Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is injecting $10.7 billion into U.S. rural communities to develop renewable energy, the largest single federal investment in rural electrification since 1936, according to an announcement from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsak. Two programs will offer utilities, rural electric cooperatives (co-ops) and renewable-energy developers funding to bring affordable, clean energy to "vulnerable, disadvantaged and indigenous communities."

Industrial Info already is tracking more than $300 billion worth of renewable-energy projects with other sources of funding, in the states most likely to be affected by the programs. Companies involved include NextEra Energy Incorporated (NYSE:NEE), General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Brookfield Renewable Partners LP (NYSE:BEP).