Certain devices that have traditionally been powered by gasoline now have electric models that offer a host of benefits to cooperative members as well as smart electricity sales for co-ops. This month, Great River News looks at an autumn necessity: the leaf blower. When looking to make quick work of leaves and debris, the benefits […]
Smart electrification: Leaf blowers offer convenience, cleaner air Read More »
A collaboration between electric cooperatives and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is further expanding the state’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Great River Energy, its member-owner cooperative East Central Energy and the DNR recently gathered to mark the successful installation of a new EV charging station at Banning State Park, located in Sandstone, Minnesota.
Co-ops bring EV charging station to state park Read More »
Following a year’s delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the partners behind ‘Sota Grown gathered last month at the site of their indoor agriculture food project for a celebratory ribbon-cutting event. ‘Sota Grown is an innovative pilot project that’s growing leafy greens inside a renovated shipping container at Central Lakes College’s (CLC) campus in Staples,
‘Sota Grown partners mark a year of success Read More »
Visitors to the Hemker Park & Zoo can now enjoy a smooth, quiet ride on an electric tram while they observe animals from around the world thanks in part to funds provided by Stearns Electric Association. The co-op, along with its wholesale power provider Great River Energy, used a portion of its annual Conservation Improvement
Co-ops support all-electric tram at local zoo Read More »
States across the country have either already enacted policies to decarbonize their economies or are currently working toward implementing them. But different policies, even with the same goals, can have different impacts on each state’s energy system. Over the years, there have been several proposals in Minnesota, including some that would increase the state’s renewable
Studies evaluate pathways to decarbonization in Minnesota Read More »
David Dietman was familiar with air source heat pumps (ASHPs) prior to installing one in his 1,470-square-foot hobby building in Clearwater, Minnesota. Positive experiences with heat pumps at his homes in Arizona and Florida encouraged him to try the technology in a colder climate. ASHPs provide both efficient heating and cooling for year-round comfort. When
Heat pumps offer highly efficient option for heating and cooling Read More »
A new program offered by Great River Energy’s member-owner cooperatives uses energy efficiency to address the health and safety of people while they spend time indoors. The Healthy Buildings program was created primarily in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as concerns heightened around indoor air quality in relation to the spread of infectious aerosols. However,
Energy efficient technologies help mitigate COVID-19, flu aerosols Read More »
Minnesota grocers have long relied on trucking in salad greens and tomatoes from farms thousands of miles away for at least a portion of the year. This amount of travel compromises produce quality and freshness, raises prices and creates more carbon emissions. But with advanced indoor farming technology, produce can be grown closer to home
Co-ops lead in growing indoor ag trend Read More »
An insulated shipping container outfitted with a complete hydroponic growing system that will provide numerous Minnesotans with fresh, leafy greens year-round recently reached its destination. Central Lakes College’s (CLC) Ag and Energy Center in Staples is the new home of ‘Sota Grown, a collaborative indoor agriculture project between Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC), Lakewood Health System
Shipping container to grow leafy greens year-round arrives Read More »