The board of directors for Great River Energy member-owner cooperative East Central Energy (ECE) approved four new Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) loans in 2024, providing $730,000 in financing to support a variety of economic development and business expansion projects in east central Minnesota. From food processing to fire trucks, this RLF — supported by the […]
East Central Energy’s financing program sees busy year Read More »
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 »
Five students each recently received a $500 scholarship in honor of one of Minnesota’s electric cooperative leaders. The Jay A. York Scholarship was established in 1994 in recognition of the first Minnesotan to head the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. York was a prominent figure in the rural electric cooperative industry for nearly 30 years.
Scholarships awarded in honor of co-op leader Read More »
Goodwill and giving often take center stage during the end-of-year holiday season as people come together to support those who are most in need. But for electric cooperatives, the spirit of giving is not limited to this time of year. Instead, community is a focus year-round because co-ops like Great River Energy are rooted in
Strengthening communities through year-round giving Read More »
Minnesota electric cooperatives send lineworkers to restore power in communities ravaged by hurricanes Unprecedented times call for an unprecedented response. After evaluating the mass devastation caused to their communities by Hurricane Helene, several electric cooperatives in South Carolina put out a call for mutual aid to help restore power after the storm caused outages to
Co-ops answer call for mutual aid Read More »
Great River Energy recently had the privilege of hosting students from Anoka Hennepin School District at its Elk River campus. The group of 45 high school students learned about various electrical technician roles at Great River Energy, toured the Elk River Substation, performed hands on substation apparatus activities and rode in a bucket truck. “We
Students learn about electrical technician roles Read More »
Great River Energy, along with its member-owner cooperatives Cooperative Light & Power (CLP) and Lake Country Power (LCP), recently partnered with Minnesota Power for the second annual Electric Avenue at the Lake Superior Harvest Festival held at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, Minnesota. Approximately 8,000 festival attendees had the opportunity to see a wide variety
Festival highlights plug-in vehicles, electric safety Read More »
Powerful Potential program raises awareness of electric cooperative career paths Over the next 10 years, one-third of skilled trades professionals will retire and leave the workforce at a faster rate than younger workers can replace them. To maintain a safe and reliable electric system while tackling the energy challenges ahead, Great River Energy has set
Seeking a new generation of skilled labor Read More »
A group of electric cooperative lineworkers from Minnesota and Iowa traveled 2,800 miles in June to transform a rural Guatemalan village, improving lives for generations. The trip was part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s International Program, which since 1962 has provided opportunities for volunteers to illuminate villages and homes in impoverished countries around
Cooperative lineworkers electrify Guatemalan village Read More »
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) held six in-person public hearings and one online hearing for the Northland Reliability Project last month with more than 300 people attending. These regulatory hearings were held along the proposed project route and presided over by an administrative law judge. They provided the public with a formal opportunity to
Northland Reliability Project regulatory hearings a success Read More »