JPEC to Receive $61 Million Infrastructure Loan

A Paducah electric utility will receive a $61 million loan from the federal government for infrastructure improvements.

The US Dept. of Agriculture announced Thursday it is investing $371 million to build and improve critical electric infrastructure that will benefit more than 222,000 rural residents and commercial customers in 11 states. As part of that funding, JPEC is receiving a $61 million loan to connect 1,718 consumers, build and improve 135 miles of line, and add smart grid technologies to its services.

The Agriculture Department is investing in 10 projects through its Electric Loan Program. This funding will help build and improve 3,741 miles of line to improve electric reliability and resilience in rural areas in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The loans include $80 million for investments in smart grid technology, which uses digital communications to detect and react to local changes in electricity usage.

“These investments will improve electric service by connecting more consumers, building and improving lines, and modernizing power grids in rural communities,” USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner to rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”