New report shows economic impact of electric co-ops in Minnesota, nationally A new analysis finds that electric cooperatives have a wide-ranging economic impact in the United States, supporting nearly 623,000 jobs with $51 billion in pay and benefits each year while contributing hundreds of billions of dollars to the economy over a five-year period. According […]
Powerful engines of economic development Read More »
Contract change recognizes growing interest and opportunities for local renewable energy Most of Great River Energy’s member-owner cooperatives now have an increased opportunity to self-supply renewable energy following the approval of an amendment to their wholesale power contracts. What was previously an option for members that receive all their wholesale power from Great River Energy
Locally sourced renewable energy Read More »
With less than two months left in 2023, Great River Energy’s board of directors recently met to determine the cooperative’s budget and wholesale electric rates in the year ahead. Great River Energy’s average 2024 wholesale rate is projected to increase by an average of 2.2% from the 2023 budgeted rate. “Our rates remain nearly 20%
Budget, rates set for 2024 Read More »
Cooperatives are known to be motivated by people, not by profit. Among the business model’s guiding principles is “concern for community,” and at the heart of every community is the people who live, work and spend time there. Great River Energy encourages its employees to act as an extra set of eyes and ears in
Employees recognized for heroic efforts Read More »
Great River Energy’s commitment to plant and restore pollinator habitats across its eligible sites continued this fall as several late fall plantings were completed the last several days of October. The plantings are part of Great River Energy’s Pollinator Strong initiative, a pledge to environmental sustainability by creating food and nesting space for animals and
Pollinator Strong completes fall plantings Read More »
A member of Great River Energy’s board of directors was recently presented with an award that recognizes her outstanding contributions to advance cooperative philosophy and ideals. Audrey Hjelle, who sits on the Runestone Electric Association board of directors and also serves as secretary for Great River Energy’s board, was chosen to receive the Cooperative Network
Hjelle earns Cooperative Network Builder Award Read More »
Seven public information and environmental assessment scoping meetings for the Northland Reliability Project were hosted by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Minnesota Department of Commerce last month. The scoping meetings were held in cities along the proposed route of the transmission line. The meetings allow the public, agencies and applicants to propose
Scoping meetings successful for Northland Reliability Project team Read More »
Grid North Partners utilities have identified 19 transmission project upgrades expected to be built over the next three years. These projects, which span Minnesota and touch eastern South Dakota, will enable more low-cost renewable energy to be delivered from western Minnesota to customers throughout the region by reducing congestion on the transmission system. “We have
Grid North Partners to implement 19 transmission upgrades to reduce system congestion Read More »
It may seem impossible to explain how the electricity that powers your home arrives precisely when you flip a light switch, but one way to understand it is to think about the variety of skills and job roles it takes to provide such an important and dependable service. In recognition of National Co-op Month, which
Electric cooperatives offer opportunities in a uniquely stable, innovative culture Read More »
An electric cooperative recently demonstrated the versatility of what electric vehicle (EV) batteries are capable of by powering a local outdoor concert with a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. For more than six hours, Kandiyohi Power Cooperative (KPC) helped put on a live music show featuring two bands at The Land, an outdoor event space located
Electric pickup truck powers local concert Read More »