RUS IRA new ERA grant

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded a $49,656,600 Project Grant on January 3, 2025 under the New Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program (CFDA 10.758) to Yampa Valley Electric Association, a not-for-profit electric utility cooperative in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The funding will support Yampa Valley Electric Association's initiatives to transform its rural electric infrastructure and achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing the resiliency, reliability, and affordability of its electric system. Key project elements include energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy deployment, zero-emission systems, and carbon capture storage. The grant has a 2-year performance period ending January 3, 2027. Yampa Valley Electric Association has previously received federal grants from RUS and the Bureau of Land Management for infrastructure development, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy solutions.