Jen Howell, Author at Great River Energy
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Jen Howell

Approval of more needed high-voltage power lines in Minnesota expected in the coming months

Projects that will strengthen electricity reliability and open pathways for renewable energy in the Midwest are poised to take a major step forward this winter. Great River Energy, wholesale power provider to 27 member-owner distribution cooperatives in Minnesota, has been one of several utilities working with the region’s grid operator, MISO, over the last two …

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New transmission line approved in Minnesota; will boost reliability, increase access to renewable energy for customers

Construction of the eastern segment, Alexandria-Big Oaks, to start in 2025 Several regional energy companies are moving ahead with a new high-voltage transmission line that will increase the capability of the transmission system to reliably meet customer demand and deliver energy within the Upper Midwest, following Thursday’s unanimous approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. …

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Gas turbines take center stage at conference hosted by Great River Energy

The Pratt & Whitney FT4 combustion turbine has been a cornerstone for peaking plants across the country — including Great River Energy’s St. Bonifacius facility — since manufacturing began in the 1960s. However, it is becoming increasingly important to keep the turbines in peak condition due to their age and the number of units still …

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Membership approves customer arrangement with Crow Wing Power

In a special meeting on Aug. 1, Great River Energy’s member-owner cooperatives approved the agreements required for Crow Wing Power to exit membership in Great River Energy. Crow Wing Power’s withdrawal from membership in Great River Energy will be effective Jan. 1, 2025, subject to expected approvals from MISO and Crow Wing Power’s lender, the …

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Northland Reliability transmission project provides sizable boost to state’s economy

A significant economic boost is expected from the Northland Reliability Project with positive impacts on jobs and wages and about $2 billion in total impacts to Minnesota’s economy, according to a study by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Labovitz School of Business and Economics. Minnesota Power and …

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Great River Energy donates fire test hose station to Dexter Fire Department

Great River Energy has donated a fire hose test station to the Dexter Fire Department, which is the department that would provide emergency services for Great River Energy’s Pleasant Valley Station in the event of a fire or site emergency. The new piece of equipment is used to test fire hoses to ensure they achieve …

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Great River Energy donates fire test hose station to Trimont Fire Department

Great River Energy has donated a fire hose test station to the Trimont Fire Department, which is the department that would provide emergency services for Great River Energy’s Lakefield Junction Station in the event of a fire or site emergency. The test station is used to test fire hoses to ensure they are achieving optimal …

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Stay clear of downed power lines during storms

Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 8-12, is a great time for Minnesotans to prepare for unpredictable and extreme Midwestern weather. Great River Energy and its 27 member-owner cooperatives and customers are always working to keep the power flowing to homes, farms and businesses. “During severe weather, such as tornados, straight-line winds and hail, it’s important …

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Thanks to the lineworkers who keep the lights on

Great River Energy, wholesale power provider to 27 member distribution cooperatives, is asking Minnesota communities to join the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and hundreds of co-ops across the U.S. in recognizing the work line technicians do for the communities they serve on April 8, 2024, Lineworker Appreciation Day. “Our line technicians play a critical …

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Great River Energy offering annual scholarships to North Dakota students

Great River Energy is offering scholarships for graduating seniors who are pursuing a four-year or vocational-technical degree in North Dakota. This year, up to six $500-1,000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from the following North Dakota high schools: Barnes County North, Garrison, Jamestown, Max, Turtle Lake-Mercer, Underwood, Valley City, Washburn and Wilton. Scholarship …

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