AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – Aiken Electric Cooperative is receiving a portion of $257 million headed to South Carolina for electric infrastructure to serve rural communities.
U.S. Department of Agriculture said the projects are funded through the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program.
Aiken Electric’s loan includes $14.5 million in smart grid technologies.
It will use the funding to connect 3,588 consumers, build and improve 192 miles of line and construct headquarter facilities.
Aiken Electric serves more than 50,000 members in parts of Barnwell, Calhoun, Edgefield, Greenwood, Lexington, McCormick, Orangeburg, Saluda and Aiken counties.
Also getting money in South Carolina are Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and Haywood Electric Membership Corp.
These investments are intended to help utility providers and electric cooperatives to improve electric infrastructure, smart-grid technologies and renewable energy systems.
“These critical investments will help create seamless smart grid electric networks and will help increase economic opportunities for people living and working in these rural communities,” said USDA South Carolina Acting State Director George W. Hicks Jr.
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