Co-op Energy Talk: Recent Episodes
Cherryland Electric Cooperative
Join us as we discuss the latest energy news and issues that affect Cherryland Electric Cooperative, your northern Michigan member-owned utility.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the July 27th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the June 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the May 18th Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk we're asking the question: "How’s the co-op doing?"
Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson sits down with Board President Gabe Schneider for a big-picture conversation about where Cherryland stands today and where we’re headed next. From financial strength and system upgrades to long-term planning and future investments, they unpack the work happening behind the scenes to keep power reliable, rates competitive, and members at the center of every decision.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the April 20th Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, we’re celebrating Lineworker Appreciation Month with a behind-the-scenes chat with two of our lineworkers, Brad Norton and Kyle Griffin. We're covering everything from what a typical day looks like to how they prepare for storms. And we couldn't miss the opportunity to get a few hot takes with a round of rapid fire questions -- including whether they'd prefer to take on one giant squirrel or 100 tiny ones.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the March 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
You might remember – about a year ago northern Michigan was hit with a devastating ice storm. Trees were coated in ice like glass, power poles and trees were snapping like twigs, and entire communities were without power for extended periods of time. While Cherryland wasn't directly impacted, other Michigan co-ops were. Now they're working through the process of applying for FEMA assistance. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Michigan Electric Cooperative Association President and CEO John Kran dive into why FEMA matters before, during, and after a storm.
To let your local legislators know you support legislation aimed at improving FEMA's current processes click here: https://voicesforcooperativepower.com/femareform/
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the February 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, host Courtney Doyle is joined by Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson and Communication & Controls Field Engineer Zach Endres to talk about how Cherryland is using drone technology to better serve its members. Together, they explore how drones help crews inspect power lines more safely and efficiently, improve reliability, and respond more quickly after storms. Rachel and Zach also discuss how new tools like this fit into Cherryland’s long-term commitment to safety, innovation, and keeping costs in check. Tune in to learn how a bird’s-eye view is helping keep the lights on across northern Michigan.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the January 19th Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, host Courtney Doyle sits down with Cherryland Electric Cooperative’s Energy Use Advisor, Tammy Haworth, to break down Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) and what it means for members in 2026. They walk through the new state mandate, explain how savings are measured, and highlight the programs Cherryland designed to turn compliance into real member value. From expanded rebates and a new online storefront to DIY home energy assessments and added support for income-qualified members, this conversation covers the tools available to help members save energy and money. Tune in to learn how Cherryland is making energy efficiency more accessible than ever.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the December 15th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the November 17th Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson sits down with Board Chair Gabe Schneider to unpack one of the most unique benefits of co-op membership, Capital Credits. Together, they explain what Capital Credits are, how Cherryland decides when and how much to return, and why this year’s $500,000 retirement reflects both strong financial stewardship and the cooperative spirit. Tune in to learn how Cherryland balances investing in reliability and facilities with returning value directly to members, proving once again that being part of a co-op truly pays off.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the October 27th Board of Directors meeting.
In this special Co-op Month episode of Co-op Energy Talk, host Courtney Doyle highlights the people who make Cherryland Electric Cooperative unique. Hear from some of Cherryland’s newest team members, including Adam, Brandi, Blake, Jeff, and Michelle as they share what drives their work and why being part of a member-owned cooperative matters. From keeping the lights on during storms to ensuring efficiency, safety, and strong collaboration across departments, this conversation shines a light on the dedicated employees who power our communities every day.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the September 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, host Courtney Doyle sits down with Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and CFO Brad Pavwoski to break down the co-op's Key Ratio Trend Analysis (KRTA) and why it matters to members. From financial health and operational efficiency to system reliability, KRTA metrics give Cherryland a clear picture of how the co-op stacks up nationally and locally—and how decisions made today impact the future. Learn how Cherryland keeps costs lean, manages growth, and delivers some of the most reliable power in the country, all while preparing for the challenges ahead.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, host Courtney Doyle talks with Cherryland’s Sonya Sias and the Salvation Army’s Patty Steele about changes to the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). Starting in September, members will see a new $1.25 monthly charge on their bills. Learn what this means for Cherryland members, how to apply for assistance, and why it’s important to reach out early if you need help.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the July 28th Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, host Courtney Doyle welcomes Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) President and CEO John Kran to discuss the critical role rural electric cooperatives play in energy policy and advocacy. They dive into how Cherryland ensures members have a seat at the table—from local community efforts to statewide and federal advocacy—and explain key issues like FEMA funding after recent storms, the importance of permitting reform, and the impact of federal legislation on rural co-ops. Tune in to learn why advocacy matters, how Cherryland and MECA work together to protect rural energy interests, and how members can get involved to make their voices heard.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the June 24th Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Communications and Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Chris Mohrhardt, owner of Incredible Mo’s, to discuss their 10-year partnership hosting Cherryland’s annual meeting and their inspiring community work. Learn how rural economic development loans helped shape Incredible Mo’s growth and how their unique birthday party project is giving back to local kids who might otherwise go without celebrations. Tune in to hear about the deep ties between local business, community support, and the cooperative spirit that powers it all.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the May 19th Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland’s Courtney Doyle is joined by Matt Fiala from Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to take members behind the scenes of Cherryland’s annual board elections. They discuss how partnering with a third-party ensures a secure, unbiased election—from online voting integration through SmartHub to the hands-off paper ballot process. Learn how your votes are counted, protected, and validated, and why democratic member control remains a core cooperative principle. Whether you're a first-time voter or a seasoned participant, this episode sheds light on the care and integrity behind every Cherryland election.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the April 21st Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the March 31st Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine Power Cooperative CEO Eric Baker join host Courtney Doyle to explore the essential role natural gas plays in keeping the lights on. From Michigan’s unique natural gas storage capabilities to the behind-the-scenes benefits of Alpine—Cherryland’s local peaking plant—this conversation highlights how thoughtful investments in natural gas support grid reliability and cost savings. Tune in to learn how these plants provide flexibility, balance renewable energy, and ensure reliability during extreme weather. Want to understand what powers your power? Don’t miss this one!
