Energy Policy Reform Heats Up, Governor Proposes New Agency
Hearings and talk about possible energy policy reform have begun in the Michigan Legislature, with a major energy policy address expected from Gov. Rick Snyder this month. In his January 2015 State of the State address, Snyder said he will put a strong focus on cleaner energy. “If we don’t have new policies in place [...]
Cloverland Gains Ground for Fair U.P. Energy Deal, Concerns Remain
Cloverland's SSR Payments have been reduced from $24 million to $4 million. The battle Cloverland Electric Cooperative is leading to make sure U.P. residents get a fair energy deal is making great strides- but concerns still remain on the bargaining table. Cloverland members don’t receive any electricity from the Presque Isle Power Plant (PIPP), but [...]
MECA Seeks Energy Efficiency Grant To Help Farmers
The Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) is applying for a $100,000 Rural Energy for America Program grant that would reduce the cost of agricultural and farm energy audits. The grant is available through the Rural Development section of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the audits would be offered through Michigan State University’s Michigan [...]
Time To Submit Good Neighbor, Community Service Award Entries
It’s time to submit entries for MECA’s two Good Neighbor Watch awards that recognize outstanding co-op employees for their contributions and commitment to the co-op principle of “Concern for Community.” The Co-op Community Service Award recognizes outstanding co-op employees for their volunteer service and commitment to the principle of “Concern for Community.” Much of the [...]
HomeWorks Tri-County Holds Annual Legislative Breakfast
Both the Portland and Blanchard branches of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative hosted their annual Legislative Update breakfasts again this year, Jan. 27-28. Sen. Judy Emmons, Sen. Mike Nofs, and Rep. Mike Callton were the featured speakers, giving employees an update on some of Michigan's current issues. “The legislative breakfast is a great way for employees [...]
Great Lakes Employees, CoBank Donate $21,119 to United Way
Great Lakes Energy (GLE) Cooperative employees, along with the help of CoBank, a cooperative lender, recently contributed $21,119 to local United Way agencies throughout the GLE service area. GLE employees participate annually in a United Way campaign by pledging money from their paychecks throughout the year. This year, employee contributions received a $5,000 boost from [...]