MECA Helps Produce PIE&G Virtual Annual Meeting
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op (PIE&G) continued the recent trend by holding its 83rd Annual Membership Meeting as a live, online event. The meeting was live streamed from the co-op headquarters building in Onaway via Zoom video conference. A multi-camera setup allowed directors in attendance to stay 6-feet apart and only remove face [...]
$16 Billion Rural Broadband Auction Kicks Off
190 Electric Co-ops Among Qualified Bidders The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released the list of qualifying bidders and a map of available territories for the upcoming Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction. This $16 billion auction opens up the opportunity to extend broadband to these rural areas of electric and telephone cooperatives, consortiums, and other [...]
Co-op Annual Meetings Go Virtual
From social distancing to face coverings, the coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to adapt to new ways of doing things. For many cooperatives, this includes creative solutions for the annual membership meeting. Earlier this month, Cherryland Electric Cooperative and Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Assn. held virtual annual meetings online—a first for both co-ops. [...]
Electric Co-ops Suspend Disconnects
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan electric cooperatives have temporarily suspended disconnection of delinquent electric and gas accounts. While not required, all Michigan co-ops have agreed to abide by a non-disconnect affirmation that largely mirrors a Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) order which directs investor-owned utilities to suspend disconnects and waive late fees until [...]
Online Safety Training Resources Now Available
MECA has launched a new online "Safety Shorts" video series for safety program partners during the COVID-19 crisis. "Traditional classroom-style safety training is still the most effective approach," says MECA safety director, Joe McElroy. "But we want to provide some meaningful safety resources until we can get back to meeting [...]
New Michigan Laws Clear Hurdles for Co-ops That Choose to Pursue Broadband
Just as cooperatives electrified rural homes and businesses in the last century, they now play an essential role in bringing high-speed connectivity to rural America today. The Michigan Legislature recently passed House Bills 4266 and 5266, which make it easier for electric co-ops to bring high-speed broadband access to their members. Three of Michigan’s nine [...]