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Board President Gabe Schneider join Courtney Doyle to break down how Cherryland tracks reliability, financial health, and member value. From smart investments in grid technology to strategic financial planning, they discuss the co-op’s approach to balancing affordability and long-term stability. Tune in to learn how Cherryland compares to other utilities, why proactive rate adjustments matter, and how forward-thinking decisions are shaping the future of your co-op. Want to have a say in the co-op’s direction? Don’t miss this insightful conversation!
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the February 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland’s Courtney Doyle chats with CoBank Knowledge Exchange economists Teri Viswanath and Jeff Johnston about the surging demand for electricity driven by data center development and AI. From the role of data centers in our digital economy to the challenges of expanding infrastructure to meet this demand, they explore what this growth means for utilities like Cherryland. Tune in to learn how innovations in efficiency, creative grid solutions, and strategic investments can help co-ops navigate this transformative era.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the January 21st Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, CEO Rachel Johnson and COO Frank Siepker discuss Cherryland Electric Cooperative's ambitious plans for 2025. From transitioning to a new SCADA system to expanding underground infrastructure, these investments promise greater reliability and faster outage restorations. Tune in to learn how predictive analytics, cutting-edge technologies, and a focus on data-driven decisions are shaping the future of your co-op. Curious about what these changes mean for you? Don’t miss this insightful conversation!
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the December 16th Board of Directors meeting.
This year, Cherryland Electric Cooperative is retiring $570,000 in capital credits back to its members—a clear benefit of co-op membership. Join CEO Rachel Johnson on this episode of Co-op Energy Talk as she breaks down how capital credits work, why they matter, and how they’re helping Cherryland maintain its industry-leading reliability while keeping rates affordable. Curious about the impact of these retirements on your December bill? Tune in for all the details!
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the November 25th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative has had a big year, from enhancing grid reliability to advancing sustainability efforts, and we’re here to share the story. In this episode, join CEO Rachel Johnson as she sits down with Cherryland's Board President Gabe Schneider for a conversation about the co-op’s recent milestones and what they mean for you, our members. From faster outage response times to our path toward a carbon-free future, get a firsthand look at how Cherryland is working to keep our community strong, sustainable, and connected.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the October 28th Board of Directors meeting.
Join Cherryland's Communications and Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle as she sits down with CEO Rachel Johnson to discuss her personal journey through breast cancer. In this heartfelt episode, Rachel shares her experience from diagnosis to recovery, how she balanced being a leader and a patient, and the lessons she's carrying forward. Tune in for a candid conversation on resilience, leadership, and the importance of supporting those facing cancer. You'll also hear about valuable local resources available for individuals and families navigating cancer treatment.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the September 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
Join Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle as she sits down with Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine Power Cooperative CEO Eric Baker to discuss the exciting journey towards providing 100% carbon-free energy by 2030. Learn about the strategic decisions, innovative projects like the Palisades nuclear plant, and the importance of reliability and affordability as they lead the charge in Michigan’s energy future.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the August 19th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the July 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
Join Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle as she sits down with Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine Power Cooperative CEO Eric Baker to dive into the unique partnership between the two cooperatives. They discuss how their collaboration enhances service reliability and innovation. Discover the history, challenges, and future prospects, and learn how it continues to serve you, the member.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the June 24th Board of Directors meeting.
Join Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle in this episode of the 'Co-op Energy Talk Podcast' as she sits down with CEO Rachel Johnson to reflect on the highlights from the past year at Cherryland Electric Cooperative.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the May 20 Board of Directors meeting.
