Lake Region Electric Cooperative
LREC hosted an Energy Forum on February 18th during which representatives from various sectors of the energy industry shared their perspectives and stories related to cooperative principles and the ongoing energy transition. Members can watch the presentations below.
Energy FOrum Playlist (Parts 1-5)
If you prefer to watch the Energy Forum parts separately, please see the presentations below with a brief summary of the topics covered in each.
Energy Forum Part 1: Mike Bull
Mike Bull of Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) presented on:
- The co-op model and the power of drawing support from a large grassroots network of member-owners
- How co-ops are locally governed and community focused
- Co-ops return margins to members, not investors
- How LREC’s engagement with the solar-wind project is a prime example of co-op innovation
Energy Forum Part 2: Jon Brekke
Jon Brekke of Great River Energy (GRE) presented on:
- Transition of GRE’s power supply portfolio
- Growing renewable power supply portfolio
- Reduction of carbon emissions during GRE’s energy transition through 2035
- Importance of high percentages of renewables in our region
Energy Forum Part 3: Tim Thompson
Tim Thompson of Lake Region Electric Cooperative (LREC) presented on:
- The importance of member engagement and action taken by LREC to engage members
- LREC’s rate stability and strong financial position
- Reliability – reinvesting in our local grid
- 28 demand response programs offered by LREC and the value of such demand response programs
Energy Forum Part 4: Dan Juhl
Dan Juhl of Juhl Energy presented on:
- Battery storage technology
- Utilizing hybrid (wind/solar) technology
- Load management programs
- Energy conservation
Energy Forum Part 5: Darrick Moe
After the presentations, Darrick Moe of Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA), facilitated a question and answer session.