7 USC CHAPTER 31, SUBCHAPTER I: RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

From Title 7—AGRICULTURECHAPTER 31—RURAL ELECTRIFICATION AND TELEPHONE SERVICE

SUBCHAPTER I—RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

§901. Short title

This chapter may be cited as the "Rural Electrification Act of 1936".

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §1, 49 Stat. 1363; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, §5, eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2732, 53 Stat. 1434; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §2, 63 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(1), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3220.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 added section catchline and text and struck out former text which read as follows: "There is hereby created and established an agency of the United States to be known as the 'Rural Electrification Administration', all of the powers of which shall be exercised by an Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of ten years, and who shall receive a salary of $10,000 per year. This chapter may be cited as the 'Rural Electrification Act of 1936'."

1949—Act Oct. 28, 1949, inserted "title I," in credit of act May 20, 1936.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–129, §1, Nov. 1, 1993, 107 Stat. 1356, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 936d, 936e, and 2008e of this title, amending sections 902, 904, 913, 918, 924, 935, 936c, 937, 939, 940d, 946, 948, 1926, and 2006f of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note below] may be cited as the 'Rural Electrification Loan Restructuring Act of 1993'."

Short Title of 1992 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–428, §1, Oct. 21, 1992, 106 Stat. 2183, provided that: "This Act [amending section 936b of this title] may be cited as the 'Rural Electrification Administration Improvement Act of 1992'."

Short Title of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–624, title XXIII, §2351(a), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4038, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle F (§§2351–2368) of title XXIII of Pub. L. 101–624, enacting sections 918 and 925 to 928 of this title, amending sections 924, 932, 935, 936, 939, 945, 946, 948, and 950 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 946 of this title] may be cited as the 'Rural Telecommunications Improvements Act of 1990'."

Short Title of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–570, §1, Oct. 20, 1976, 90 Stat. 2701, provided: "That this Act [amending sections 931 and 935 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 935 of this title] may be cited as the 'Rural Electrification Administration Technical Amendments Act of 1976'."

Regulations

Pub. L. 103–129, §6, Nov. 1, 1993, 107 Stat. 1367, provided that: "Except as provided in section 2(b) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 [7 U.S.C. 902(b)] and section 370 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act [7 U.S.C. 2008e], as added by sections 2(c)(1)(C) and 5 of this Act, not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 1, 1993], interim final regulations shall be issued by—

"(1) the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration to carry out the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1993 Amendment note above] to programs administered by the Administrator;

"(2) the Administrator of the Rural Development Administration to carry out the amendments made by this Act to programs administered by the Administrator; and

"(3) the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the amendments made by this Act to programs administered by the Farmers Home Administration."

Findings; Statement of Policy

Pub. L. 101–624, title XXIII, §2352, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4038, as amended by Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, §6602(b)(12), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4777, provided that:

"(a) Findings.—The Congress finds that—

"(1) making modern telecommunications technology and services available in rural areas in the United States promotes economic development and improves the quality of life in rural areas; and

"(2) the efficient operation of the Rural Telephone Bank and the Rural Electrification Administration telephone loan programs is essential to the continued development of the telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas in the United States.

"(b) Statement of Policy.—It is the policy of the Congress that the Rural Electrification Administration make loans that facilitate the development and enhancement of the rural telecommunications infrastructure in order to make modern telecommunications technology and services available at reasonable rates to the greatest practicable number of people in rural areas in the United States."

[Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (former 7 U.S.C. 941–950b), which established the Rural Telephone Bank, was repealed by Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, §6602(a), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4776.]

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Functions of all officers, agencies, and employees of Department of Agriculture transferred with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Agriculture by 1953 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §1, eff. June 4, 1953, 18 F.R. 3219, 67 Stat. 633, set out as a note under section 2201 of this title.

Rural Electrification Administration and its functions and activities transferred to Department of Agriculture, to be administered therein by Administrator under general direction and supervision of Secretary of Agriculture, by 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. See also sections 401 to 404 of that plan for provisions relating to transfer of functions, records, property, personnel, and funds.

§902. General authority of Secretary of Agriculture

(a) Loans

The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this chapter as the "Secretary") is authorized and empowered to make loans, or refinance loans made or guaranteed by the Secretary under this chapter, in the several States and Territories of the United States for rural electrification and for the purpose of furnishing and improving electric and telephone service in rural areas, as provided in this chapter, and for the purpose of assisting electric borrowers to implement demand side management, energy efficiency and conservation programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems.

(b) Investigations and reports

The Secretary may make, or cause to be made, studies, investigations, and reports regarding matters, including financial, technological, and regulatory matters, affecting the condition and progress of electric, telecommunications, and economic development in rural areas, and publish and disseminate information with respect to the matters.

(c) Technical assistance

Not later than 180 days after December 20, 2018, the Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Energy under which the Secretary of Energy shall provide technical assistance to the Rural Utilities Service on loans to be made under subsection (a) of this section and section 904(a) of this title.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §2, 49 Stat. 1363; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §§2, 3, 63 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 103–129, §2(c)(1), Nov. 1, 1993, 107 Stat. 1363; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(2), (13), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3220, 3221; Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, §771, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1149; Pub. L. 110–234, title VI, §6101, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1195; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VI, §6101, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1956; Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, §6501, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4771; Pub. L. 116–94, div. B, title VII, §765, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2655.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–94 substituted "made or guaranteed by the Secretary" for "made by the Secretary".

