Abstract Our country is a large agricultural nation where the development of rural areas holds paramount importance. To achieve rural revitalization, the development of electric power infrastructure is crucial. However, to ensure sustainable growth, attention must be directed towards low-carbon initiatives. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, rural power grids are steadily transitioning towards intelligent development, marking a significant stride in our nation’s power grid evolution. The establishment of smart grids can effectively address energy consumption issues in rural areas, simultaneously aiding in the reduction of energy usage and carbon emissions. Information technology, interactivity and automation are pivotal technical features characterizing the intelligence of rural power grids, leveraging technological advancements to drive the reform of modern rural power systems. This article intends to focus on optimizing low-carbon development within the ambit of intelligent rural power grid construction, alongside a comprehensive analysis of related developments. Such efforts aim to seamlessly integrate rural power development with a low-carbon economy, offering crucial insights and guidance for the sustainable growth of rural power grids. This endeavor contributes to the overarching objectives of rural revitalization and fostering a low-carbon economy.