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
Cooperatives bring EVs to Greater Minnesota Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
A collaborative project between electric cooperatives and organizations with a vested interest in the success of rural communities was recently recognized by the Environmental Initiative during its 2022 award season. ‘Sota Grown, a two-year demonstration project to sustainably grow leafy greens year-round for Minnesota residents using a hydroponic growing system inside a shipping container, was selected to
‘Sota Grown earns recognition for rural vitality Read More »
Cooperatives are not-for-profit organizations that operate at cost, only collecting enough revenue to run the business and meet their financial obligations. When a cooperative enjoys financial success, it returns those dollars to members through patronage capital payments. That’s what occurred in March when Great River Energy issued $25 million in patronage capital payments to member-owners.
Great River Energy returns $25 million to members Read More »