Join Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle in this episode of the "Co-op Energy Talk Podcast" as we dive into Cherryland Electric Cooperative's switch to an upgraded metering system. Courtney chats with Jason Rice, metering supervisor, and Chris Vermeulen, Engineering and IT Manager, about the shift from the TWACS system to newer, more efficient technology. They'll discuss the significant improvements in outage reporting, system management, and data accuracy that this upgrade brings. Listen in to learn how these changes will boost reliability and service quality for all Cherryland members.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the April 22 Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode, Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Patrick Kelley, the founder of Léargas Security and Critical Path Security, to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and practical strategies for safeguarding your digital footprint.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the March 18 Board of Directors meeting.
In this episode, Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Cherryland's CEO, Rachel Johnson, and Controller Brad Pavwaski to delve into the cooperative's recently proposed rate change.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the February 19 Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses with Cherryland's COO Frank Siepker about the monumental achievement of reaching 99.99% electric reliability.
Read more about this topic in our CEO Column.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the January 29 Board of Directors meeting.
In this engaging episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland Electric Cooperative's CEO Rachel Johnson delves into the dynamic world of energy with Michigan's 93rd House District Representative Graham Filler. They explore the complexities of nuclear power, local impacts, and energy policies shaping Michigan's future, offering listeners an opportunity to understand and contribute to the evolving energy dialogue.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the December 18th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the November 27th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through the recent decision on capital credits with Cherryland CFO Mark Wilson.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the October 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
In September, we announced that our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, signed a power purchase agreement that will pave the way for the restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. This marks the first time that a shutdown power plant would be restarted. There's a lot that goes into how that happens, what's next, and why this agreement is so impactful and beneficial to Cherryland members. On this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, we sit down with Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine President and CEO Eric Baker to learn more.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the September 25th Board of Directors meeting.
Since 1997, Cherryland Electric Cooperative has helped local businesses take advantage of millions in federal funding available only through through the USDA and electric cooperatives. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland Communications and Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and most recent loan recipient Left Foot Charley Owner and Winemaker Bryan Ulbrich to talk about how this program enables rural economic growth, what Left Foot Charley's plans are, and why Cherryland is committed to participating in this program.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the August 28th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the July 24th Board of Directors meeting.
For 13 years, Cherryland was included in a state mandated energy waste reduction (EWR) program. The mandate required us to incentivize a 1% reduction in annual electric sales by offering specific rebates to members for things like energy star rated appliances and lighting upgrades. When that mandate expired in 2021, it opened a door to expand and adapt our energy use programs in a number of ways. Now, Michigan lawmakers are considering reinstating that mandate for cooperatives and even increasing it. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk we sit down with GDS Associates Managing Director Rich Hasselman and Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson to talk about the programs we developed in the absence of the mandate, how they’ve expanded our offerings to our members, and whether or not this proposed mandate will be beneficial for cooperatives, like Cherryland.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the June 26th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative had the exciting opportunity to host National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson at our 85th Annual Meeting. He spoke with members about what's happening with electric cooperatives at a national level. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and NRECA Board President Tony Anderson sat down for a deeper discussion on the challenges at hand and what members can do to be part of the solution.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the May 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
After June 15, 2023, Rachel Johnson will take over as CEO of Cherryland Electric Cooperative. While she's been an important part of the leadership team at Cherryland, and you may have seen her at events or heard her host this podcast, you may not have had the chance to get to know Rachel on a deeper level. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk -- we're getting to know your new CEO!
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the April 24th Board of Directors meeting.
After 20 years of dedicated service to Cherryland Electric Cooperative, and 40 years dedicated to electric cooperatives across the country, Tony Anderson is retiring. But his work isn't over quite yet! Listen in as we take a walk down memory lane, hear the moments Tony treasures most from his impressive career, and what's next for him on the road ahead.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the March 20th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the February 27th Board of Directors meeting.
Just days before Christmas, Winter Storm Elliot created some dangerously cold conditions from Texas to Tennessee, up through the Midwest and parts of the east coast. While many of you were enjoying time at home with your family, many of those working in the utility industry were sitting uncomfortably close to needing to take measures we’ve never taken before in order to keep the lights on. Some regions were even forced into rolling blackouts. In this podcast – Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative’s Chief Operating Officer Zach Anderson joins Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson to talk about the storm, why it caused so many issues, and the impact it had.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the January 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
The Board of Directors will vote on a proposed rate increase in January, set to go into effect in March. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we only increase our rates when absolutely necessary. We know a rate increase isn’t anyone’s favorite news, but with rising costs and extreme market volatility we need to make a change in order to bring rates back in line with our costs. Cherryland General Manager Tony Anderson and Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talk through the changes, how they impact members, and why they're necessary.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the December 19th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the November 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the October 17th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the September 26th Board of Directors meeting.
- For every $1.00 you spend on your Cherryland bill, $0.70 goes directly toward power supply purchases. But buying that energy isn't just a quick "Add To Cart" and checkout, it's a lot more complicated than that.
