Midwest Pushes for Rural Broadband at NARUC
Broadband in America has gone from being a luxury to a necessity for full participation in today’s global economy and society. Unfortunately, a digital divide exists where rural citizens lag behind their urban counterparts in broadband access, speeds and capacity. Midwest Energy Cooperative has been expanding access to high speed internet to its members in [...]
Ontonagon Storm Downs System, REA Fights Back
Unseasonably warm and humid weather led to an outbreak of storms that swept through the entire Upper Peninsula. At about 6 a.m., Thursday July 21 a storm hit Ontonagon, with devastating 90 mph straight-line winds, accompanied by lightning and heavy rain. Storm damage included many downed trees (including several on homes), broken poles and wires. [...]
Alger Delta Members Support LIEAF, Board Elects Leaders
More than 600 people attended Alger Delta’s Annual Meeting. The meeting featured a picnic-style cookout, games and activities for the whole family and many prize drawings. “The fun atmosphere helps draw the members in,” said Tom Harrell, Alger Delta’s CEO. Harrell praised the Alger Delta board and staff for their efforts in putting the whole [...]
Energy Policy On Hold During Summer Recess
Lawmakers are working to update Michigan’s 8-year-old energy law to account for aging coal plants, new environmental standards and ever-changing technology. Over the course of the last year, both the Senate and the House released energy reform bills that were passed by their respective committees. These packages are the product of hundreds of hours of [...]
Help Us Extend The Geothermal Tax Credit
When new energy regulations were passed, an important and potentially influential renewable energy source was overlooked - geothermal. Geothermal heating and cooling systems (which bring in heat from the ground or conduct it back into the earth) currently have a tax credit, which allows more businesses and homeowners to purchase them. Why should more home [...]
500 Members Attend Thumb’s Annual Meeting
Thumb Electric Cooperative (TEC), held its 79th Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Day on June 11. About 500 people attended, which was highlighted by the election of three directors and entertainment activities. Re-elected were Randall Dhyse (Huron County), Louis Wenzlaff (Tuscola County), and Kim Nunn (Sanilac County). Officers re-elected are Louis Wenzlaff, president; Donald Wolschleger, [...]