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Co-ops step up in the cold

February 22, 2021

As parts of the United States struggled to maintain electric service during a historic cold snap, Minnesota’s cooperatives went to great lengths to ensure their members had the energy they needed. Electricity is responsible for a long list of conveniences of modern life: a charged phone, hot coffee, air conditioning, television. But, when the temperature drops below zero, dependable energy is also a matter of safety. Historic cold weather across the country in mid-February drove […]

‘A place where everyone is valued’

February 10, 2021

Valuing diversity means creating an environment that respects and includes differences, recognizes unique contributions of individuals, and maximizes the potential of all employees. As a result of regularly demonstrating these values through its culture of inclusion, Great River Energy received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). […]

Great year for safety, and a plan to improve

February 10, 2021

Great River Energy had a historic year for safety in 2020, recording the lowest injury rates in its 21-year history. As employees take on new projects in 2021, they are encouraged to learn from good catches and near misses to continuously improve the safety culture. Great River Energy’s remarkable safety scores are particularly impressive given […]

New wire provides reliability when it matters most

February 10, 2021

Imagine an electric system so resilient it can withstand 94 mile-per-hour winds, ice and severe weather to keep electricity reliable during even the worst storm. Great River Energy is piloting such a project in Federated Rural Electric Association’s service territory. The southwest part of Minnesota, where Federated Rural Electric Association is located, is the area […]

As renewable energy expands, reliability remains paramount

February 10, 2021

As Minnesota relies more on renewable forms of energy such as wind and solar, some members are wondering: Will my power stay reliable? Electric cooperatives depend on electricity around the clock which is why Great River Energy always requires access to diverse power sources. In addition to a portfolio that includes 10 power plants and […]

Experts convene to talk grid reliability

February 10, 2021

Leading experts from electric utilities, cooperatives and federal agencies around the country convened recently for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) Reliability Leadership Summit to share experiences, learn from each other and discuss emerging risks to the reliability and security of the electric grid. Great River Energy’s Vice President and Chief Transmission Officer Priti […]

Two ways a unique internship program is opening doors

February 10, 2021

Juniors and seniors in college often seek internships, looking for ways to distinguish themselves among their peers. Great River Energy’s internship program is unique in more ways than one, and the differences are making it a huge success. Start them early, watch them grow The purpose of Great River Energy’s internship program is to provide […]

A heat pump built for Minnesota winters and summers

February 10, 2021

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) have been used for many years in nearly all parts of the United States but until recently were not common in areas with extended periods of subfreezing temperatures. In recent years, cold-climate ASHP (ccASHP) technology has advanced so that it now offers a legitimate space heating alternative in colder regions, […]