Two Northern Minnesota electrical cooperatives are among those receiving federal loans to strengthen the rural power grid.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making the investments as part of a $2.2 billion program to build and improve infrastructure and smart grid technologies.
Wild Rice Electric Coop in Mahnomen, which serves more than 14,000 customers in six northwestern counties, will use $18.6 million to connect more than 600 more consumers and improve almost 100 miles of powerlines.
North Itasca Electric Coop in Bigfork will use $8.7 million to connect more than 240 consumers and build and improve 40 miles of line. North Itasca provides electricity to 5,600 in three north-central counties.
Both loans include funding for smart grid technology. A smart grid allows for sensing along the power lines with computers and other equipment to respond more quickly to changing electrical demand.
The projects seek to ensure more than 2 million people in rural areas have access to reliable electricity.
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