The Midwest region’s grid operator projects stability this summer but noted that long-term reliability will depend on new enhancements to the electric system. The results of Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) 2023-24 Planning Resource Auction indicate there is sufficient generation capacity to meet forecasted peak electricity demand for the planning year which spans from June […]
Grid equipped for summer demand Read More »
Fitch upgraded Great River Energy’s credit rating to A with a stable outlook, one notch up from the prior rating of A- with a stable outlook. Fitch looks favorably on Great River Energy’s power supply strategy, strong financial metrics and the divestiture of its ethanol business. “This credit action will have a positive impact on
Fitch upgrades Great River Energy Read More »
Great River Energy employees supported the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity organization for five days by helping refurbish a home in Blaine, Minnesota. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is committed to building the quality of life, health and economic prosperity of the seven-county metro region by producing, preserving and advocating for affordable homeownership. Dave Kempf,
Employees support Habitat for Humanity Read More »
Utilities diligently protect electric infrastructure, such as substations, transmission lines and generation facilities. They also go to great lengths to protect critical data and systems. Great River Energy was formally recognized as one of 20 electric cooperatives to complete 10 cybersecurity goals under the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) new voluntary program to help
Great River Energy earns national recognition for meeting cybersecurity goals Read More »
An Aitkin County organization with a mission to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues and suicide was chosen as the recipient of the statewide 2023 Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award. The Committee for the Awareness and Prevention of Suicide (CAPS) was chosen last fall by Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative, one of Great River
Mental health-focused group wins statewide community award Read More »
Nearly 100 people attended Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s (LREC) Energy Forum held last month in Ottertail, Minnesota. The energy forum provided the opportunity for LREC’s member-owners, community leaders and the general public to hear firsthand how electric cooperatives are ready to meet the challenges of the new energy economy. LREC CEO Tim Thompson welcomed everyone
Forum highlights energy issues in Minnesota Read More »
Four young falcons were banded at Great River Energy’s Elk River location on May 30. Representatives from the Raptor Resource Project conducted the banding with help from employees. Kelsey Rayment, veterinarian resident for the Raptor Resource Project, collected blood and saliva samples from each of the young falcons to test for the presence of avian
Great River Energy helps falcons spread their wings Read More »
Minnesota passed legislation at the beginning of 2023 requiring the state’s utilities to use 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. But even before it became law, Great River Energy collaborated with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to model and analyze potential energy system transitions under different decarbonization pathways, including a zero-emitting electric power sector, in
EPRI modeling evaluates potential decarbonization strategies for Minnesota Read More »
Great River Energy and Minnesota Power hosted a second phase of public open houses in May for the Northland Reliability Project in six communities where attendees could ask questions and provide input on the transmission line’s preliminary route. More than 200 property owners attended the events. The two utilities plan to build an approximately 180-mile,
Public outreach continues for Northland Reliability Project Read More »
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a $1.5 million loan to Stearns Electric Association through the Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program (REDLG) to support the owners of Redhead Creamery in their efforts to establish an innovative on-farm distillery that uses the leftover whey from their cheesemaking process to produce premium distilled