Great Lakes Energy Electric Cooperative

Great Lakes Energy is a utility company providing electricity and power services in Northern Michigan. It is committed to offering reliable and sustainable energy solutions to its community.

CCI Score

42.61

-0.03% April 18

Latest Event

Secures $262.8M Federal Loan for Smart Grid and Fiber Expansion

Great Lakes Energy Cooperative received a $262.8 million federal loan from the USDA to upgrade 438 miles of electric grid infrastructure and build 2,420 miles of fiber network. This investment will expand smart grid technology and broadband connectivity in rural Michigan, benefiting over 5,000 cooperative customers and fostering community development.

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DISSENTER

Great Lakes Energy Electric Cooperative is currently rated as a Dissenter.

+25 to +44 CCI Score

These companies are vocal in their opposition to authoritarian regimes. They publicly criticize oppressive policies and engage in advocacy efforts to promote accountability and transparency, even if their actions aren’t as extensive as those of Moral Leaders.

Latest Events

FEB

06

2023

Secures $262.8M Federal Loan for Smart Grid and Fiber Expansion
40.13

Great Lakes Energy Cooperative received a $262.8 million federal loan from the USDA to upgrade 438 miles of electric grid infrastructure and build 2,420 miles of fiber network. This investment will expand smart grid technology and broadband connectivity in rural Michigan, benefiting over 5,000 cooperative customers and fostering community development.
+50

Technology and Services Impact

March 29

The federal loan will enable the expansion of smart grid technology and fiber infrastructure, which enhances connectivity and supports digital inclusion in underserved rural communities. This investment helps bridge the rural-urban divide and promotes progressive technological advancement.

Michigan electric co-op lands $262.8M federal loan for electric, fiber infrastructure
+50

Economic and Structural Influence

March 29

The federal loan is a significant economic investment that will enhance infrastructure and stimulate economic development in rural areas. These structural improvements are beneficial for community resilience and promote equitable access to utilities and broadband, countering trends that favor authoritarian centralization.

Michigan electric co-op lands $262.8M federal loan for electric, fiber infrastructure
JAN

30

2023

Great Lakes Energy USDA Loan for Electric Infrastructure
52.51

Great Lakes Energy Cooperative received a $262.8 million, 35-year fixed interest loan from the USDA to build and modernize its electric grid, including 438 miles of power lines and 2,420 miles of fiber backbone. The investment is aimed at enhancing rural infrastructure, expanding broadband access, and stimulating local economic growth.
+70

Technology and Services Impact

March 29

The USDA loan enables the adoption of advanced grid and fiber optic technologies that are pivotal in modernizing critical infrastructure. By extending reliable broadband and secure power services to rural communities, Great Lakes Energy supports community empowerment and bridges the digital divide, a positive development in the context of protecting marginalized groups and fostering transparency.

Great Lakes Energy receives loan from USDA for electric infrastructure
+60

Economic and Structural Influence

March 29

The infrastructure investment is poised to stimulate economic development in rural regions by creating jobs and modernizing essential services. By strengthening the economy and supporting community resilience, the project aligns with efforts to bolster equitable growth and reduce systemic disparities, serving as an anti-authoritarian countermeasure to neglect of rural areas.

Great Lakes Energy receives loan from USDA for electric infrastructure
JAN

30

2023

USDA Loan Fuels Rural Infrastructure Modernization
40.59

Great Lakes Energy Electric Cooperative received a $262,796,000, 35‐year fixed interest loan from the USDA to upgrade its electric grid and expand broadband access in rural Michigan. The funding will support the construction of 438 miles of power lines, 2,420 miles of fiber backbone, and generate both temporary and long-term jobs, aligning with progressive efforts to bolster rural economic development and community resilience.
+30

Public and Political Behavior

March 29

The USDA loan is part of a broader public policy effort to strengthen rural America and build a robust middle class, aligning the cooperative’s actions with progressive government priorities that emphasize community and infrastructure development.

Great Lakes Energy receives loan from USDA for electric infrastructure
+60

Technology and Services Impact

March 29

The infrastructure improvements include significant technology upgrades, such as the installation of a fiber optic backbone and smart grid technologies, which enhance consumer access to high-speed internet and modern services. This represents a progressive advancement in technology services critical to community development.

Great Lakes Energy receives loan from USDA for electric infrastructure
+70

Economic and Structural Influence

March 29

The USDA loan is poised to drive economic growth and job creation in underserved rural areas by modernizing the electric grid, which enhances community resilience and structural economic support. This long-term investment in critical infrastructure underscores a commitment to progressive economic development.

Great Lakes Energy receives loan from USDA for electric infrastructure
JAN

30

2023

USDA Loan Funds Rural Electric & Broadband Upgrade
37.19

Great Lakes Energy Electric Cooperative received a $262,796,000, 35-year fixed-interest loan from the USDA to build and improve 438 miles of power lines and install 2,420 miles of fiber backbone. This investment aims to modernize rural electric infrastructure, enhance broadband accessibility, and create both temporary and long-term jobs in Northern Michigan.
+60

Technology and Services Impact

March 29

The investment in modernizing the electric grid with fiber backbone installation and smart grid capabilities enhances connectivity and technological infrastructure in rural areas, empowering communities and enabling better access to information and services.

Great Lakes Energy receives loan from USDA for electric infrastructure
+50

Economic and Structural Influence

March 29

The loan-driven infrastructure projects are positioned to create new jobs and stimulate rural economic activity, strengthening the region's structural resilience and long-term economic prospects.

Great Lakes Energy receives loan from USDA for electric infrastructure
+30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 29

By channeling substantial funds into critical infrastructure improvements, Great Lakes Energy demonstrates responsible business practices that support community development and address the needs of underserved rural areas.

Great Lakes Energy receives loan from USDA for electric infrastructure