In this two-part podcast, Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson sits down with Wolverine Power Supply Vice President and CFO Zach Anderson to talk about the history of the energy market, how the current state of the market is impacting power supply prices, and what that means for Cherryland's energy portfolio in the future.
For every $1.00 you spend on your Cherryland bill, $0.70 goes directly toward power supply purchases. But buying that energy isn't just a quick "Add To Cart" and checkout, it's a lot more complicated than that.
In this two-part podcast, Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson sits down with Wolverine Power Supply Vice President and CFO Zach Anderson to talk about the history of the energy market, how the current state of the market is impacting power supply prices, and what that means for Cherryland's energy portfolio in the future.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the August 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
Safety is a top priority for Cherryland Electric Cooperative. We want to keep our employees safe, our members safe, and our community safe. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson sits down with the co-op's Safety Director Jeff Puffer to talk about everything from electrical safety myths to how to set up a free and personalized safety training with our linemen.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the July 25th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the June 17th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the May 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
For years, we’ve talked about what would happen if there wasn’t enough electricity to go around. This year, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) released a report warning that “what if” question may become a reality as soon as this summer. MISO says Michigan and several other states are potentially as much as 1,200 MW short of the power we’re expected to need this summer. So what does that mean for you and anyone else who uses electricity and what can be done about it? Your host, Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson unpacks that in this episode of Co-op Energy Talk with Cherryland General Manager Tony Anderson and Wolverine Power Supply CEO Eric Baker.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the April 25th Board of Directors meeting.
Technological advancements have made the power grid more reliable and more robust. While that is a huge benefit, this increasingly digital approach comes with some cybersecurity concerns. In this episode, Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson sits down with Cherryland General Manager Tony Anderson and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Chief Scientist Dr. Emma Stewart to talk about what those concerns are, what a worst-case scenario looks like versus more realistic threats, as well as the measures in place to protect the grid from a potential cybersecurity breach.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the March 28th Board of Directors meeting.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the February 28th Board of Directors meeting.
What happens when we don’t have the material we need to keep your lights on? Thankfully, that’s not a question we’ve had to answer at Cherryland Electric Cooperative in large part due to our membership with RESCO (Rural Electric Supply Cooperative). In this episode, we talk with RESCO V.P. of Sales and Manufacturer Relations Doug Booher to dive into who they are, why Cherryland and our members benefit from what they do, and the future of supply chain challenges.
Co-op 101 is a sub-series of Co-op Energy Talk designed to educate our membership and those interested in learning about the cooperative business model. In this episode, Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager, Rachel Johnson, explains capital credits, how they work, and why they're valuable to both the membership and the cooperative.
Like all cooperatives, Cherryland is governed by a board of directors elected by our membership. They oversee the major decisions that impact the way Cherryland operates and ultimately how we serve our membership. In our new Meet the Board series, we're helping you get to know the people making those decisions not only as co-op leadership, but also as neighbors and community members. We're kicking this series off with our newest director -- Valarie Handy!
In part two of our special series on power supply, Cherryland Electric Cooperative General Manager Tony Anderson, Wolverine Power Cooperative President and CEO Eric Baker, and Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson dive into their thoughts on what the future holds for power supply and what that means for the industry, co-ops, and the members they serve.
Any topics you'd like to hear about? E-mail us at pr@cherrylandelectric.coop!
Let's talk power supply!
As Cherryland prepares to implement a power supply cost recovery charge, also known as a PSCR adjustment, we wanted to sit down and discuss why the charge is necessary, how it relates to power supply, and the driving forces behind some of the challenges we're seeing with power supply at the moment.
Listen in as Cherryland General Manager Tony Anderson, Wolverine Power Cooperative President and CEO Eric Baker, and our host Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talk through this complex issue in part one of our two part series on power supply.
Any topics you'd like to hear about? E-mail us at pr@cherrylandelectric.coop!
Last month’s record-breaking cold snap in Texas left dozens dead and millions without power. Now, as temperatures return to normal and citizens recover, questions and concerns over the resiliency of Texas’s energy grid continue to mount.
Listen in as we discuss what happened, the lasting effects this event will have on Texas, and the lessons to be learned by the energy industry.
America has voted and there is no doubt that there will be a lot of changes on the horizon. Listen in as we welcome Louis Finkel, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, to discuss the results of this past election and the effect it could have on energy legislation and regulation and our nation's electric cooperatives.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative was built by its community. So, when times get tough, it’s our duty to help.
Listen in as Rachel and Tony discuss the advantages of being a part of a co-op and how they played into some big news regarding pandemic relief for Cherryland members.
When you want electricity, we’ve got to deliver. It doesn’t matter if you have a scorching 100-degree day and everybody has their A/C cranked on high, we need to meet that demand.
But what if you had a week of 100-degree heat? What if there wasn’t enough electricity to meet that demand? Listen in as we discuss this scenario with Zach Anderson, CFO at Wolverine Power Cooperative, and learn more about grid capacity and utility peaking.
