Included in the sweeping $750 billion Inflation Reduction Act is $9.7 billion to help rural electric cooperatives transition to renewable energy sources. Although this funding makes up just 1.3% of the bill’s total cost, advocates say the investment is historic.

“What is in the [Inflation Reduction Act] is a downpayment on the rural energy transition,” Hatlestad said. “It is by no means enough to fully transition every rural electric coop, but it is the largest single investment in rural electrification in history.”