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–334, §6501(a), substituted "loans, or refinance loans made by the Secretary under this chapter, in" for "loans in".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–334, §6501(b), added subsec. (c).

2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–246, §6101, inserted "efficiency and" before "conservation".

1996—Pub. L. 104–127, §771(1), inserted section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–127, §771(1), (2), inserted heading, substituted "The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this chapter as the 'Secretary') is" for "The Secretary of Agriculture is", struck out "and the furnishing of electric energy to persons in rural areas who are not receiving central station service" after "rural electrification", and substituted "systems." for "systems; to make, or cause to be made, studies, investigations, and reports concerning the condition and progress of the electrification of and the furnishing of adequate telephone service in rural areas in the several States and Territories; and to publish and disseminate information with respect thereto."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–127, §771(3), added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: "By January 1, 1994, the Secretary shall issue interim regulations to implement the authority contained in subsection (a) of this section to make loans for the purpose of assisting electric borrowers to implement demand side management, energy conservation programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems. If the regulations are not issued by January 1, 1994, the Secretary shall consider any demand side management, energy conservation, or renewable energy program, system, or activity that is approved by a State agency to be eligible for the loans."

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 substituted "Secretary of Agriculture" for "Administrator" in subsec. (a) and "Secretary" for "Administrator" in two places in subsec. (b).

1993—Pub. L. 103–129 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted "electric and telephone service in rural areas, as provided in this chapter, and for the purpose of assisting electric borrowers to implement demand side management, energy conservation programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems;" for "telephone service in rural areas, as hereinafter provided;", and added subsec. (b).

1949—Act Oct. 28, 1949, authorized loans to furnish and improve rural telephone service; and inserted "title I," in credit of act May 20, 1936.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of this title.

§903. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this chapter.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §3, 49 Stat. 1364; June 21, 1938, ch. 554, title IV, §401, 52 Stat. 818; Sept. 21, 1944, ch. 412, title V, §§501, 503, 504, 58 Stat. 739, 740; July 30, 1947, ch. 356, title I, §1, 61 Stat. 546; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §§2, 4(a)–(d), 63 Stat. 948; June 15, 1955, ch. 139, §1, 69 Stat. 131; Pub. L. 92–12, §3(a), May 7, 1971, 85 Stat. 37; Pub. L. 93–32, §3, May 11, 1973, 87 Stat. 70; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(3), (13), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3220, 3221; Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, §772(a), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1149.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–127 amended section generally, inserting section catchline and substituting current provisions for provisions relating to funds of Secretary, including provisions for loans by Secretary of the Treasury, authorization of appropriations, allotment of funds for loans in States, loans of unallotted funds, and unexpended funds and limitation on use.

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator, upon the request and approval of the Secretary of Agriculture," and for "Administrator appointed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or from the Administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration established by Executive Order Numbered 7037" in first sentence of subsec. (a) and substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" wherever appearing.

1973—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 93–32 struck out subsec. (f) which made provision for the disposition of payments on loans that had been made by the Administrator.

1971—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 92–12 inserted introductory text "Except as otherwise provided in sections 931 and 946(a) of this title".

1955—Subsec. (c). Act June 15, 1955, reduced the funds which may be allotted for loans from fifty to twenty-five per centum of the available or appropriated sum, and inserted two provisos.

Subsec. (d). Act June 15, 1955, substituted "75 per centum" for "50 per centum", and "25 per centum" for "10 per centum".

Subsec. (e). Act June 15, 1955, substituted "25 per centum" for "10 per centum".

1949—Act Oct. 28, 1949, §2, inserted "title I," in credit of act May 20, 1936.

Subsec. (a). Act Oct. 28, 1949, §4(a), authorized loans for financing facilities to render telephone service.

Subsec. (c). Act Oct. 28, 1949, §4(b), substituted "for loans for rural electrification pursuant to sections 904 and 905 of this title" for "for the purposes of this chapter".

Subsec. (d). Act Oct. 28, 1949, §4(c), inserted "rural electrification" after "available for".

Subsec. (e). Act Oct. 28, 1949, §4(d), inserted "for rural electrification loans" after "sums" in proviso.

1947—Subsec. (a). Act July 30, 1947, amended subsec. (a) generally, and among other things transferred from the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to the Secretary of the Treasury the power to make loans.

Subsec. (f). Act July 30, 1947, substituted Secretary of the Treasury for Reconstruction Finance Corporation.

1944—Subsec. (a). Act Sept. 21, 1944, struck out "The Reconstruction Finance Corporation is hereby authorized and directed to make loans to the Administrator, upon his request approved by the President, not exceeding in aggregate amounts $50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1937, and $100,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1939, with interest at 3 per centum per annum" and inserted in lieu thereof "The Reconstruction Finance Corporation is hereby authorized and directed to make loans to the Administrator, upon the request and approval of the Secretary of Agriculture, in such amounts in the aggregate for each fiscal year commencing with the fiscal year ending June 30, 1945, as the Congress may from time to time determine to be necessary, with interest at a rate of 1¾ per centum per annum", changed colon to period following "numbered 70037", inserted "Interest rates on the unpaid balance of any loans made by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to the Administrator prior to the effective date of this amendment shall be adjusted to a rate of 1¾ per centum per annum", inserted sentence "The amount of the notes, bonds, debentures, and other such obligations which the Reconstruction Finance Corporation is authorized and empowered to issue and to have outstanding at any one time under existing law is hereby increased by an amount sufficient to carry out the provisions hereof", and substituted "thirty-five years" for "twenty-five years" in second proviso.

