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 »
Electric cooperatives serve their members with the electric power necessary for community businesses and residents to operate and live as they prefer. The economic development services cooperatives provide are also some of the most critical resources that local projects and communities need. But sometimes, the cooperatives are the economic development projects themselves. For example, some
Cooperatives serve members by investing in their communities Read More »
This summer’s hot weather has led to Minnesotans scrambling for shade and seeking refuge in the air conditioning — but the electric grid has performed as expected, even when demand for electricity approached record levels. “We were staffed up and monitoring the situation closely, but the transmission network overall held up quite well,” said Mark
Electric system resilient during sweltering heat Read More »
Several of Great River Energy’s member-owner cooperatives were recently recognized for excellence in workplace safety and health during the 2022 Minnesota Safety and Health Conference. The cooperatives are among 191 employers to be honored through the award program, which is coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council. “During a time that has challenged all of us
Governor recognizes member-owners for commitment to safety, health Read More »