Because of lower fuel costs, as well as reduced maintenance and environmental impacts when compared to standard cars, plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) sales are growing rapidly, reports the Cooperative Research Network (CRN). From December 2010 through September 2014, Americans bought over 255,000 PEVs. What does this mean for electric co-ops, and how will it affect their operations? Learn how from the full (only those with [...]
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has flagged $15 million for bolstering distributed, onsite solar energy projects that integrate energy storage. As reported in the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp. (CFC) newsletter, eligible projects include those that will help advance solar photovoltaic technology and energy storage through: Advanced operation in conjunction with smart loads and demand response; Incorporation of solar and load forecasting; [...]
Pam Tomkins Electric co-op safety supervisors recently completed part two of a six-part, three-year training series offered by the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA). Sixty participants from Alger Delta, Cherryland, Cloverland, Great Lakes Energy, HomeWorks Tri-County, Ontonagon and Thumb Electric co-ops are participating, which requires a commitment to the full three-year training period. “This second course in the series is designed to [...]
A capital credit retirement package worth over $7.1 million was approved by Great Lakes Energy’s Board of Directors in September. This includes $1 million in capital credits earned by members in 2013, and over $6.1 million from 1989. Co-op members receiving the refunds will see a credit on their December electric bill, and amounts over $1,000 will be sent as a check. “Including this [...]
Cherryland Electric Co-op has launched a new website to help their members stay updated and take advantage of all the co-op’s programs and services. Included is information about energy efficiency rebates, online account management and history, scholarships, board meeting minutes, and co-op news and events. “Our goal was to create an easy-to-use web experience, and members can access the website from anywhere. The site [...]
The HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative People Fund recently gave $5,000 to Housing Services of Mid Michigan. The charity is located in Charlotte and offers a rent assistance program for area families. In the photo (above) Lesa Barker presents the check to Denise Dunn, Anne Van den Goore, and Christie Harry from Housing Services of Mid Michigan. The co-op’s People Fund program is funded by contributions [...]
Cloverland has held several community outreach meetings explaining the Preque Isle Power plant issue, and how it will drastically impact member’s rates starting Dec. 1. These meetings have been very successful, and the co-op has received requests to schedule additional meetings. The dates are as follows, all meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.: Thursday, Oct. 16: Kinross Township Hall Thursday, Oct. 30: Bystrom Auditorium, Newberry Area High [...]
Approximately 500 people attended Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op’s 77th Annual Membership Meeting at Posen High School on October 24. Board Chairman John Brown stated “the annual meeting is a perfect example of our cooperative principles in action. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members. Members have equal voting rights –one member, one vote – and are organized in a democratic manner.” [...]
A new, natural gas-fueled electric generating plant is being planned by Wolverine Power Cooperative, of Cadillac. Called the Alpine Power Plant, its location will be in Elmira Township, Otsego County, west of Gaylord. Wolverine, a not-for-profit electric cooperative, provides wholesale electric power to six electric cooperatives throughout Michigan. “Wolverine is excited about moving forward with a new natural gas peaking plant,” said project [...]
Great Lakes Energy (GLE) Cooperative, headquartered in Boyne City, MI, and Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association, headquartered in Gladstone, MI, are engaged in discussions and associated due diligence to explore combining the two member-owned electric cooperatives into one larger organization. “We are excited about exploring the benefits of combining our two electric cooperatives,” said Richard Walsworth, GLE Chairman. “There could be many operational and [...]
