Electric cooperatives are spearheading a new initiative to accelerate the deployment of electric school buses (ESBs) across the country. This coalition was launched with the Beneficial Electrification League (BEL) in advance of the disbursement of federal funds targeted to ESBs included in the Investment in Infrastructure and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021. Great […]
Co-ops lead national electric bus initiative Read More »
Brands know advertising during the Super Bowl is one of the most efficient ways to get their products in front of millions of eyes at once. This year, 112.3 million viewers watched as six of seven car brands used their prime advertising spots as an opportunity to promote their electric vehicle (EV) options. Companies including
Super Bowl ads highlight electric vehicles Read More »
Access to, and demand for, electric vehicles (EV) continues to increase as more states implement transportation standards to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and with growing consumer interest in driving electric. Minnesota is working to become the Midwestern leader for plug-in EV use and recently adopted clean car standards with a goal for 20% of
First responders get firsthand EV safety training Read More »
When severe winter weather threatens the power line system, Great River Energy’s system operators, line technicians and field services crews work quickly to prepare for what may come and restore the system when power lines or substations are damaged. The night of Dec. 15, a rare December thunderstorm rolled in. It caused damage to Great
Historic holiday wind damages power poles, substations Read More »
Electric cooperatives do more than just provide a necessary service to their members; they also have a vested interest in the success of the communities they serve. They show a commitment to these communities in various ways, including monetary donations to nonprofit organizations. Between Great River Energy and one of its member-owner cooperatives, 20 food
Co-ops donate year-end dollars to fire departments, food pantries Read More »
Two-and-a-half years after the retirement of the Elk River Energy Recovery Station, the power plant site now resembles how it likely looked a century ago. The Elk River Energy Recovery Station began operations in the early 1950s using coal as the fuel source. In the early 1960s, the site hosted a federal nuclear reactor, which
Elk River demolition nearly complete Read More »
The end of the year is a time for reflection. For Great River Energy, that means looking back and taking stock of all the ways it upheld the founding principles of what it means to be a cooperative, including “concern for community.” The world needed to adjust and adapt for another year due to the
Co-op focuses on community year-round Read More »
Demitria Leigh Hartl was driving on a rain-and-snow-slickened Highway 37 outside Hibbing, Minnesota, on Nov. 11 when she suddenly lost control of her car. Next thing she knew, she was trapped upside-down as her vehicle sank into a rain-filled ditch and icy water rushed in. Luckily, Lake Country Power (LCP) lineworkers Tim Rasmusson, Cody Vredenberg,
Co-op crew saves young mom after car crash Read More »
More than 80 Great River Energy employees were engaged in a crisis management exercise organized by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) in November. The two-day exercise, named GridEx VI, was designed to enhance the coordination of cyber and physical security resources and practices within the industry, as well as communication with government partners
GridEx puts energy industry to the test Read More »
While temperatures are dropping and snow is starting to fall now, Great River Energy has already taken steps to prepare for whatever impacts this weather may bring. “Resilience” has become a common focus for electric cooperatives and utilities around the country as extreme weather events, such as this year’s polar vortex, become more common. “The
Ensuring the electric grid can bounce back quickly Read More »