As Minnesota moves toward a carbon-free energy future, the state permitting process for transmission projects has risen high on the list of issues that need to be addressed, and it is expected to be a key focus at Minnesota’s legislative session this year. Building transmission lines, such as the 180-mile Northland Reliability Project that Great …
Advocating for member-owners cooperatives on state task force Read More »
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining in popularity, but as the EV fleet expands, so does the need for trained technicians when maintenance or repair needs arise. Kandiyohi Power Cooperative (KPC), based in Spicer, Minnesota, and Great River Energy are working with a local community college to meet the need for qualified EV techs. KPC donated …
To celebrate the energization of the area’s fastest electric vehicle (EV) charging station, several statewide organizations hosted a public ride and drive event in one of Minnesota’s most iconic northern cities. The Northern Exposure: Winter EV Ride & Drive in Ely allowed anyone to experience what it’s like to drive an EV as well as …
Winter EV ride and drive aims to engage, educate the public Read More »
Great River Energy’s long-standing reputation as a leading well-being employer continues as the cooperative received another industry accolade. Great River Energy once again received recognition for its employee well-being efforts, placing first as an honoree for the 2023 Healthiest Employers of Minnesota in the mid-size category. At a national level, Great River Energy has earned …
Great River Energy recognized as a ‘Healthiest Employer’ for 2023 Read More »
Utilities have long taken measures to make electric infrastructure more visible and less obstructive to plants and animals. A Great River Energy project in southwest Minnesota demonstrates a new approach to keeping birds safe. Due to avian strike concerns on the CapX2020 transmission line segment between the Lyon and Hazel substations near Cottonwood, Minnesota, Great …
A Southern Minnesota electric cooperative is now providing electric vehicle (EV) drivers the opportunity to quickly “fuel” up at its headquarters with its newly installed fast-charging stations that come with an added bonus: A renewable form of locally produced energy is the source of power. Owatonna-based Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric, one of Great River Energy’s 27 …
Solar energy powers co-op’s new electric vehicle chargers Read More »
Many companies and homeowners are placing an increased emphasis on reducing their use of fossil fuels by looking for new ways to use electricity to help them achieve their goals. This strategy of replacing direct fossil fuel use with electricity in a way that reduces overall emissions and energy costs is called “beneficial electrification.” It’s …
Heat pumps offer benefits for consumers, the environment Read More »
The Jamestown Rural Fire Department’s newest truck has arrived and is ready to keep the community safe, thanks in part to a $25,000 donation from Great River Energy. The department covers a wide area surrounding Jamestown, North Dakota, including Great River Energy’s combined heat and power plant Spiritwood Station and the homes of many employees …
Cooperatives like Great River Energy and its member-owners are unique. They operate at cost, only collecting enough revenue to serve their members and meet their financial obligations. They are also governed by boards of directors elected by, and from, the membership. The Great River Energy board of directors welcomed its newest member in January when …
‘Tis the season of giving and spreading goodwill. While Great River Energy participates in several year-end donation initiatives, the company also maintains a giving spirit throughout the year as it upholds the “concern for community” cooperative principle. Great River Energy believes in supporting the communities it serves even beyond its business purpose of providing electricity. …