Last week’s hot weather had Minnesotans scrambling for shade and seeking refuge in the air conditioning — but the electric grid performed as expected, even when demand for electricity approached record levels. “We were staffed up and monitoring the situation closely all week, but the transmission network overall held up quite well,” said Mark Peterson, […]
Electric system resilient during last week’s sweltering heat Read More »
Brian Riebe once believed owning an electric vehicle (EV) was a pipe dream. Now, he’s driving his Tesla Model Y on cross-country trips while sharing his experience along the way to show the average person it’s a real possibility for them, too. As recently as four years ago, Riebe — a 45-year-old freelance video editor,
Road trip fan uses YouTube channel to document EV travels, debunk common myths Read More »
Approximately 45 Great River Energy employees rolled up their sleeves to support the Habitat for Humanity organization for five days this month. The Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is committed to building quality of life, health and economic prosperity of the seven-county metro region by producing, preserving and advocating for affordable homeownership. The organization’s mission
Employees volunteer time to create a family’s future home Read More »
The region’s grid operator is soon expected to approve the first phase of high-voltage power line projects in its multi-phase Long-Range Transmission Plan. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) plan calls for $10 billion and more in transmission investment across the 15-state region in the next decade, including several projects in Minnesota. The addition of
Great River Energy advocates for cooperatives with new power lines on the horizon Read More »
Great River Energy can provide reliable electricity in the summer due in large part to modern, flexible and efficient power plants at strategic locations throughout Minnesota. Known as “peaking stations,” these facilities can feed precise amounts of electricity onto the electric grid when electricity needs spike in the winter and summer. “These plants are able
Busy spring sets stage for summer electricity demand Read More »
As a heat wave makes its way across Minnesota this week, Minnesota’s electric cooperatives are offering members advice on how to stay cool at home without running up their electric bill. “These times when people in our community are using more electricity all at once — in this instance to stay cool — are called
Don’t let a heat wave spike your electric bill Read More »
Early May damage to the electric system included second-most damaging event in Great River Energy’s history Great River Energy is well on the road to recovery after three rounds of severe storms took a heavy toll on its power line system. According to WCCO-TV, the stretch of damaging, back-to-back severe storms Minnesota experienced on May
Strong recovery follows trio of spring storms Read More »
Electrification is a central principle among energy stakeholders, but requires advance collaboration and investment As the only sector exceeding decarbonization goals, the electric industry is leading the clean energy transition. To continue this momentum, legislators, utilities and consumer technology leaders strategized future electrification opportunities at an event called “Electrify Minnesota” hosted by the Beneficial Electrification
Industry leaders plan to ‘Electrify Minnesota’ Read More »
If you were to start an electric company from scratch, what would it look like? Great River Energy President and Chief Executive Officer David Saggau has described his vision for the ideal power provider for Minnesota’s cooperative members. “You would start with a portfolio of renewable energy resources at locations throughout the Midwest,” Saggau said.
Low-carbon future comes into focus Read More »
Electric sector’s greenhouse gas reductions putting state goal in reach Great River Energy and other Minnesota utilities are setting the pace to meet the state’s emissions target. Between 2005 and 2018, greenhouse gas emissions related to electricity dropped 29% in Minnesota. The sectors with the next biggest reductions — waste and transportation — reduced emissions
Leading the charge Read More »