The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), intends to publish a final rule to update 7 CFR 1710, 1717, 1721, 1726 and 1730 to streamline its procedures for Electric Program borrowers, including: loan application requirements; advances; and procurement methods and requirements. This is round 4 of streamlining updates.

It is expected that the proposed changes will streamline and make more efficient the requirements for applying for Electric Program loans and to streamline the Electric Program’s pre- and post-loan procedures. Specifically, the expected outcomes will: (1) reduce the regulatory burden on Electric Program borrowers; (2) give borrowers greater flexibility in determining the procurement method that best meets their needs; and (3) ensure borrowers fully understand what requirements apply to them. The proposed final rule is expected to also reduce the burden on RUS Electric Program staff by reducing the time and resources required to review routine or unnecessary documents. RUS expects that these actions will enhance RUS and customer efficiency, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and service.

To implement these changes, RUS will publish this as a final rule without prior notice. The Administrative Procedure Act exempts from prior notice rules with any actions "relating to agency management or personnel or to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts" (5 U.S.C.553(a)(2)).