Northern Michigan is opening up following a multi-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the local business community, this is an opportunity to try and get back to what they do best.
Listen in as we welcome Warren Call, CEO of Traverse Connect, to discuss the challenges local businesses faced during the shutdown, the work Traverse Connect and others did to help our region be the first to reopen, and the other challenges and opportunities that exist as we move forward.
Co-op Energy Talk hits the road! Earlier this year, Tony sat down with co-op leaders from across the country while attending the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Listen in as they discuss what they've seen over the years and what trends they believe we should be watching to prepare for the future.
You know it well: member control is the cornerstone of any co-op. So, pandemic or not, a co-op board of directors still needs to function. Listen in as we discuss the steps Cherryland and its board have taken to adapt to this "new normal," including updates on board meetings, the board election, and the 82nd Annual Meeting.
Learn more about the Cherryland board of directors and co-op governance at www.cherrylandelectric.coop/governance.
Since our last episode, we saw the first cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reach the Grand Traverse region and Governor Whitmer enact the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order across the state. Listen in as explain what Cherryland has done to respond to the pandemic since, including providing updates on core services, billing policies, and co-op financials.
Needless to say, there is a lot of talk surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) these days. How do those providing critical services like Cherryland prepare for such a pandemic? Listen in as we discuss the measures we've taken to safeguard co-op employees and to continue to provide reliable service to our members.
Looking into the future, there's one trend that stands out in our industry: beneficial electrification. Simply put, this is the idea that using smarter electric appliances, heating sources, and transportation instead of their fossil fuel-powered counterparts can make us more energy efficient and allow more energy to come from cleaner sources. Listen in as we sit down with Sam Hogg, Director of Business Origination at Wolverine Power Cooperative, to discuss this trend and what an electric future might look like.
They say, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Well, it would be hard to hide the Gemini Solar Project, a 690 MW solar array (with 380 MW of lithium-ion storage) soon to be built just outside of the famous Nevada city. Listen in as we discuss the details of this historic project and its impact.
Do you have feedback? Email us at pr@cherrylandelectric.coop.
Of Michigan's 83 counties, 59 are classified as rural, all playing important roles in the state's economy. As these rural communities face their unique challenges of the future, state level support and representation is becoming ever more vital.
Spearheaded by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, one initiative calls on Governor Whitmer to create a cabinet-level position devoted to rural economic development. Listen in as we sit down with Kent Wood, owner of government relations consulting firm, Borealis Strategic, to discuss this rural economic development initiative and its importance to northern Michigan.
If you wish to offer your support for this initiative, go to the following: http://chng.it/Lg6G8vrR.
Cherry Capital Airport is the fourth largest commercial airport in Michigan... and it's not stopping there. They recently added two new carriers and several new nonstop flights, bringing their non-stop service up to 15 cities. Listen in as we sit down with Airport Director Kevin Klein to discuss both the opportunities and the challenges this time of growth and change will offer.
When problems arise, co-ops have a hard time sitting idly by. So, when the co-ops' tax exempt status is threatened, we head straight for the Capitol. Listen in as we reflect on Cherryland's recent trip to Washington, D.C. and discuss the top issues facing co-ops today with board members Dave Schweitzer and Gabe Schneider.
After 34 years of hosting WTCM's morning show, Representative Jack O'Malley returns to the microphone to reflect on his first year representing Michigan's 101st District (Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee counties) in Lansing. Listen in as we chat with him about energy policy and a variety other topics coming out of the Capitol.
Come on, we've all done it: sat on a beach, sipping a cool beverage, and wondered what was going on with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) that day. The MPSC regulates utilities in order to ensure safe, reliable, and accessible energy at reasonable rates for Michigan residents. Listen in as we discuss the MPSC and Michigan's energy future with the newest MPSC commissioner, Dan Scripps.
In June, Cherryland announced that it is making a three-year commitment of $100,000 annually to Habitat for Humanity–Grand Traverse Region to fund a program aimed at repairing low-income homes in need of weatherization improvements in the Grand Traverse region. Listen in as we discuss this partnership with Habitat for Humanity's executive director, Wendy Irvin, and project manager, Nathan Kalchik.
Cherryland members that are interested in participating in the Priority Home Repair program can learn more on Habitat for Humanity – Grand Traverse Region’s website.
With climate change as a priority for candidates in upcoming elections, a whole slew of carbon proposals are being thrown out there, including the Green New Deal, Evergreen Economy Plan, a carbon tax, etc. Do one of these game plans offer a realistic way to cross the goal line? Listen in as we discuss the challenges facing decarbonization and how these proposals hope to bring solutions.
Who doesn't love a good crossover episode? In this special episode, we share the mics with the guys from Mirror Finish, Great Lakes Stainless's podcast, to learn about each other's businesses, talk about energy, and have a little bit of fun.
