Stearns Electric Association lineman Mike Siemers recently earned a LIFEguard Award through the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA). MREA recognizes cooperative employees throughout the state who go above and beyond the expectations of keeping individuals safe through its LIFEguard program. Siemers, a journeylineman for Stearns Electric — one of Great River Energy’s 28 member-owner cooperatives …
The Cooperative Light & Power (CLP) board of directors recently announced Joel Janorschke as the electric cooperative’s new chief executive officer/general manager. “We were very fortunate to have three excellent candidates for the position,” said Board President Scott Veitenheimer. “The board unanimously agreed that Joel had the experience, knowledge and skills that would be the …
More than 3,400 young Minnesota Twins fans were able to learn the fundamentals of baseball and softball for free this past summer through a long-standing partnership between the Major League Baseball club and Great River Energy. Created in 1961 by Twins scout Angelo Guiliani, the Play Ball! Minnesota youth clinics serve as a way to …
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 …
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 »
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 »
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 »