Great River Energy (GRE) is a not-for-profit electric cooperative which generates and transmits electricity using a portfolio of resources, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, natural gas, and coal.
East Central Energy (ECE) is a member-owner of GRE, along with 27 other Minnesota electric co-ops. We purchase reliable wholesale electricity from them and distribute it to the consumer-members we serve. Their success and ours are closely linked; 58.6 percent of the revenue we receive from ECE members goes to purchasing power from GRE.
The second largest electric power supplier in Minnesota and one of the largest generation and transmission cooperatives in the country, GRE serves about 695,000 families, farms and businesses.
With their environmentally sound mix of renewable energy sources, GRE met Minnesota’s renewable energy standard of 25 percent renewable energy in 2017, eight years ahead of the requirement. They are committed to supplying 50 percent of their power from renewable resources by 2030.
It takes more than 100 substations, 4,700 miles of transmission line, including a unique high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission line, and strategically located technicians to meet the needs of GRE’s member cooperatives.
They work with us on our common goal of delivering safe, reliable electricity to our members at the lowest cost possible. As a cooperative just like us, they share our commitment to community and collaborate with us to build partnerships and enhance the quality of life for those we serve.