Subsec. (b). Act Sept. 21, 1944, struck out subsec. (b) limiting amount of appropriation and renewal of appropriations to eight years after June 30, 1938, and inserted a new subsec. (b).

Subsec. (e). Act Sept. 21, 1944, struck out "and provided further, that no loans shall be made by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to the Administrator after June 30, 1939", and changed colon to period after "territories".

1938—Subsecs. (a), (e). Act June 21, 1938, inserted "and $100,000,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1939" after "June 30, 1937," in subsec. (a), and substituted "June 30, 1939" for "June 30, 1937" in subsec. (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1973 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–32 effective May 11, 1973, see section 12 of Pub. L. 93–32, set out as an Effective Date note under section 930 of this title.

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–12 effective May 7, 1971, see section 7 of Pub. L. 92–12, set out as an Effective Date note under section 931 of this title.

Restrictions on Borrower

Act June 21, 1938, ch. 554, title IV, §401, 52 Stat. 818, as amended by Pub. L. 103–182, title III, §381(d), Dec. 8, 1993, 107 Stat. 2129; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(b)(3), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221; Pub. L. 103–465, title III, §342(g), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4954, in addition to amending subsecs. (a) and (e), provided in part as follows: "In making loans pursuant to this title [title IV of such act] and pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 [this chapter], the Secretary of Agriculture shall require that, to the extent practicable and the cost of which is not unreasonable, the borrower agree to use in connection with the expenditure of such funds only such unmanufactured articles, materials, and supplies, as have been mined or produced in the United States or in any eligible country, and only such manufactured articles, materials, and supplies as have been manufactured in the United States or in any eligible country substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced, or manufactured, as the case may be, in the United States or in any eligible country. For purposes of this section, an 'eligible country' is any country that applies with respect to the United States an agreement ensuring reciprocal access for United States products and services and United States suppliers to the markets of that country, as determined by the United States Trade Representative."

[Amendment by section 342(g) of Pub. L. 103–465 to section 401 of act June 21, 1938, set out above, effective on the date on which the WTO Agreement enters into force with respect to the United States (Jan. 1, 1995), see section 344(b) of Pub. L. 103–465, set out as an Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note under section 2512 of Title 19, Customs Duties.]

[Amendment by section 381(d) of Pub. L. 103–182 to section 401 of act June 21, 1938, set out above, effective on the date the North American Free Trade Agreement enters into force with respect to the United States (Jan. 1, 1994), see section 381(e) of Pub. L. 103–182, formerly set out as an Effective Date of 1993 Amendment note under section 2511 of Title 19, Customs Duties.]

§904. Loans for electrical plants and transmission lines

(a) In general

The Secretary is authorized and empowered, from the sums hereinbefore authorized, to make loans for rural electrification to persons, corporations, States, Territories, and subdivisions and agencies thereof, municipalities, peoples' utility districts and cooperative, nonprofit, or limited-dividend associations, organized under the laws of any State or Territory of the United States, for the purpose of financing the construction and operation of generating plants, electric transmission and distribution lines or systems for the furnishing and improving of electric service to persons in rural areas, including by assisting electric borrowers to implement demand side management, energy efficiency and conservation programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems, and loans, from funds available under section 903 of this title, to cooperative associations and municipalities for the purpose of enabling said cooperative associations, and municipalities to the extent that such indebtedness was incurred with respect to electric transmission and distribution lines or systems or portions thereof serving persons in rural areas, to discharge or refinance long-term debts owed by them to the Tennessee Valley Authority on account of loans made or credit extended under the terms of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, as amended [16 U.S.C. 831 et seq.]: Provided, That the Secretary, in making such loans, shall give preference to States, Territories, and subdivisions and agencies thereof, municipalities, peoples' utility districts, and cooperative, nonprofit, or limited-dividend associations, the projects of which comply with the requirements of this chapter.

(b) Terms and conditions

Such loans shall be on such terms and conditions relating to the expenditure of the moneys loaned and the security therefor as the Secretary shall determine and may be made payable in whole or in part out of the income, except that no loan for the construction, operation, or enlargement of any generating plant shall be made unless the consent of the State authority having jurisdiction in the premises is first obtained.

(c) Direct loans

(1) Direct hardship loans

Direct hardship loans under this section shall be for the same purposes and on the same terms and conditions as hardship loans made under section 935(c)(1) of this title.

(2) Other direct loans

All other direct loans under this section shall bear interest at a rate equal to the then current cost of money to the Government of the United States for loans of similar maturity, plus 1/8 of 1 percent.

(d) Certification

Loans under this section shall not be made unless the Secretary finds and certifies that in his judgment the security therefor is reasonably adequate and such loan will be repaid within the time agreed.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §4, 49 Stat. 1365; Sept. 21, 1944, ch. 412, title V, §§502(a), 503, 58 Stat. 739, 740; Dec. 23, 1944, ch. 725, 58 Stat. 925; June 29, 1948, ch. 703, 62 Stat. 1070; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §§2, 4(e), 63 Stat. 948; June 15, 1955, ch. 139, §2, 69 Stat. 132; Pub. L. 103–129, §2(c)(2), Nov. 1, 1993, 107 Stat. 1363; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(13), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221; Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, §773, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1149; Pub. L. 110–234, title VI, §§6101, 6102(a), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1195; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VI, §§6101, 6102(a), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1956.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, referred to in subsec. (a), is act May 18, 1933. ch. 32. 48 Stat. 58, which is classified generally to chapter 12A (§831 et seq.) of Title 16, Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 831 of Title 16 and Tables.

