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...

fiber installation van

Rock Island Communications Reaches Nearly 7,000 Subscribers and Secures $16.5 Million Grant for Broadband Expansion

Rock Island Communications (RIC), OPALCO’s locally owned internet subsidiary, is celebrating a decade of remarkable growth. Rock Island now has almost 7,000 subscribers across San Juan County. Now the company … Read more
Photo of people having a meeting around a board room table.

OPALCO Candidates Announced

VOTE IN OPALCO’S ELECTION! VOTERS ELIGIBLE TO WIN PRIZES! The 2026 OPALCO election opens March 18th! To allow members to meet each candidate and hear about their vision for the … Read more
lightbulbs

EGC Announces OPALCO Board Candidates

Nominations by Petition Due March 2 The volunteer member Elections & Governance Committee (EGC) has completed their nominations process and selected a slate of candidates for the 2026 OPALCO Board … Read more