Rural Electrification Administration (REA)

The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was a U.S. government agency established in 1935 to improve the quality of life in rural areas by extending electrical power. Prior to REA, many farmers and rural communities lacked access to electricity, which limited their economic opportunities and daily convenience. REA provided loans and support to build the infrastructure needed for electric service, encouraging the development of rural cooperatives and utilities. This initiative helped bring modern electrical benefits—such as lighting, heating, and appliances—to countryside areas, fostering economic growth and reducing urban-rural disparities.