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2008—Pub. L. 110–246, §6102(a), designated first, second, and third sentences as subsecs. (a), (b), and (d), respectively, and added subsec. (c).

Pub. L. 110–246, §6101, inserted "efficiency and" before "conservation" in first sentence.

1996—Pub. L. 104–127, in first sentence, struck out "for the furnishing of electric energy to persons in rural areas who are not receiving central station service and" after "transmission and distribution lines or systems" and substituted "section 903 of this title," for "the provisions of sections 903(d) and 903(e) of this title but without regard to the 25 per centum limitation therein contained,", in second sentence, substituted ", except that" for ": Provided, further, That all such loans shall be self-liquidating within a period of not to exceed thirty-five years, and shall bear interest at the rate of 2 per centum per annum; interest rates on the unmatured and unpaid balance of any loans made pursuant to this section prior to September 21, 1944, shall be adjusted to 2 per centum per annum, and the maturity date of any such loans may be readjusted to occur at a date not beyond thirty-five years from the date of such loan: And provided further, That", and in third sentence, struck out "and section 905 of this title" before "shall not be made".

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator".

1993—Pub. L. 103–129 inserted "and for the furnishing and improving of electric service to persons in rural areas, including by assisting electric borrowers to implement demand side management, energy conservation programs, and on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems" after "central station service".

1955—Act June 15, 1955, substituted "25 per centum" for "10 per centum".

1949—Act Oct. 28, 1949, inserted "for rural electrification" after "to make loans" in first sentence, and inserted "title I," in credit of act May 20, 1936.

1948—Act June 29, 1948, permitted certain municipalities to refinance with R.E.A. their indebtedness with T.V.A.

1944—Act Dec. 23, 1944, inserted provision authorizing loans to cooperative associations to enable them to discharge or refinance debts owed to the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Act Sept. 21, 1944, extended limit of self-liquidating period from 25 to 35 years and changing the rate of interest.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

§905. Fees for certain loan guarantees

(a) In general

For electrification baseload generation loan guarantees, the Secretary shall, at the request of the borrower, charge an upfront fee to cover the costs of the loan guarantee.

(b) Fee

The fee described in subsection (a) for a loan guarantee shall be equal to the costs of the loan guarantee (within the meaning of section 661a(5)(C) of title 2).

(c) Limitation

Funds received from a borrower to pay the fee described in this section shall not be derived from a loan or other debt obligation that is made or guaranteed by the Federal Government.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §5, as added Pub. L. 113–79, title VI, §6101, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 850.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 905, acts May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §5, 49 Stat. 1365; Sept. 21, 1944, ch. 412, title V, §502(b), 58 Stat. 739; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §2, 63 Stat. 948; Oct. 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(13), 108 Stat. 3221, related to loans for electrical and plumbing equipment and persons eligible for such loans, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, §774(a), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1150.

§906. Funding for administrative expenses

For the purpose of administering this chapter and for the purpose of making the studies, investigations, publications, and reports herein provided for, there is authorized to be appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as shall be necessary.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §6, 49 Stat. 1365; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §2, 63 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 94–124, §3, Nov. 4, 1975, 89 Stat. 677; Pub. L. 103–437, §4(a)(3), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4581; Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, §775, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1150.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–127 struck out at end "On or before February 15, of each calendar year beginning with calendar year 1976, or such other date as may be specified by the appropriate committee, the Secretary of Agriculture shall testify before the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and provide justification in detail of the amount requested in the budget to be appropriated for the next fiscal year for the purpose of administering this chapter and for the purpose of making the studies, investigations, publications, and reports herein authorized."

1994—Pub. L. 103–437 substituted "Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry" for "Committee on Agriculture and Forestry".

1975—Pub. L. 94–124 inserted requirement that the Secretary of Agriculture testify before the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry each calendar year on or before February 15th or other date specified by the Committees to provide justification in detail of the amount requested in the budget to be appropriated for the next fiscal year.

1949—Act Oct. 28, 1949, inserted "title I," in credit of act May 20, 1936.

§906a. Use of funds outside the United States or its territories prohibited

No funds provided under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended [7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.], shall be used outside the United States or any of its territories.

(Pub. L. 93–32, §10, May 11, 1973, 87 Stat. 71.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Rural Electrification Act of 1936, referred to in text, is act May 20, 1936, ch. 432, 49 Stat. 1363, which is classified generally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 901 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective May 11, 1973, see section 12 of Pub. L. 93–32, set out as a note under section 930 of this title.

§907. Acquisition of property pledged for loans; disposition; sale of pledged property by borrower

The Secretary is authorized and empowered to bid for and purchase at any foreclosure or other sale, or otherwise to acquire, property pledged or mortgaged to secure any loan made pursuant to this chapter; to pay the purchase price and any costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith from the sums authorized in section 903 of this title; to accept title to any property so purchased or acquired in the name of the United States of America; to operate or lease such property for such period as may be deemed necessary or advisable to protect the investment therein, but not to exceed five years after the acquisition thereof; and to sell such property so purchased or acquired, upon such terms and for such consideration as the Secretary shall determine to be reasonable.