Cherryland's Jim Carpenter is not just a line superintendent. He's a singer, whittler, guitar player, runner, and outdoorsman; a real renaissance man. After 39 years of service, the co-op's renaissance man is retiring. Listen in as we sit down with Jim and discuss his nearly four-decade long career at Cherryland.
You know by now that Cherryland has a diverse power supply portfolio, courtesy of our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative. But did you know that we are contractually obligated to purchase ALL of our power from Wolverine? Listen in as we sit down with Eric Baker, President & CEO of Wolverine, to discuss this contract and what it means for members of Cherryland.
While big renewable energy goals are nice, how are we going to achieve them? Utilities are facing increasing pressure to incentivize local, distributed renewable energy (e.g. small, rooftop systems) that benefit the individual over utility-scale renewable energy systems that benefit the many. How are we going to reach our goals by going small? Listen in as we discuss why going big with renewables is better and the barriers we face trying to get there.
From Tesla to Hyundai to Chevrolet, it seems more electric vehicles are sprouting up in the marketplace every day. But big questions still remain: When will there be an affordable all-wheel drive EV or all-electric pickup truck? Will the EV tax credit stick around? Is there a future where EVs dominate the roadway? Listen in as we sit down with Bill Marsh Jr., co-owner of the Bill Marsh Automotive Group, to discuss the "electrification" of the auto industry.
Rejoice, the midterm election is over! What happens now? Listen in as we sit down with Kent Wood, Director of Government Relations for the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the election results and what it means for Michigan going forward.
While employed with a natural gas pipeline company, Brad Livingston was involved in a potentially life-ending incident 27 years ago. Today, Brad travels the country recounting this day and discussing how the actions that led to his injuries have affected him and his loved ones every day since. Listen in as we talk with Brad and hear his story.
Learn more about Brad Livingston and his safety message at www.bradlivingston.com.
Should I heat my home with propane, gas, or electricity? If you want to reduce emissions and save on energy costs, go with the latter! Listen in as we discuss beneficial electrification and the ways choosing electricity over direct fossil fuel use is better for the end-user.
While we believe electricity is very important, craft beer and spirits are a very close second. Michigan’s craft beverage industry has taken the state by storm and doesn’t show signs of stopping. Listen in as we discuss the local craft beverage scene (and a little bit of energy) with special guests John Niedermaier of Brewery Terra Firma and Richard Anderson of Iron Fish Distillery.
EVs and clean energy and politics, oh my! Listen in as we sit down with Jim MacInnes, CEO of Crystal Mountain, and discuss everything energy; from reducing Crystal Mountain's carbon footprint to the future of automotive company, Tesla, to predictions in the Michigan governor's race.
Where will solar be in 10 years? Is the future in small "rooftop" solar or large public-scale projects? In light of the recent changes to Cherryland's member-solar programs, listen in as we discuss current trends and the future of solar generation with Sam Hogg, Director of Business Origination at Wolverine Power Cooperative.
Our cooperative, like many other companies, is facing a significant generational shift in staffing. Baby Boomers are retiring and Generation Xers and Millennials are replacing them. Listen in as we discuss this shift and what areas we need to consider adjusting to attract and retain good employees.
Featuring: Kerry Kalbfleisch, Director of Human Resources, Jeff Puffer, Power Quality Technician, and Nicole Vanover, Member Information Representative
Cherryland leadership traveled to Washington, D.C. recently to meet with legislators about issues impacting electric co-ops. Listen in as we discuss some of our legislative priorities and concerns with Craig Borr, CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA).
Being a lineworker is no easy job. It takes hard work, dedication, and nerves of steel to build and maintain Cherryland’s 3,000 miles of line day in and day out. Listen in as four of Cherryland’s linemen, Charlie Johnston, Brad Norton, Brandon Hartley, and Dave Bott, tell us why they do what they do and what it takes to be on a Cherryland line crew.
Over the last six months, Cherryland has been working on a pilot project in partnership with the State of Michigan and our local community action agency designed to make renewable energy accessible for low income consumers and increase the energy efficiency and quality of housing stock for those same members. Listen in as we discuss the details of this innovative pilot project with Sarah Mulkoff of the Michigan Agency for Energy.
There is so much talk about renewable energy projects in northern Michigan that it begs the question: where are we at with renewables? Listen in as we sit down with Sam Hogg, Director of Business Origination at Wolverine Power Cooperative and former project developer for Wolverine's subsidiary, Spartan Renewable Energy, and discuss the state of renewable energy in our region and how his role fits into Wolverine's power supply strategy.
As of January 1, 2018, distribution co-op members of Wolverine Power Cooperative like Cherryland will have the lowest carbon footprint of any electric utility in the lower peninsula of Michigan. Learn more about how we got there and the challenges we face as we pursue a low-carbon future in this podcast with Zach Anderson, VP of Power Supply at Wolverine.
