Co-op Energy Talk

S9E12 - Is Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) Right for MI Cooperatives?

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.

S9E11 - Board Meeting Brief, June 2023

Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the June 26th Board of Directors meeting.

S9E10 - The Big Picture: Discussing National Energy Issues and Solutions with NRECA CEO Jim Matheson

Cherryland Electric Cooperative had the exciting opportunity to host National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson at our 85th Annual Meeting. He spoke with members about what's happening with electric cooperatives at a national level. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and NRECA Board President Tony Anderson sat down for a deeper discussion on the challenges at hand and what members can do to be part of the solution.

S9E9 - Board Meeting Brief, May 2023

Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the May 22nd Board of Directors meeting.

S9E8 - Get To Know Your New CEO

After June 15, 2023, Rachel Johnson will take over as CEO of Cherryland Electric Cooperative. While she's been an important part of the leadership team at Cherryland, and you may have seen her at events or heard her host this podcast, you may not have had the chance to get to know Rachel on a deeper level. In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk -- we're getting to know your new CEO!

S9E7 - Board Meeting Brief, April 2023

Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the April 24th Board of Directors meeting.

S9E6 - The Long Goodbye, The Podcast

After 20 years of dedicated service to Cherryland Electric Cooperative, and 40 years dedicated to electric cooperatives across the country, Tony Anderson is retiring. But his work isn't over quite yet! Listen in as we take a walk down memory lane, hear the moments Tony treasures most from his impressive career, and what's next for him on the road ahead.

S9E5 - Board Meeting Brief, March 2023

Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the March 20th Board of Directors meeting.

S9E4 - Board Meeting Brief, February 2023

Cherryland Electric Cooperative Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson talks through highlights from the February 27th Board of Directors meeting.

S9E3 - The Unexpected Impact of Winter Storm Elliott

Just days before Christmas, Winter Storm Elliot created some dangerously cold conditions from Texas to Tennessee, up through the Midwest and parts of the east coast. While many of you were enjoying time at home with your family, many of those working in the utility industry were sitting uncomfortably close to needing to take measures we’ve never taken before in order to keep the lights on. Some regions were even forced into rolling blackouts. In this podcast – Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative’s Chief Operating Officer Zach Anderson joins Cherryland Member Relations Manager Rachel Johnson to talk about the storm, why it caused so many issues, and the impact it had.