As summer draws to a close, Great River Energy and its member-owner cooperatives are looking back on a season of reliable electric service despite news coverage and warnings about a shortage of electricity in the Midwest. Even though the Midwest electric system had less surplus electricity than prior summers, the region still had nearly 8% […]
Cooperatives handle the heat Read More »
Eighteen students visiting from the Ukraine recently toured Great River Energy’s Maple Grove headquarters and received a taste of home during the event. The students, ages 13 through 18, were in Minnesota as part of a five-week business and entrepreneurship program sponsored by Global Synergy Group, a nonprofit whose goal is to strengthen communities in
Ukrainian students learn about leadership, energy during tour Read More »
More than 3,400 young Minnesota Twins fans were able to learn the fundamentals of baseball and softball for free this past summer through a long-standing partnership between the Major League Baseball club and Great River Energy. Created in 1961 by Twins scout Angelo Guiliani, the Play Ball! Minnesota youth clinics serve as a way to
Youth clinics see successful season Read More »
Humans are creatures of habit, settling into routines and rarely disrupting them unless advantages are presented by alternatives. But more people are finding themselves breaking out of their comfort zones — even if just for a few minutes — to feel what it could be like if they owned an all-electric vehicle (EV). Utilities like
Experience, education inspire the switch to electric vehicles Read More »
Great River Energy’s member-owner cooperatives today approved the agreements required for Connexus Energy to transition from member-owner to customer of Great River Energy. Great River Energy will continue to supply wholesale energy to Connexus Energy, and the new agreements will establish a contractual framework for Connexus Energy to secure more of its own power supply
Membership approves customer arrangement with Connexus Energy Read More »
Great River Energy recently hosted an event that featured the state’s largest collection of electric utility fleet-specific vehicles to showcase how the technology is being applied to transportation options within the utility industry. Vehicles ranging from a cargo van to a mini excavator and even a hybrid bucket truck— all powered by electricity — were
Electric fleet vehicles present advantages for utilities Read More »
The electric system in northern Minnesota is stronger today, thanks to a new Great River Energy transmission project near Bigfork. A ribbon-cutting event was recently held to celebrate the completion of a new 14-mile, 69-kilovolt transmission line Great River Energy constructed that connects the new North Itasca Electric Cooperative substation to the electric grid. The
Completed transmission project will meet new demand for members Read More »
A coalition of electric cooperatives worked together to hold the first annual Southwest MN Electric Vehicle (EV) event where rural residents were able to get a firsthand look at — and even test drive — several EV models. The event, held Aug. 10 at the Windom Community Center, also helped raise awareness of the many
Cooperatives bring EVs to Greater Minnesota Read More »
The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the region’s grid operator, approved a portfolio of transmission projects last month as part of the first phase of its Long-Range Transmission Plan. In total MISO approved 18 projects across its Midwest sub region, with six in the Upper Midwest. One of these projects is an approximately 150-mile, double-circuit
Investing in a strong electric system Read More »
Helicopters provide a great way for Great River Energy to both inspect its lines, equipment and right of way, and to make repairs from overhead when needed. In May and June, Great River Energy used helicopters for all these jobs. Byron Johnson, leader of vegetation management at the cooperative, said efficiency and having a bird’s
Aerial patrols prove effective in many situations Read More »