Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Support to Improve Electric Service for Residents, Businesses Across Central Upper Peninsula

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support to improve electric service to businesses and residents in the central Upper Peninsula. The support comes through the USDA's rural utilities program and will help replace aging electric lines, build new lines to reach new residents, and support smart grid projects that can help reduce electric consumption and protect the electric grid to improve service. Senator Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill continued support for infrastructure improvements in rural America and investments in the rural economy, including helping rural utilities assist customers in making energy efficient improvements at their homes and businesses.

"Having functioning, affordable and reliable electric service is vitally important for rural communities like those in the UP," said Stabenow. "This support will connect UP families to the grid, improve their service and help keep our economy growing."

Alger-Delta Cooperative Electric Association will receive a $7 million loan guarantee to build or improve over 100 miles of electric line and make system improvements. The funding will also support smart grid projects and improve service for Native Americans living in the area.