Electric cooperatives are spearheading a new initiative to accelerate the deployment of electric school buses (ESBs) across the country. This coalition was launched with the Beneficial Electrification League (BEL) in advance of the disbursement of federal funds targeted to ESBs included in the Investment in Infrastructure and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021. Great …
Great River Energy directors, member-owner cooperative directors and key staff gathered in early February at meetings in Hinckley and Mankato, Minnesota — while many also joined virtually — to hear about Great River Energy’s 2021 performance and results while learning more about what lies ahead. Great River Energy hosts regional meetings annually to provide information …
Access to, and demand for, electric vehicles (EV) continues to increase as more states implement transportation standards to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and with growing consumer interest in driving electric. Minnesota is working to become the Midwestern leader for plug-in EV use and recently adopted clean car standards with a goal for 20% of …
First responders get firsthand EV safety training Read More »
Electric cooperatives do more than just provide a necessary service to their members; they also have a vested interest in the success of the communities they serve. They show a commitment to these communities in various ways, including monetary donations to nonprofit organizations. Between Great River Energy and one of its member-owner cooperatives, 20 food …
Co-ops donate year-end dollars to fire departments, food pantries Read More »
Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) will soon begin using Great River Energy’s trunked mobile radio (TMR) system. This is the two-way radio system Great River Energy’s field technicians use to communicate with each other and system operations from the field. MVEC is the 19th member-owner cooperative to join the system. Chris Leleux, director of infrastructure …
Trunked mobile radio extended to Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative Read More »
Recent actions by energy regulators in St. Paul and Washington, D.C., have moved Great River Energy further along in the transition of its power supply portfolio. Approvals by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will help facilitate Great River Energy’s sale of Coal Creek Station and its high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) …
Key approvals advance Great River Energy portfolio transition Read More »
Demitria Leigh Hartl was driving on a rain-and-snow-slickened Highway 37 outside Hibbing, Minnesota, on Nov. 11 when she suddenly lost control of her car. Next thing she knew, she was trapped upside-down as her vehicle sank into a rain-filled ditch and icy water rushed in. Luckily, Lake Country Power (LCP) lineworkers Tim Rasmusson, Cody Vredenberg, …
Most Great River Energy member-owner cooperatives will see wholesale rates decrease in 2022 At a time when prices are rising on many products and services, Great River Energy is holding its wholesale electricity rates relatively flat into 2022 and projecting rate stability into the future. “We spent over a decade transitioning to a portfolio of …
Great River Energy clean energy transition brings era of rate stability Read More »
One of the most effective ways to break down barriers when it comes to understanding new technology is to get hands-on experience with it. That’s what electric cooperatives across Minnesota are providing consumers by hosting electric vehicle (EV) events that showcase various car models and offer people the opportunity to get behind the wheel. Several …
Electric vehicle events get Minnesotans behind the wheel Read More »
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz along with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan recently announced the appointment of an electric cooperative employee to the state Board of Electricity. Steve Haiby is manager of energy services at Lake Region Electric Cooperative (LREC), one of Great River Energy’s 28 member-owner cooperatives. Haiby has more than 33 years of experience in …
Co-op employee appointed to state electricity board Read More »