Great Lakes Energy celebrates 80 years

Great Lakes Energy, headquartered in Boyne City, celebrates 80 years of service this year. Electricity first came to many parts of rural lower Michigan in 1937 and greatly improved the quality of life for farmers and rural residents. The work of four separate electric cooperatives (Top O’ Michigan in Boyne City, O&A in Newaygo, Oceana Electric in Hart, and Western Michigan in Scottville) helped make that possible. Through mergers, the four joined in 1999 to become Great Lakes Energy, one of the largest electric cooperatives in the country and the largest in Michigan. Great Lakes Energy has over 14,000 miles of power line (third largest of all electric co-ops in the United States) that deliver electricity to over 123,000 members. Great Lakes Energy has nine offices throughout its 26 county service area, employs 235 people and remains a locally-owned cooperative governed by the member-owners it serves.