Each year, a statewide group of electric cooperatives conducts a program that recognizes local organizations — oftentimes nonprofits — that bring value to and make a positive impact on the communities they serve. Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are part of a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states dedicated to the values of integrity, […]
Co-ops recognize local groups for commitment to community Read More »
Great River Energy provides wholesale electric service to Minnesota electric cooperatives with an eye toward its triple bottom line of rates, reliability and environmental stewardship. Great River Energy’s wholesale electric rates stand approximately 20% below the weighted regional average cost of electricity. Its reliability scores remain strong, and the cooperative is testing leading-edge technologies to
Great River Energy: Powering what’s possible Read More »
Great River Energy finalized a power purchase agreement and surplus interconnection service agreement with Apex Clean Energy for the 300-megawatt Big Bend Wind project in southern Minnesota. This deal employs a groundbreaking strategy that uses Great River Energy’s existing injection rights with the region’s grid operator, MISO, to bypass traditional interconnection challenges and accelerate development
Great River Energy, Apex Clean Energy close deal to advance Minnesota wind project Read More »
While member-consumers experienced temperatures as low as 35 below zero in early January, their electric service remained dependable. The region’s grid operator, MISO, implemented conservative operations Jan. 17-22, which required MISO members such as Great River Energy to delay non-essential maintenance. It also signaled that grid conditions may require special attention in the event of
Preparation pays off during cold snap Read More »
Great River Energy leadership traveled north and south to share information, discuss strategies with hundreds of member-owners Great River Energy is owned by 26 member-owner cooperatives. Each one of them is governed by a local board of directors that is elected from and by the membership. Hundreds of those leaders of Minnesota’s electric cooperatives gathered
Meeting the membership where they are Read More »
Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s (LREC) board of directors named Dan Husted to serve as interim CEO. A former LREC employee with experience in energy services, communications and customer service, Husted will begin his duties at the end of February. Husted retired from the co-op in 2021 following 18 years of service and a tenure as
Husted named LREC interim CEO Read More »
Great River Energy and a consortium of its member-owners have officially secured a significant $812 million in funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program, marking the culmination of nearly two years of dedicated effort by Great River Energy and its member-owners. This achievement represents the largest New
Great River Energy secures hundreds of millions in federal funding Read More »
Great River Energy recognized for commitments to workplace equality, well-being efforts and community outreach Great River Energy was recently notified of several recognitions it received related to the cooperative’s dedication to employees and the communities where it serves and operates. ‘Equality 100 Award’ designation Great River Energy received a score of 100 on the Human
Co-op receives national, statewide accolades Read More »
Great River Energy crews installed 11 special foundations known as “helical bucket piles” on the Portage Lake to Palisade power line project due to the lines crossing swampy land. Typical wood pole construction entails drilling a large hole, about 3 feet wide by 15 to 20 feet deep, and setting the pole in the open
Special foundations used for transmission lines crossing swampy land Read More »
Following a contentious election season, Minnesota and North Dakota legislators are back to work in their respective state capitols for their 2025 legislative sessions. Great River Energy will be keeping a close eye on the happenings of the legislatures and taking the time to educate new and returning elected officials while advocating on behalf of
Legislatures feature new faces, opportunities in 2025 Read More »