NRECA International manages multiple and varied program activities in Guatemala. With a commodity grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress program, NRECA International established the Electricity for Progress Trust Fund to finance investments in grid-based and off-grid renewable energy projects throughout rural areas of Guatemala.

Since its creation in 2000, the Trust Fund has dispersed over 100 loans totaling $5.3 million to fund feasibility studies and investments for off-grid solar PV projects, distribution system expansion in grid-served areas, domestic house wiring, energy efficiency and acquisition of equipment and materials by small and medium rural agro-enterprises that utilize electricity for economically productive purposes.

NRECA International and the NRECA International Foundation have created permanent and productive linkages between local utilities and the U.S electric cooperatives through the Foundation’s Sister Co-op program.

An excellent example of this program is the partnership between the Kandiyohi Power Cooperative of Spicer, MN and the Municipal Electric Utility of Zacapa. Kandiyohi has donated over $100,000 in equipment and materials, including safety equipment and tools for two professional line operation and maintenance crews, two utility trucks, computers, and volunteer labor to provide orientation and training to Zacapa’s utility management team and operational personnel.

Program Accomplishments:

• Trust Fund has dispersed over 100 loans totaling $5.3 million
• Financing of three off-grid solar PV projects in remote villages
• Creation of over 5,000 jobs related to Trust Fund investments in infrastructure, equipment, and machinery.
• Creation of partnerships between US electric co-ops and municipal utilities to strengthen operations and management and improve service to consumers.