In the last decade, Cherryland Cares has granted $400,000 to 90 local non-profit organizations. In this podcast we sit down with two grantees from last year - Gina Aranki with Child & Family Services and Becca Binder with Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing - and Cherryland Cares board member, Jeremy Hawke to discuss the impact that Cherryland Cares is having in the local community. Listen in and learn how 4,000 people contributing a few dollars per year can make a HUGE difference.
For the first time in seven years, Cherryland will be raising its rates. This rate change will go into effect in the spring of 2018. Listen in as we explain the specifics of this change, discuss the reasoning behind the board's decision, and answer some of our members' frequently asked questions.
The Grand Traverse area attracts all types of people: tourists, foodies, outdoorsmen, even celebrities. But what about business owners? In this episode, we sat down with members of the recently configured Grand Traverse County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board and discussed the opportunities and challenges to growing, retaining, and expanding businesses in our region.
Featuring: Warren Call, Regional Manager of The Private Bank at Huntington National Bank; Mike Naughton, Lawyer and Partner at North Coast Legal; Jessica Sullivan, Vice President of the Hagerty Group Office at Hagerty
In this month's episode, we sit down with the newest member of Cherryland's Board of Directors, Gabe Schneider. Listen in as he discusses why he wanted to serve on the board and what he hopes to accomplish in doing so.
The City of Traverse City recently set a goal to power 100% of their public buildings (the actual city's electric load) with 100% renewable energy by 2020. In this podcast we sat down with City Commissioner Amy Shamroe and the CEO of Traverse CONNECT, Doug Luciani, to discuss why municipalities are setting renewable energy goals and the opportunities and challenges they face as they try to meet them.
The cooperative movement has been changing the way we do electrification in the US since the 1920s. Cooperatives are member-owned and member-governed; our governance model is vital to our health and success. In this podcast, we sit down with Adam Schwartz, Founder and Principal of The Cooperative Way. Listen in as we talk about how co-ops can increase member engagement and help strengthen our communities.
Is Northern Michigan poised to see a boom in solar energy? We sat down with several local experts to find out their opinions. Listen in as Crystal Mountain's Jim MacInnes, Groundwork's Dan Worth, and Wolverine Power Cooperative's Zach Anderson discuss and debate the future of solar energy in our region.
In the last few years, the state of Michigan dealt with an energy crisis in the U.P., public concern over pipelines spanning the straits of Mackinac, the looming shut down of a significant portion of the state’s baseload energy capacity, and a complete revision of the state’s energy policy. In this podcast, we sit down with Valerie Brader, the Executive Director for the Michigan Agency for Energy, to discuss the challenges and opportunities Michigan faces as we continue to modernize our energy portfolio.
Many of the decisions and changes being made to U.S. energy policy will have implications for our energy supply here in Michigan. In the second part of this series, we sit down with Craig Borr, CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association to find out how Trump's policies might impact electric cooperative members in Michigan.
President Trump has vowed to shake things up in Washington, D.C. The nation's energy policy, regulations, and future infrastructure are all areas that might see significant change. In part one of this series, we sit down with Kirk Johnson, the Senior Vice-President of Government Relations at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association to find out what the future of energy might look like under Trump's administration.
In this month's episode, we sit down with the newest member of Cherryland's Board of Directors, Dave Schweitzer. Listen in as he discusses why he wanted to serve on the board and what he hopes to accomplish in doing so.
In this episode we remember our friend, colleague, and former Cherryland board member and Wolverine Power Cooperative Chairman, Rick Deneweth. Tune in as we discuss his legacy with the co-ops and how both organizations plan to move forward with filling their board vacancies.
For most of us, the electric grid is a bit of an enigma. We know we need it. We know it's complex. But, we don't really understand what makes it work. Here at Cherryland, that's why we rely on Engineering and Operations Manager, Frank Siepker to keep everything working. In this episode we sit down with Frank to discuss what goes into maintaining our grid and how technology is changing and improving the grid.
When it comes to energy, businesses are thinking about more than just how it impacts the bottom line. From investing in energy efficiency to concerns about long term reliability, in this episode we sit down with representatives from the business community to discuss all things energy. Listen in and find out what they see for the future of energy. Featuring: Kent Wood, Traverse City Chamber; Michael Lahti, Black Star Farms; Rick Deneweth, ThreeWest and Copper Ridge.
In June, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) welcomed a new CEO, Jim Matheson. He's only been on the job for a few weeks, but Jim took time out of his busy schedule to record a quick podcast with us. Listen in as we learn more about Jim and his vision for the future of America's electric cooperatives.
Wondering what primary races are heating up in Northern Michigan? We sat down with Kent Wood from the Traverse City Chamber and Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance to get the scoop. Check out our most recent podcast to hear his thoughts on election season so far and his predictions for the upcoming primary. And, don't forget to learn more about the candidates at the TC Chamber Virtual Candidate Forum: http://tcchamber.org/legislative-advocacy/2016-virtual-candidates-forum/. See you at the polls!
