Federal funding for USDA’s Empowering Rural America (New ERA) grant program has been placed on hold for a minimum of 90 days from President Trump’s Inauguration date of Jan. 20th, 2025. Great River Energy and a consortium of its member coops were awarded the grant in early January as part of the Inflation Reduction Act…
With CEO Tim Thompson announcing his new position with Crow Wing Power in Brainerd, Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s (LREC) Board of Directors has named Dan Husted to serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is hired. Husted began his role as interim CEO at the end of February. Husted and his wife, Sarah, are…
Fire departments, schools, and food pantries throughout Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s (LREC) service area were among the organizations that received funds during LREC’s recent Operation Round Up (ORU) meeting. A total of $54,720 was awarded to 110 organizations by the Operation Round Up Board of Trustees at the January 6th, 2025 meeting. Organizations receiving funds…
As I write my last column as Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s CEO, I have a lot of mixed emotions. It has been an honor to have served as your CEO for 17 years. I am so proud of the people here and all the things we have accomplished together. Through the years, providing safe, reliable,…
Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors, in partnership with HRExpertiseBP, has begun the recruitment process and is now actively accepting applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Qualified candidates with a minimum of 7 years of proven leadership ability, exceptional communication skills, and an extensive knowledge of the electric utility industry with…
Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors has named Dan Husted to serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement for outgoing CEO Tim Thompson can be determined. A former LREC employee with experience in energy services, communications, and customer service, Husted will begin his duties prior to Thompson’s departure at the end of February….
2025 LREC annual district meetings were once again held in January, with this year’s locations including Parkers Prairie (District 9) and Butler (District 3) on January 9th, and the District 6 meeting held on January 10th at the LREC Pelican Rapids office. As with last year, members had the option of attending a meeting in…
A portion of grant monies awarded to Great River Energy (GRE) through the USDA’s Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program will directly benefit LREC through the reduction of cost on a power purchase agreement for a planned 2.4 MW solar array. While a green light was given to move forward on the planning phase of…
Our natural gas subsidiary, Lake Region Energy Services (LRES), continues to make a positive impact for all LREC rate payers by reducing the amount we need to collect in electric rates. We know there is a desire for us to expand natural gas availability to new areas, and we share that goal where it makes…
Minnesota’s legislature enters 2025 facing new challenges and opportunities. Electric cooperatives across Minnesota, led by the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA), are focused on ensuring the electric grid remains reliable, affordable, and sustainable in two key areas: 1) Keeping Energy Costs Fair: Net Metering ReformNet metering compensates members who generate their own electricity (such as…