Midwest Energy Cooperative is attempting to change national policy to open the retail marketplace so that other entities (like electric co-ops), can provide real solutions for rural broadband. “Broadband Internet is a necessity for full participation in our economy and society,” explains Bob Hance, President and CEO, Midwest Energy. “Yet in 2014 many Americans, particularly in rural America, are without affordable, quality options.“ The [...]
Midwest Energy and Thumb Electric are the most recent co-ops to invite their members to join the ACRE (Action Committee for Rural Electrification) Co-op Owners for Political Action® movement. This growing network of member-owners willing to send strong messages to elected officials on important issues plays is vital to the long-term success of electric co-ops and the communities they serve. Over 30,000 people nationwide [...]
On March 22, Cloverland Electric Co-op lineworkers Jim Sutton and Phil Den Boer were dispatched to disconnect power at a house fire in Newberry. While on the scene, they witnessed firefighters Glen Pittman and Steve Fossitt enter the burning house and fall through the floor into the basement. Sutton and Den Boer immediately alerted Incident Commander Phillip Nelson who mobilized the firefighters on-scene to [...]
Patty Clark, a community development specialist in Midwest Energy's Adrian office, is the first recipient of a new award called the "Good Neighbor Watch Co-op Community Service Award." Presented by the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) during its annual meeting April 9-11, Clark received the award for her outstanding volunteer work. Electric co-ops have a long history of demonstrating the co-op principle of "Concern [...]
HomeWorks Tri-County will hold an open house dedication of their new Community Solar Garden on April 22 (Earth Day), at 11 a.m. The solar array has a total of 76 panels generating about 20.9 kW at peak (visit homeworks.org for more details), and is located in front of the co-op’s Portland Operations Center at 7973 E. Grand River Avenue. HomeWorks and fellow co-op, Cherryland [...]
Cloverland Electric Co-op employees took to the ice March 27 in a fundraiser for Hospice of the Eastern U.P. Goals were earned, and “fun” goals were bought. “Together, we raised nearly $700,” says Wendy Malaska, communications & marketing director.
The annual Michigan Energy Providers Conference will be held July 30 – Aug 1 at Boyne Mountain Resort (Boyne Falls). Key topics will include state energy policy, political updates, MPSC overviews, cyber security, sustainability, an election year analysis, and networking opportunities. Recreational activities are also being planned, and participants are encouraged to bring their families. Visit http://ipu.msu.edu/mepc/index.php for conference registration. Hotel accommodations are available [...]
Energy reform hearings are underway in the Michigan Legislature, and MECA staff testified in March on behalf of its member electric co-ops. Craig Borr, MECA CEO, and Art Thayer, energy efficiency programs director, testified before the Senate Energy & Technology Committee on Michigan’s Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and Energy Optimization (EO) initiatives. Both topics were part of P.A. 295, the “Clean, Renewable and Efficient [...]
As part of its Good Neighbor Watch program, MECA is offering a new Co-op Community Service Award that recognizes outstanding co-op employees for their volunteer service and commitment to the principle of “Concern for Community.” Much of the co-ops’ long history in providing outstanding community leadership is accomplished through employee efforts. The award is offered in addition to MECA’s original Good Neighbor Watch Award that recognizes [...]
HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Co-op has installed the first panel in their new Community Solar Garden, located next to their Portland office. “We already have 25 people signed up for the two informational meetings being held on March 18 (Portland) and 19 (Blanchard) and we have an additional list of members interested in a solar panel,” reports HomeWorks general manager, Mark Kappler. At the informational [...]
