Rural electrification projects in developing countries received a boost recently when CoBank, a cooperative bank headquartered in Denver, donated $250,000 to NRECA International. An affiliate of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, NRECA International oversees rural electrification projects in 48 developing countries. That includes Guatemala, where lineworkers from Colorado electric co-ops wired small villages in cooperation with NRECA International in 2018 and 2019.
CoBank has participated with NRECA International since 2011. Donations through this 10th consecutive year total over $2 million.
“CoBank is thankful that NRECA International has the determination and grit to move these programs forward in 2021 despite the challenges created by the global pandemic,” said Thomas Halverson, president and chief executive officer of CoBank. “The need to provide rural communities with access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity is greater than ever and we are proud to help fund these initiatives.”