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 …
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 »
Great River Energy members elect directors; board elects officers Part of being a democratically governed electric cooperative involves gathering annually and establishing the structure of the board of directors for the upcoming year. During these annual meetings, cooperatives elect the directors — new and old — to their seats on the board and hold elections …
From increased adoption of electric vehicles to navigating the ongoing transition to cleaner energy, Minnesota’s not-for-profit electric cooperatives offer innovative energy programs to member-owners. In a time of remarkable industry change, Lake Region Electric Cooperative (LREC) — one of Great River Energy’s member-owner cooperatives — hosted an open forum for its member-owners last month. Electric cooperatives across …
Energy forum engages rural Minnesota in clean energy conversation Read More »
Firefighting is a human endeavor, with selfless individuals working to protect people and their property. But it is also an equipment-intensive operation, with critical vehicles and gear requiring consistent and routine maintenance. Rural communities across Minnesota often face difficulties procuring the funding necessary to maintain or replace that equipment, resulting in communities at risk. Fortunately, …
Rural fire assistance a priority for cooperatives Read More »
A nonprofit organization that provides support and financial assistance to Minnesotans and their families who are battling cancer is this year’s statewide winner of the Touchstone Energy Community Award. Angel Foundation accepted the award along with a $1,000 prize from Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, a collective of electric co-ops that provide community support and host …
Angel Foundation wins statewide Touchstone Energy Community Award Read More »
Corporate earnings for 2021 are showing all-time high profits for American companies, on average. Those funds might be used by companies to buy back shares, pay higher dividends and build their balance sheets. At a cooperative like Great River Energy, those dollars are given back to the membership. Due to strong sales and cost containment, …