No borrower of funds under sections 904 or 922 of this title shall, without the approval of the Secretary, sell or dispose of its property, rights, or franchises, acquired under the provisions of this chapter, until any loan obtained from the Rural Electrification Administration, including all interest and charges, shall have been repaid.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §7, 49 Stat. 1365; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §§2, 4(f), 63 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(13), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" wherever appearing.

1949—Act Oct. 28, 1949, inserted "or section 922" after "904" in second par., and inserted "title I," in credit of act May 20, 1936.

§908. Limitations on use of assistance

(a) Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Secretary may allow a recipient of a grant, loan, or loan guarantee under this subchapter to set aside not more than 10 percent of the amount so received to provide retail broadband service.

(b) A recipient who sets aside funds under subsection (a) of this section may use the funds only in an area that is not being provided with the minimum acceptable level of broadband service established under section 950bb(e) of this title, unless the recipient meets the requirements of section 950bb(d) of this title.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the ability of any borrower to finance or deploy services authorized under this chapter.

(d) The Secretary shall not provide funding under subsection (a) if the funding would result in competitive harm to any grant, loan, or loan guarantee referred to in subsection (a).

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §8, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, §6210(b), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4744.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 908, acts May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §8, 49 Stat. 1366; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §2, 63 Stat. 948; Oct. 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(4), 108 Stat. 3221, related to transfer of functions of Rural Electrification Administration created by Executive Order No. 7037, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, §776, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1150.

§909. Administration on nonpolitical basis; dismissal of officers or employees for violating provision

This chapter shall be administered entirely on a nonpartisan basis, and in the appointment of officials, the selection of employees, and in the promotion of any such officials or employees, no political test or qualification shall be permitted or given consideration, but all such appointments and promotions shall be given and made on the basis of merit and efficiency. If the Secretary herein provided for is found by the President of the United States to be guilty of a violation of this section, he shall be removed from office by the President, and any appointee or selection of officials or employees made by the Secretary who is found guilty of a violation of this chapter shall be removed by the Secretary.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §9, 49 Stat. 1366; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §2, 63 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(13), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" wherever appearing.

1949—Act Oct. 28, 1949, inserted "title I," in credit of act May 20, 1936.

§910. Repealed. Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, §777, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1150

Section, acts May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §10, 49 Stat. 1366; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §2, 63 Stat. 948; Apr. 21, 1976, Pub. L. 94–273, §11(1), 90 Stat. 378; Oct. 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(13), 108 Stat. 3221, required Secretary to present annually to Congress, not later than Apr. 20, report of Secretary's activities under this chapter.

§911. Acceptance of services of Federal or State officers; application of civil service laws; expenditures for supplies and equipment

In order to carry out the provisions of this chapter the Secretary may accept and utilize such voluntary and uncompensated services of Federal, State, and local officers and employees as are available, and he may appoint and fix the compensation of attorneys, engineers, and experts and he may, subject to the civil-service laws, appoint such other officers and employees as he may find necessary and prescribe their duties. The Secretary is authorized, from sums appropriated pursuant to section 906 of this title, to make such expenditures (including expenditures for personal services; supplies and equipment; lawbooks and books of reference; directories and periodicals; travel expenses; rental at the seat of government and elsewhere; the purchase, operation, or maintenance of passenger-carrying vehicles; and printing and binding) as are appropriate and necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §11, 49 Stat. 1366; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §2, 63 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(13), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Provisions which authorized the appointment and fixing of compensation of attorneys, engineers, and experts "without regard to the provisions of the civil service laws applicable to officers and employees of the United States" were omitted from the Code as obsolete and superseded. Such appointments are now subject to the civil service laws unless specifically excepted by those laws or by laws enacted subsequent to Executive Order 8743, Apr. 23, 1941, issued by the President pursuant to act Nov. 26, 1940, ch. 919, title I, §1, 54 Stat. 1211, which covered most excepted positions into the classified (competitive) civil service. The Order is set out as a note under section 3301 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. As to the compensation of such personnel, sections 1202 and 1204 of the Classification Act of 1949, 63 Stat. 972, 973, repealed the Classification Act of 1923 and all other laws or parts of laws inconsistent with the 1949 Act. The Classification Act of 1949 was repealed by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, §8(a), 80 Stat. 632, and reenacted as chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of Title 5. Section 5102 of Title 5 now contains the applicability provisions of the 1949 Act, and section 5103 of Title 5 authorizes the Office of Personnel Management to determine the applicability to specific positions and employees.

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" in two places.

1949—Act Oct. 28, 1949, inserted "title I," in credit of act May 20, 1936.

§911a. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(5), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221

Section, act May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §11A, as added Nov. 28, 1990, Pub. L. 101–624, title XXIII, §2350, 104 Stat. 4037; amended Dec. 13, 1991, Pub. L. 102–237, title VII, §703(a), 105 Stat. 1881, related to Assistant Administrator for Economic Development.

§912. Extension of time for repayment of loans

(a) In general

The Secretary is authorized and empowered to extend the time of payment of interest or principal of any loans made by the Secretary pursuant to this chapter, except that, with respect to any loan made under section 904 or 922 of this title, the payment of interest or principal shall not be extended more than five years after such payment shall have become due.

(b) Terms of deferment

(1) Subject to limitations established in appropriations Acts, the Secretary shall permit any borrower to defer the payment of principal and interest on any insured or direct loan made under this chapter under circumstances described in this subsection, notwithstanding any limitation contained in subsection (a), except that such deferment shall not be permitted based on the determination of the Secretary of the financial hardship of the borrower.

