Major Funding for Renewable Energy

The USDA Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program offers a significant new financing opportunity for rural electric infrastructure, renewable energy generation, and grid improvements.

PART can provide financing ranging from $1 million to $100 million, with up to 40% loan forgiveness potentially available for qualifying projects.

The program helps rural electric utilities, electric cooperatives, Tribal governments and eligible Tribal entities, and other eligible organizations working to strengthen rural energy infrastructure.

What Can PART Fund?

Hydroelectric generation
Geothermal generation
Biomass generation
Energy storage
Transmission infrastructure
Distribution infrastructure
Grid reliability and resilience
Microgrids
Transformers and other electric equipment
Interconnection infrastructure
Upgrades to existing electric infrastructure

How Does the Funding Work?

PART is loan financing rather than a traditional grant program. However, qualifying projects may receive up to 40% loan forgiveness, making the program particularly attractive for large rural energy investments.

Awards can range from $1 million to $100 million, providing an opportunity for projects that require substantial capital investment.

Because PART is structured as financing with potential forgiveness, applicants need a strong business case demonstrating why the project is necessary, financially sound, and beneficial to the community and electric system.

Who Can Benefit From PART?

The program is particularly relevant for:

Rural electric utilities
Electric cooperatives
Tribal governments and eligible Tribal entities
Rural communities
Organizations developing eligible renewable energy generation
Entities making improvements to rural electric infrastructure

How REA Analytics Can Help

Applying for a major federal financing opportunity requires applicants to demonstrate the need, financial feasibility, measurable outcomes, and long-term value of the project.

REA Analytics offers free application services to eligible organizations pursuing funding opportunities where REA Analytics can serve as the evaluator or provide an appropriate project role.

REA can assist with the PART application, including:

Project narrative
Funding strategy
Federal eligibility documentation
Project need and justification
Economic and community benefits
Financial information and project budget
Alignment with USDA priorities
Supporting data and performance measures

Because the PART process begins with a Letter of Interest (LOI), developing a strong project strategy and narrative early is important.

Turning Project Data Into a Stronger Funding Case

For large infrastructure projects, data can help demonstrate why an investment deserves federal financing.

REA Analytics can help applicants quantify:

Current versus projected electricity generation
Expected increases in electricity production
Efficiency improvements
Revenue impact
Operating-cost savings
Financial impact and payback period
Reliability improvements
Job creation and economic impact
Energy-security benefits
Cost per additional MW/MWh generated

Reporting and Performance Measurement

REA Analytics can also provide reporting and performance measurement support after an award.

That can include establishing baseline measures, tracking project performance, analyzing outcomes, preparing reports, and documenting whether the project is achieving the results promised in the application.

This creates a full funding support model:

Application → Data Analysis → Project Performance → Reporting

For organizations pursuing a major rural energy investment, having the ability to demonstrate measurable results throughout the project can be just as important as securing the initial financing.