Should we tax CO2 emissions? In this episode, local Traverse City professionals weigh in on the future of carbon pricing. Listen in as they discuss everything from how we would structure a carbon tax to the impact it would have on electric rates to whether the political will exists to even implement a carbon tax. Featuring: Jan Geht, Business and Tax Lawyer, TCL&P Chairperson Rachel Johnson, Member Relations Manager, Cherryland Electric Cooperative Sarna Salzman, Executive Director, SEEDS Warren Call, Investment and Private Banking, Traverse City Zach Anderson, Manager of Power Supply, Wolverine Power Cooperative
For almost 80 years, some electric consumers have had full democratic control over their local utility. They are electric co-op members and every year they get to elect board members to represent them in the decision-making of the co-op they own. Tune in to this episode of Co-op Energy Talk as Tony and Rachel discuss the co-op business model, board transparency, and the importance of member involvement.
The current young professional generation are technology natives. They've seen technology drive disruptive change in several industries. Telephone industry, anyone? We sat down with a few local young professionals, Warren Call and Jan Geht, to discuss energy technologies and how they might change the ways we generate and use energy. Listen in and see what they had to say.
Have you been hearing about Cherryland's new net metering rate and wondering exactly how it might affect you. We made this handy guide to help our members better understand it.
Cherryland has some of the highest reliability scores in our region. We also have one of the most aggressive tree trimming programs. Find out how these things are related and how they affect you when we sit down with our Safety Director and Line Superintendent, Jim Carpenter to discuss tree trimming.
Here's your 30 minute guide to the Clean Power Plan (CPP). In this episode we discuss what it is, how it came to be, and what impact, from rates to reliability, it might have on our members.
Did you know that 70% of your power bill is power supply costs? Want to know what is happening with those costs and your rates? In our most recent podcast, we sat down with Rick Kohler, Finance Director at our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative. Tune in as he answers those questions and more.
Net metering is a hot topic in Michigan's legislature right now. As the Senate considers SB 438, a bill that would change Michigan's net metering policies and rates, we sat down with representatives from Northern Michigan utilities and the Traverse City Chamber to get their take on the bill and net metering in general.
Net metering is a hot topic these days. Wonder what everyone is talking about? We made a quick podcast to introduce you to the world of net metering. Have a listen and you will be ready to jump into the conversation.
Jim MacInnes, CEO of Crystal Mountain, Tesla owner, and Electric Vehicle (EV) aficionado joins us for a discussion of what it's like to own and drive an EV. Listen in as we talk about the role EVs might play in transforming the future of transportation.
In this episode, Traverse City's energy experts discuss the US Supreme Court's recent ruling that the EPA must consider cost to electric consumers when making new regulations. They also debate the effect that deregulation might have on Michigan's utilities and ratepayers.
Wolverine Power Cooperative's CEO, Eric Baker, has some exciting news about their future plans for renewable energy. Listen in as we discuss the potential and the challenges that Wolverine faces as it continues to lead the way in advancing renewable energy in Michigan. Learn more about Wolverine and potential employment opportunities on their website: https://www.wpsci.com.
Get the scoop on Wolverine Power Cooperative's plans for our power supply portfolio. In this episode, we sit down with Eric Baker, Wolverine's CEO, and discuss upcoming capacity shortfalls in Michigan, how Wolverine is responding to the widespread shutdown of coal-fired power plants, and how all of this will affect Cherryland members' rates and reliability. Learn more about Wolverine at https://www.wpsci.com.
Listen in as we sit down with Eric Baker, the CEO of Wolverine Power Cooperative. Learn about how Wolverine has overcome past challenges to become the success story they are today. You can learn more about Wolverine at https://www.wpsci.com/.
A discussion about Governor Snyder's proposed energy policy for Michigan with representatives from Northern Michigan electric utilities and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.
On March 13, Governor Snyder proposed several changes to Michigan's energy policy. The legislature is working on an aggressive timeline to pass that policy. Listen in as we sit down with Craig Borr, the CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, to discuss the details of the policy proposals and how they will affect co-op members.
Nuclear energy is a reliable, carbon-free way to generate electricity. Despite it's many benefits, there are no new nuclear plants being built in the US. In this podcast we discuss the potential benefits and challenges the nuclear industry faces.
A discussion of upcoming electric capacity shortfalls in Michigan with representatives from Northern Michigan electric utilities and the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce.
Germany has a lot of renewable energy and distributed generation but they also have very high energy costs. In this podcast we dig into how they got were they are today and what we can learn from their example.
A discussion of solar energy with representatives from Northern Michigan electric utilities and the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce.
Learn more about the challenges facing the electric utility industry today. Features representatives from Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Traverse City Light & Power, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, and the Traverse City Chamber
Did you know that not all utilities are created equal? Check out our podcast to learn what makes electric co-ops different and why everyone should want to be a co-op member!