Michigan Delegation Unites to Support Federal Disaster Relief After Devastating Ice Storm
Michigan Delegation Unites to Support Federal Disaster Relief After Devastating Ice Storm In late March, an unprecedented ice storm tore through northern Michigan and parts of the Upper Peninsula, leaving behind a trail of downed trees, damaged power lines, and widespread outages that affected tens of thousands of electric cooperative members. Months [...]
Thumb Electric’s Mazure Testifies in Support of Tree Trimming Standards
Thumb Electric Cooperative’s Legal & Compliance Engineer Kevin Mazure testified before the Michigan House Energy Committee this week in support of House Bill 4361, which would establish statewide standards for tree trimming near power lines. The goal of the bill, introduced by Rep. Phil Green (R-Watertown Twp.), is to reduce outages and improve reliability [...]
Mastering the Craft: JMAP Graduates Prepare for the Future of Linework
Electric lineworkers are the backbone of Michigan’s power grid—weathering storms, climbing poles, and working around the clock to ensure electricity flows safely to homes and businesses. Thanks to the Joint Michigan Apprentice Program (JMAP), a new group of graduates is now ready to take on that responsibility with confidence and skill. Thirty-three lineworkers graduated from [...]
2025 NRECA Legislative Conference Recap
Co-op Leaders Engage Lawmakers at 2025 NRECA Legislative Conference More than 2,000 electric cooperative leaders from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., this April to participate in the NRECA 2025 Legislative Conference, including delegates from Michigan’s co-ops. The annual event provides a valuable opportunity for co-op representatives to connect directly with members of [...]
Weathering the Worst: Michigan Co-ops Rally After Historic Storms
Ice is part of life in Michigan, but rarely does it arrive with the fury that struck our state this spring. What began as a peaceful snowfall quickly escalated into a severe, historic ice storm that left a lasting mark on the region—and showed the true grit of Michigan’s electric cooperatives. As thick layers [...]
John Kran Named New CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association
LANSING, Mich.—After an extensive executive search, the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) Board announced today that John Kran will succeed Craig Borr as MECA’s next Chief Executive Officer. Borr, set to retire on March 14, has served as CEO of MECA since 2012 and has been a fierce co-op advocate for over 40 years. [...]