(2)(A) In the case of deferments made to enable the borrower to provide financing to local businesses, the deferment shall be repaid in equal installments, without the accrual of interest, over the 60-month period beginning on the date of the deferment, and the total amount of such payments shall be equal to the amount of the payment deferred.

(B) In the case of deferments made to enable the borrower to provide community development assistance, technical assistance to businesses, and for other community, business, or economic development projects not included under subparagraph (A), the deferment shall be repaid in equal installments, without the accrual of interest, over the 120-month period beginning on the date of the deferment, and the total amount of such payments shall be equal to the amount of the payment deferred.

(3)(A) A borrower may defer its debt service payments only in an amount equal to an investment made by such borrower as described in paragraph (2).

(B) The amount of the deferment shall not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of a community or economic development project for which a deferment is provided under this subsection.

(C) The total amount of deferments under this subsection during each of the fiscal years 1990 through 1993 shall not exceed 3 percent of the total payments due during such fiscal year from all borrowers on direct and insured loans made under this chapter and shall not exceed 5 percent of such total payments due in each subsequent fiscal year.

(D) At the time of a deferment, the borrower shall make a payment to a cushion of credit account established and maintained pursuant to section 940c of this title in an amount equal to the amount of the payment deferred. The balance of such account shall not be reduced by the borrower below the level of the unpaid balance of the payment deferred. Subject to limitations established in annual appropriations Acts, such cushion of credit amounts and any other cushion of credit and advance payments of any borrower shall be included in the interest differential calculation under section 940c(b)(2) of this title.

(4) The Secretary shall undertake all reasonable efforts to permit the full amount of deferments authorized by this subsection during each fiscal year.

(c) Deferment of payments on loans

(1) In general

The Secretary shall allow borrowers to defer payment of principal and interest on any direct loan made under this chapter to enable the borrower to make loans to residential, commercial, and industrial consumers—

(A) to conduct energy efficiency and use audits; and

(B) to install energy efficient measures or devices that reduce the demand on electric systems.

(2) Amount

The total amount of a deferment under this subsection shall not exceed the sum of the principal and interest on the loans made to a customer of the borrower, as determined by the Secretary.

(3) Term

The term of a deferment under this subsection shall not exceed 60 months.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §12, 49 Stat. 1366; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §§2, 4(f), 63 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 101–624, title XXIII, §2344, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4028; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(13), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221; Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, §774(b), Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1150; Pub. L. 110–234, title VI, §6103, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1195; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VI, §6103, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1956; Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, §6504(a), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4773.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (b)(3)(D). Pub. L. 115–334 substituted "940c(b)(2) of this title" for "940c(b)(2)(A) of this title".

2008—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–246, §6103, added subsec. (c).

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–127 substituted ", except that, with respect to any loan" for ": Provided, however, That with respect to any loan" and struck out ", and with respect to any loan made under section 905 of this title, the payment of principal or interest shall not be extended more than two years after such payment shall have become due: And provided further, That the provisions of this section shall not apply to any obligations or the security therefor which may be held by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation under the provisions of section 903 of this title" after "such payment shall have become due".

1994—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1), (4). Pub. L. 103–354 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" wherever appearing.

1990—Pub. L. 101–624 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

1949—Act Oct. 28, 1949, inserted "or section 922" after "904" in first proviso, and inserted "title I," in credit of act May 20, 1936.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

§912a. Rescheduling and refinancing of loans

In addition to the loan extension authority provided in section 912 of this title, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to adjust and readjust the schedules for payment of principal and interest on loans to borrowers under programs administered by the Secretary under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), and to extend the maturity date of any such loan to a date not beyond forty years from the date of such loan where he determines such action is necessary because of the impairment of the economic feasibility of the system, or the loss, destruction, or damage of the property of such borrowers as a result of a major disaster.

(Pub. L. 91–606, title II, §236(a), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1754; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(b)(1), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Disaster Relief Act of 1970, and not as part of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 which constitutes this chapter. Section was formerly classified to section 4455(a) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 substituted "Secretary under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.)" for "Rural Electrification Administration".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Dec. 31, 1970, see section 304 of Pub. L. 91–606, set out as an Effective Date of 1970 Amendment note under section 165 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

§913. Definitions

In this chapter:

(1) Farm

The term "farm" means a farm, as defined by the Bureau of the Census.

(2) Indian tribe

The term "Indian tribe" has the meaning given the term in section 5304 of title 25.

(3) Rural area

Except as provided otherwise in this chapter, the term "rural area" means the farm and nonfarm population of—

(A) any area described in section 1991(a)(13)(C) of this title; and

(B) any area within a service area of a borrower for which a borrower has an outstanding loan made under subchapters I through V as of the date of enactment of this paragraph.

(4) Territory

The term "territory" includes any insular possession of the United States.

(5) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §13, 49 Stat. 1367; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §2, 63 Stat. 948; Pub. L. 103–129, §2(c)(3), Nov. 1, 1993, 107 Stat. 1363; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(6), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221; Pub. L. 110–234, title VI, §6104, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1195; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title VI, §6104, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1957.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this paragraph, referred to in par. (3)(B), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–246, which was approved June 18, 2008.

