emPower Rural America Launches New Study: Electric Transmission and Rural America
As many of you know, over the past year, Constitution Partners has been actively working to establish a new coalition uniting farmers, growers, food processors, and rural stakeholders. Together, we are advocating for a more reliable and affordable electric grid to meet the needs of our communities.
With nationwide electric demand projected to rise by 15.8% by 2029, ensuring the grid can sustain this growth is more critical than ever. That’s why we launched emPower Rural America—to amplify rural voices, champion their priorities, and ensure that rural America is equipped for a stronger, brighter future.
emPower Rural America (ePRA) is thrilled to announce the release of our new series of fact sheets, Electric Transmission and Rural America: A Guide. This resource, developed with the invaluable support of our members across the country, highlights the critical role of electric transmission in strengthening rural communities, supporting farmers, and securing the nation’s energy future.
Here’s an overview of the key topics explored in these fact sheets:
The Role of Electric Transmission in Rural America
Electric transmission is the backbone of rural energy systems, ensuring that homes, farms, and businesses have access to reliable and affordable electricity. Rural areas often depend on transmission infrastructure to connect them to energy generated hundreds or even thousands of miles away. The guide highlights the importance of this infrastructure in enabling economic development, fostering technological advancements in agriculture, and providing resilience during extreme weather events.
Modernizing the Grid
The fact sheets emphasize the need for a modern grid capable of handling growing energy demands and integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Rural areas are home to significant renewable energy generation potential, but outdated infrastructure often limits the ability to deliver that power to where it is needed most. By investing in advanced technologies, such as high-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines and improved grid interconnectivity, rural communities can play a pivotal role in the nation’s clean energy transition.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
A robust and modernized electric grid benefits rural America in numerous ways:
Economic Growth: Improved transmission infrastructure creates jobs, attracts businesses, and enhances the competitiveness of rural economies. The guide provides examples of how investments in electric transmission have revitalized local communities and improved quality of life.
Environmental Impact: Expanding and upgrading the grid helps reduce carbon emissions by enabling more renewable energy generation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This not only benefits the environment but also ensures a healthier future for rural communities.
Policy Considerations
ePRA believes in the critical need for supportive federal and state policies to drive grid expansion and modernization. These policies include streamlined permitting processes, financial incentives for renewable energy projects, and targeted investments to address grid bottlenecks in rural areas. Additionally, the guide outlines the importance of community engagement to ensure that rural voices are heard in the planning and development of transmission projects.
Why This Matters
Electric transmission is not just about energy—it’s about opportunity, equity, and sustainability. As rural America shoulders a significant share of the country’s agricultural and energy production, it is essential to provide the infrastructure needed to keep these communities strong, competitive, and connected.
ePRA is proud to champion these goals through resources like Electric Transmission and Rural America: A Guide. These fact sheets underscore the importance of collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and rural stakeholders to build a grid that works for everyone.
To learn more about the work we’re doing at emPower Rural America, visit our website at http://www.empowerruralamerica.com.