Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program
The Rural Utilities Service offers approximately $175 million in loan and grant funding to support efficient transmission infrastructure and nuclear power supply for rural electric systems.
Funder: Rural Utilities Service
Due Dates: November 20, 2026, at 11:59 a.m. ET (LOI) | Within 90 calendar days of invitation (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $100,000–$20 million; approximately $175 million available; four-year performance period, ending no later than September 30, 2031
Summary: Loans and grants support rural electric cooperatives’ nuclear power supply and transmission efficiency projects.
Key Information: Research and development and feasibility studies are ineligible; projects must use proven commercially available technology.
Description
The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program is administered by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) under Section 22004 of the Inflation Reduction Act. It supports electric cooperatives and eligible subsidiaries in expanding emission-free nuclear power supply and improving transmission efficiency. The program seeks future reductions in carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions while strengthening the long-term resiliency, reliability, and affordability of rural electric systems.
Eligible work includes constructing, acquiring, or improving nuclear facilities, extending their useful lives or expanding output, purchasing nuclear energy, and deploying advanced transmission improvements. Transmission projects can reduce line losses, relieve congestion, increase capacity within existing rights-of-way, or transmit zero-emission power. Proposals must demonstrate benefits to members’ electricity rates.