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2008—Pub. L. 110–246, §6104, amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "As used in this chapter the term 'rural area', except as provided in section 924(b) of this title, shall be deemed to mean any area of the United States not included within the boundaries of any urban area, as defined by the Bureau of the Census, and such term shall be deemed to include both the farm and nonfarm population thereof; the term 'farm' shall be deemed to mean a farm as defined in the publications of the Bureau of the Census; the term 'person' shall be deemed to mean any natural person, firm, corporation, or association; the term 'Territory' shall be deemed to include any insular possession of the United States; and the term 'Secretary' shall be deemed to mean the Secretary of Agriculture."

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 inserted before period at end "; and the term 'Secretary' shall be deemed to mean the Secretary of Agriculture".

1993—Pub. L. 103–129 inserted ", except as provided in section 924(b) of this title," before "shall be deemed to mean" and substituted "urban area, as defined by the Bureau of the Census" for "city, village, or borough having a population in excess of fifteen hundred inhabitants,".

1949—Act Oct. 28, 1949, inserted "title I," in credit of act May 20, 1936.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

§914. Separability

If any provision of this chapter, or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §14, 49 Stat. 1367; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §2, 63 Stat. 948.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1949—Act Oct. 28, 1949, inserted "title I," in credit of act May 20, 1936.

§915. Purchase of financial and credit reports

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to purchase such financial and credit reports as may be necessary to carry out the Secretary's authorized work: Provided, That purchases under this authority shall not be made unless provision is made therefor in the applicable appropriation and the cost thereof is not in excess of limitations prescribed therein.

(Sept. 21, 1944, ch. 412, title V, §505, 58 Stat. 740; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(b)(2), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Department of Agriculture Organic Act of 1944, and not as part of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 which constitutes this chapter.

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 substituted "Secretary of Agriculture" for "Rural Electrification Administration" and "the Secretary's" for "its".

§916. Criteria for loans

In order to insure coordination of electric generation and transmission financing under this chapter with the national energy policy, the Secretary in making or guaranteeing loans for the construction, operation, or enlargement of generating plants or electric transmission lines or systems, shall consider such general criteria consistent with the provisions of this chapter as may be published by the Secretary of Energy.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §16, as added Pub. L. 95–91, title VII, §709(f), Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 608; amended Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(13), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" before "in making".

§917. Prohibition on restricting water and waste facility services to electric customers

(a) Prohibition

Assistance under any rural development program administered by the Secretary or any agency of the Department of Agriculture shall not be conditioned on any requirement that the recipient of the assistance accept or receive electric service from any particular utility, supplier, or cooperative.

(b) Ensuring compliance

The Secretary shall establish, by regulation, adequate safeguards to ensure that assistance under any rural development program is not subject to such a condition. The safeguards shall include periodic certifications and audits, and appropriate measures and sanctions against any person violating, or attempting to violate subsection (a).

(c) "Rural development programs" defined

In this section, the term "rural development program" means the following:

(1) Sections 304(b), 306, 306A, 306C, 306D, 310B, and 375 ¹ and subtitle E [7 U.S.C. 2009 et seq.] of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1924(b), 1926, 1926a, 1926c, 1926d, and 1932).

(2) Subtitle G ¹ of title XVI and sections 2281 [42 U.S.C. 5177a], 2333, and 2381 [7 U.S.C. 950aaa–2, 3125b] of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990.

(3) Subtitle C of title IX of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act Amendments of 1991 (Public Law 102–237; 7 U.S.C. 5930 note).

(4) Section 1323(b) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public Law 99–198; 7 U.S.C. 1932 note).

(5) Title V [7 U.S.C. 2661 et seq.] and section 603(c) [7 U.S.C. 2204a] of the Rural Development Act of 1972.

(6) Sections 905 and 940a ¹ of this title and subchapter IV of this chapter.

(d) Regulations

Not later than 60 days after April 4, 1996, the Secretary shall issue final regulations to ensure compliance with subsection (a).

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §17, as added Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, §778, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1150.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 375 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), was classified to section 2008j of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 87–128, title III, §375(j)(7), as added Pub. L. 106–78, title VIII, §816(d), Oct. 22, 1999, 113 Stat. 1182.

The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), is Pub. L. 87–128, title III, Aug. 8, 1961, 75 Stat. 307. Subtitle E of the Act is classified generally to subchapter V (§2009 et seq.) of chapter 50 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1921 of this title and Tables.

The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), is Pub. L. 101–624, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3359. Subtitle G of title XVI of the Act, known as the Alternative Agricultural Research and Commercialization Act of 1990, was classified generally to subchapter VI (§5901 et seq.) of chapter 88 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 107–171, title VI, §6201(a), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 418. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1990 Amendments note set out under section 1421 of this title and Tables.

The Rural Development Act of 1972, referred to in subsec. (c)(5), is Pub. L. 92–419, Aug. 30, 1972, 86 Stat. 657. Title V of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§2661 et seq.) of chapter 59 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1921 of this title and Tables.

Sections 905 and 940a of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(6), were repealed by Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, §§774(a), 780, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1150, 1151.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 917, act May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §17, as added Nov. 28, 1990, Pub. L. 101–624, title XXIII, §2343, 104 Stat. 4027, related to establishment of technical assistance unit to provide advice and technical assistance to electric and telephone borrowers under this chapter, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–237, title VII, §703(b), Dec. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1881.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§918. General prohibitions

(a) No consideration of borrower's level of general funds

The Secretary shall not deny or reduce any loan or loan advance under this chapter based on a borrower's level of general funds.

