As Winter Storm Fern swept across the United States, bringing bitter cold, ice, and heavy snow, The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) again notified utilities that energy conservation was necessary due to the severe weather and high demand. Although the grid was able to manage the additional load, increased natural gas usage pushed fuel prices…
Three 2-man crews consisting of LREC linemen from both Pelican Rapids and Ottertail offices will be leaving MN and traveling to Virginia (VA) in advance of severe weather expected in that region. Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) Director of Safety Services Anthony Lenz received VA-based Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s call for mutual aid Thursday morning, Jan….
Beginning this week, a small number of residential electric service members will receive a postcard from LREC CEO Joel Janorschke on behalf of Great River Energy (GRE), our wholesale power provider, requesting participation in their 2026 Membership Energy Use Survey. Survey results will be used to help GRE better understand energy needs across similar households…
Happy 2026! I hope you had the chance to celebrate a happy and safe holiday with friends and family. I’d like to start the month by providing an update on progress we’ve made and the remaining timeline regarding the upcoming rate adjustment. The Class Cost of Service Study (CCOSS), which was approved in October by…
Happy holidays! I want to use this month’s column to follow up on the final two areas of interest indicated in October’s Member Satisfaction survey: capital credits and off-peak controls. As a member of an electric cooperative, you invest in LREC through your revenue contribution. Each year, any margin (revenue after expenses) earned by LREC…
2025 Member Satisfaction Survey Takeaways Distributed every October, our annual Member Satisfaction survey continues to serve not only as a gauge on our performance over the past year, but also as a way to make sure we’re sharing information on areas of service most important to our members. We’re happy to report that regarding overall…
From October through April 30, 2026, eligible LREC members can request protection from service disconnection due to non-payment during winter months via the MN Cold Weather Rule (CWR). To be considered eligible, residential homeowners or renters must: Additional CWR details and instruction on how to complete/submit the required ITP form, as well as information on…
October is National Cooperative Month and, in recognition, beginning this month we’re sharing the Seven Cooperative Principles by shining a spotlight on the ways in which LREC is demonstrating each one to our members. Our first featured principle is Concern for Community. A cooperative serves its member-owners best when it operates as more than just…
All it takes is a trip to the grocery store to see that costs are continuing their steady rise upward. Here at Lake Region, we recognize that inflation is a challenge for our members; we want to do our part to make sure we are providing you with the reliable energy you require at an…
Attention shutterbugs! We’re bringing back our LREC 12-month calendar for 2026 and are calling on members, directors and employees to help provide one-of-a-kind images that capture the landscape, weather and wildlife from around the Lake Region service area. Each month will feature a photo selected by LREC staff that best represents the beauty and experience…