The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $398.5 million to improve rural electric service in 13 states, according to a Sept. 19 press release. The spending includes about $43.7 million for smart grid technology to enhance the reliability and efficiency of electric power systems. The loan will also finance an 81 MW solar photovoltaic farm by NextEra Energy Resources LLC in Arkansas. Most of the projects include smart grid elements, apart from line expansions. The agency will make the investment through its Electric Infrastructure Loan Program to fund projects in Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. NextEra Energy Resources is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Inc.