Don Schutz, Springer Electric Cooperative Board President (center) cuts the ribbon to dedicate the new seven acre photo voltaic solar array which will provide enough electricity to power 400 homes. Looking on is 3rd District Congressman Ben Ray Lujan (second from left) and USDA Rural Development State Director (third from left). Others include the rest of the Springer Electric Cooperative Board of Directors.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, May 26, 2014 -USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner was joined by 3rd District Congressman Ben Ray Lujan to help Springer Electric Cooperative in Springer, New Mexico celebrate the completion of construction of a new solar power generation facility.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony Brunner said, "Today's dedication of this project shows USDA Rural Development's commitment to modernize America's infrastructure." Brunner added, "We are proud to help Springer Electric lead the way in diversifying energy sources among rural electric coops by investing in their solar project."

The $14.1 million loan provided by USDA Rural Development's Rural Utility Service (RUS) will also pay for improvements to 74 miles of electric line operated by the Springer Electric Cooperative. $3.4 million dollars of the loan was used to construct the seven acre photovoltaic facility. Another $518,000 is being used to upgrade the electric system with smart grid technology. A smart grid system makes the transmission of electricity more efficient with the installation of an automated meter reading system which will allow for more efficient control over the use of power to better meet customers' needs.

Springer Electric Cooperative serves the New Mexico counties of Colfax, Harding, Mora, San Miguel and Union, including the communities of Cimarron, Maxwell, Roy, Wagon Mound, Mosquero and Folsom. The Cooperative also provides wholesale power to the Town of Springer municipal electric system.

USDA has a long history, dating back to 1935, of working with rural utilities to deliver infrastructure and service improvements. Through the years, these investments have brought new economic and social opportunities and have enhanced the quality of life in the nation's rural communities.