Bob Hance, CEO of Midwest Energy Cooperative, testified before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development and Credit on July 29 in Washington, D.C., about the Co-op’s efforts to bring high speed internet service to rural areas. His testimony is intended to open up funding and policy change for broadband solutions. Midwest Energy has been a strong electric co-op voice and leader in [...]
DTE Energy and Thumb Electric Cooperative (TEC) will soon break ground on a 665-kilowatt solar energy system on the co-op’s property in Caro. The $2.5 million system, with over 2,600 photovoltaic modules, will cover over three acres and connect directly with DTE's grid. It will have the capacity to power about 100 homes when it’s completed in October. The array is part of DTE's [...]
On a perfect summer day, Midwest Propane’s “Fueling the Fight Charity Golf Scramble” at Pilgrim’s Run in Pierson raised $12,613 to support services provided through the Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Center. “Cancer touches so many lives, and as a locally-owned and operated company we wanted to do something meaningful to help individuals and families who face this devastating disease,” says Bob Hance, [...]
Home heating help funding fell short of what the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and others were hoping for in a 2015 appropriations bill, according to a story by Michael Kahn in the July 17 issue of Electric Co-op Today. NRECA joined the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition, several governors, House members and senators from both parties, and others in urging Congress [...]
The Ag Expo returns to MSU on July 22-24 at the corner of Farm Lane and Mount Hope. The 35th annual event features over 200 commercial farm equipment and supply exhibits and dozens of educational exhibits from MSU departments and programs on the 35-acre main site. Visitors can learn about stock dog training, animal mortality management, and attend tours at campus research centers on [...]
Midwest Energy is looking for a second Installation & Maintenance Technician to be responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing their fiber communications service. The co-op is deploying a new fiber communications ring through its substations that will bring high-speed internet to the service area. The ideal candidate will have previous experience in home fiber installations, troubleshooting and repairs, and excellent customer service skills. The [...]
An all-night, three-system storm that began late on Monday, June 30, caused many Midwest Energy members to be without power. Significant damage occurred across the co-op’s entire southwest service area, with a total of 12,000 members without power, 253 outages, and 20 broken poles. “Our first crews were dispatched shortly after the first system hit at 10 p.m. Monday, and with the combined stellar [...]
Midwest Propane, a subsidiary of Midwest Energy Cooperative, has started transitioning its propane Will Call customers to a new Seasonal Fill program. The program is designed to create a better service experience and manage costs for all customers. Seasonal Fill includes one or two planned deliveries, depending on historic consumption. All tanks will be filled in August to prepare customers for the coming heating [...]
Great Lakes Energy wrapped its series of annual informational luncheons for its members in June. All the luncheons provided information on keeping electricity affordable, the reliability measures that GLE takes, what it means to be a GLE member, various products and services GLE offers, and its People Fund (Operation Round Up) program. A total of 367 members attended the luncheons held in all nine [...]
The annual MECA co-op directory is now available as a mobile app for Apple and Android devices. "The member co-ops asked us to provide an electronic alternative to the annual paper directory," says Doug Snitgen, MECA assistant general manager. "Transitioning to a mobile app ensures content is always up-to-date and allows users to make phone calls or send email to any contact right from [...]
