Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative
Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative serves over 13,000 members in parts of Aitkin, Crow Wing, and Mille Lacs counties, offering a variety of energy and internet services, including renewable energy solutions and community programs.
Company Overview
Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative serves over 13,000 members in Aitkin, Crow Wing, and Mille Lacs counties. With 1,968 miles of line, the cooperative offers a wide array of services including energy assessments, heating and cooling solutions, and renewable energy options like solar and wind generation. The cooperative's headquarters is located at 36559 US Highway 169, Aitkin, MN.
Energy Services
Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative offers a variety of energy-related services. These include heating and cooling solutions, rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances, and programs like Cycled Air Conditioning to manage energy demand during peak times. The cooperative also provides standby generators from Briggs & Stratton with a 10-year parts and labor warranty. Through its energy assessments, members can identify ways to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative is committed to sustainability, aiming to supply 50% of its energy generation from renewable resources by 2030. They offer several renewable energy options, including solar and wind generation. Additionally, the cooperative provides substantial rebates for electric vehicle owners who enroll in Off Peak and ChargeWise programs, further supporting the shift to cleaner energy.
Internet Services
Through MLEC Fiber, Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative offers high-speed internet services with speeds up to 1 Gbps. The MLEC Fiber project is currently expanding to cover additional homes and businesses, increasing connectivity in the community. This initiative supports the cooperative's commitment to providing essential services to its members.
Community Programs
The cooperative's Operation Round Up program has raised over $1.5 million in grants for local nonprofit organizations since its inception. Members can participate in board meetings, held on the third Thursday of each month, to stay informed and involved. The cooperative also runs a photo calendar contest, invites members to submit photos for their annual calendar, and promotes various energy-saving programs like load management for water heating.