, resulting in significant reductions in carbon intensity, while strengthening grid reliability and energy affordability,” according to the release.
“In alignment with President Trump’s policy of unleashing American energy and natural resources, New ERA empowers rural America by allowing Dairyland to diversify resources and finance key transmission projects needed to support growth in rural areas,” said Dairyland President and CEO Brent Ridge.
“Dairyland strives every day to restore American prosperity and improve quality of life in the communities we serve, and we are excited to proceed with this incredible opportunity.”
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