In December 2013, the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) -Electric Program published the final rule for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Loan Program. The final rule implements Section 6101 of the 2008 Farm Bill, and expands the electric program ability to make loans for energy efficiency activities (e.g., building weatherization, HVAC upgrades, ground source heat pumps, lighting, small scale renewable generation such as solar and wind, energy audits, soft costs). The new regulation reduces barriers to investment in energy efficiency and promotes rural economic growth by increasing RUS borrowers 'financing opportunities. (See reference below for details.) IEA/IRENA Global Renewable Energy Policies and Measures Database © OECD/IEA and IRENA, [November 2020]