A New Deal in Rural Electrification: A National Plan

Excerpts from the report Summary: A New Deal in Rural Electrification is proposed in this report. It calls for large scale operations, providing the consigner with power and appliances at low cost in order to induce greatest use and protection of the interests of all affected by the project. Carrying out the Plan will involve many problems—financial, promotional, technical and organizational. The Federal Government, whenever it is necessary, should lend money on attractive terms to utilities, power districts, State or Federal agencies for new transmission, distribution and service lines and, where advisable, for the construction of isolated plants. It should also aid contractors, manufacturers or consumers in their several financial needs in carrying out the program of rural electrification. To expedite this program the Government should foster measures which will keep construction costs at a minimum, make utilization equipment available at considerably less than present retail prices, and substantially lower energy rates. Obviously central control and direction are essential to assure satisfactory and adequate electrification of rural area. For this purpose the Plan proposes a National Rural Electrification Authority with broad powers. This Authority, utilizing the help of existing Federal agencies now engaged in various phases of rural electrification or competent to aid, would carry out the program with dispatch and efficiency.