Co-op Energy Talk

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the May 20 Board of Directors meeting.

Join Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle in this episode of the "Co-op Energy Talk Podcast" as we dive into Cherryland Electric Cooperative's switch to an upgraded metering system. Courtney chats with Jason Rice, metering supervisor, and Chris Vermeulen, Engineering and IT Manager, about the shift from the TWACS system to newer, more efficient technology. They'll discuss the significant improvements in outage reporting, system management, and data accuracy that this upgrade brings. Listen in to learn how these changes will boost reliability and service quality for all Cherryland members.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the April 22 Board of Directors meeting.

In this episode, Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Patrick Kelley, the founder of Léargas Security and Critical Path Security, to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and practical strategies for safeguarding your digital footprint.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the March 18 Board of Directors meeting.

In this episode, Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Cherryland's CEO, Rachel Johnson, and Controller Brad Pavwaski to delve into the cooperative's recently proposed rate change. 

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the February 19 Board of Directors meeting.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses with Cherryland's COO Frank Siepker about the monumental achievement of reaching 99.99% electric reliability.  Read more about this topic in our CEO Column.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the January 29 Board of Directors meeting.

In this engaging episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland Electric Cooperative's CEO Rachel Johnson delves into the dynamic world of energy with Michigan's 93rd House District Representative Graham Filler. They explore the complexities of nuclear power, local impacts, and energy policies shaping Michigan's future, offering listeners an opportunity to understand and contribute to the evolving energy dialogue.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the December 18th Board of Directors meeting.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the November 27th Board of Directors meeting. 

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through the recent decision on capital credits with Cherryland CFO Mark Wilson. 

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the October 23rd Board of Directors meeting. 

In September, we announced that our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, signed a power purchase agreement that will pave the way for the restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. This marks the first time that a shutdown power plant would be restarted. There's a lot that goes into how that happens, what's next, and why this agreement is so impactful and beneficial to Cherryland members. On this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, we sit down with Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine President and CEO Eric Baker to learn more.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the September 25th Board of Directors meeting.

Since 1997, Cherryland Electric Cooperative has helped local businesses take advantage of millions in federal funding available only through through the USDA and electric cooperatives. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland Communications and Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and most recent loan recipient Left Foot Charley Owner and Winemaker Bryan Ulbrich to talk about how this program enables rural economic growth, what Left Foot Charley's plans are, and why Cherryland is committed to participating in this program.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the August 28th Board of Directors meeting.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the July 24th Board of Directors meeting.

For 13 years, Cherryland was included in a state mandated energy waste reduction (EWR) program. The mandate required us to incentivize a 1% reduction in annual electric sales by offering specific rebates to members for things like energy star rated appliances and lighting upgrades. When that mandate expired in 2021, it opened a door to expand and adapt our energy use programs in a number of ways. Now, Michigan lawmakers are considering reinstating that mandate for cooperatives and even increasing it. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk we sit down with GDS Associates Managing Director Rich Hasselman and Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson to talk about the programs we developed in the absence of the mandate, how they’ve expanded our offerings to our members, and whether or not this proposed mandate will be beneficial for cooperatives, like Cherryland.