(b) Loan origination fees

The Secretary may not charge any fee or charge not expressly provided in this chapter in connection with any loan made or guaranteed under this chapter.

(c) Consultants

(1) In general

To facilitate timely action on applications by borrowers for financial assistance under this chapter and for approvals required of the Rural Electrification Administration pursuant to the terms of outstanding loan or security instruments or otherwise, the Secretary may use consultants funded by the borrower, paid for out of the general funds of the borrower, for financial, legal, engineering, and other technical advice and services in connection with the review of the application by the Rural Electrification Administration.

(2) Conflicts of interest

The Secretary shall establish procedures for the selection and the provision of technical services by consultants to ensure that the consultants have no financial or other conflicts of interest in the outcome of the application of the borrower.

(3) Payment of costs

The Secretary may not, without the consent of the borrower, require, as a condition of processing an application for approval, that the borrower agree to pay the costs, fees, and expenses of consultants hired to provide technical or advisory services to the Secretary.

(4) Contracts, grants, and agreements

The Secretary may enter into such contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements as are necessary to carry out this section.

(5) Use of consultants

Nothing in this subsection shall limit the authority of the Secretary to retain the services of consultants from funds made available to the Secretary or otherwise.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §18, as added Pub. L. 101–624, title XXIII, §2353, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4039; amended Pub. L. 103–129, §2(c)(4), Nov. 1, 1993, 107 Stat. 1364; Pub. L. 103–354, title II, §235(a)(13), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3221; Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, §6602(b)(1), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4776.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 115–334 struck out "and the Governor of the telephone bank" after "The Secretary".

1994—Pub. L. 103–354 substituted "Secretary" for "Administrator" wherever appearing.

1993—Pub. L. 103–129 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsecs. (b) and (c).

§918a. Energy generation, transmission, and distribution facilities efficiency grants and loans in rural communities with extremely high energy costs

(a) In general

The Secretary, acting through the Rural Utilities Service, may—

(1) in coordination with State rural development initiatives, make grants and loans to persons, States, political subdivisions of States, and other entities organized under the laws of States to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, and otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving communities in which the average residential expenditure for home energy is at least 275 percent of the national average residential expenditure for home energy (as determined by the Energy Information Agency using the most recent data available);

(2) make grants and loans to the Denali Commission established by the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; Public Law 105–277) to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, and otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving communities described in paragraph (1); and

(3) make grants to State entities, in existence as of November 9, 2000, to establish and support a revolving fund to provide a more cost-effective means of purchasing fuel where the fuel cannot be shipped by means of surface transportation.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In general

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 and such sums as are necessary for each subsequent fiscal year.

(2) Limitation on planning and administrative expenses

Not more than 4 percent of the amounts made available under paragraph (1) may be used for planning and administrative expenses.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title I, §19, as added Pub. L. 106–472, title III, §301, Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2069.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Denali Commission Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is title III of div. C of Pub. L. 105–277, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–637, which is set out as a note under section 3121 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

§918b. Acquisition of existing systems in rural communities with high energy costs

On and after November 28, 2001, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service ¹ shall use the authorities provided in the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 [7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.] to finance the acquisition of existing generation, transmission and distribution systems and facilities serving high cost, predominantly rural areas by entities capable of and dedicated to providing or improving service in such areas in an efficient and cost effective manner.

(Pub. L. 107–76, title VII, §748, Nov. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 738; Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, §12408(b), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4977.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Rural Electrification Act of 1936, referred to in text, is act May 20, 1936, ch. 432, 49 Stat. 1363, which is classified generally to this chapter (§901 et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 901 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002, and not as part of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 which comprises this chapter.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in the following prior appropriation act:

Pub. L. 106–387, §1(a) [title I, §771], Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 1549, 1549A-45.

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–334 inserted "the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through" before "the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service".

¹ So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.

§918c. Rural and remote communities electrification grants

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) The term "eligible grantee" means a local government or municipality, peoples' utility district, irrigation district, and cooperative, nonprofit, or limited-dividend association in a rural area.

(2) The term "incremental hydropower" means additional generation achieved from increased efficiency after January 1, 2005, at a hydroelectric dam that was placed in service before January 1, 2005.

(3) The term "renewable energy" means electricity generated from—

(A) a renewable energy source; or

(B) hydrogen, other than hydrogen produced from a fossil fuel, that is produced from a renewable energy source.

(4) The term "renewable energy source" means—

(A) wind;

(B) ocean waves;

(D) solar;

(E) landfill gas;

(F) incremental hydropower;

(G) livestock methane; or

(H) geothermal energy.

(5) The term "rural area" means a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of not more than 10,000 inhabitants.

(b) Grants

The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, may provide grants under this section to eligible grantees for the purpose of—

(1) increasing energy efficiency, siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines serving rural areas; or

(2) providing or modernizing electric generation facilities that serve rural areas.

(c) Grant administration

(1) The Secretary shall make grants under this section based on a determination of cost-effectiveness and the most effective use of the funds to achieve the purposes described in subsection (b).

(2) For each fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate grant funds under this section equally between the purposes described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b).

(3) In making grants for the purposes described in subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall give preference to renewable energy facilities.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2012.

(Pub. L. 95–617, title VI, §609, as added Pub. L. 109–58, title II, §209, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 657.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, and not as part of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Definitions

Secretary means the Secretary of Energy, see section 2602(14) of Title 16, Conservation.