Back to Blog

OPALCO APPROVED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT LOAN FROM USDA

Posted in Submarine Cables

OPALCO is among the 77 electric utilities recently approved for USDA Rural Utility Services (RUS) loans. OPALCO is approved for a loan of $17.1M to move forward with the submarine cable replacement for the Lopez to San Juan link, as forecast in our long-range and construction work plans. The loan amount also includes other transmission upgrade projects. Loan funds are not awarded in advance, but function as a line of credit, reimbursed as projects progress and as certified by RUS.

The US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced nearly $2.3 billion in loans to build and improve rural electric infrastructure in 31 states. The funding is provided through USDA Rural Development’s Electric Program, which makes loans and loan guarantees to non-profit and cooperative associations. Since 2009, USDA has funded $34 billion in electric loans and more than $1 billion for smart grid technologies.

A video about the OPALCO submarine cable project is available on YouTube.

Related Posts

View all blog entries

You may also like...

kid turning off the lightswitch before leaving the house.

Conservation and Efficiency

Play your part in the energy future of the islands Orcas Power & Light Cooperative is navigating today’s challenging and evolving energy landscape while also planning for our shared energy … Read more
opalco members at 2025 Annual Member Festival.

OPALCO Board Nominations are OPEN!

It’s a pivotal time for the energy world, with important issues to tackle that will shape our communities for years to come It’s that time of year when Orcas Power … Read more
barge installing new submarine cable

Delivering Power & Quality of Life

Center Island gets a new submarine cable Center Island is a small island nestled between Decatur and Lopez islands with about 150 electric meters. It was home to the oldest … Read more