JulyAug 2026 PIE&G

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

July/August 2026

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Taking the Long Way Around Home Internet Protection Behind Your Bill Summer Heat & Reliability

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Geothermal is like finding magic in your backyard.

Turn your wishes of lower energy costs into reality with a residential geothermal unit from WaterFurnace. Our systems tap into free, renewable energy stored in the ground to deliver reliable, consistent comfort and real savings on heating, cooling, and hot water. They’re twice as efficient as traditional HVAC systems, last 40% longer, and cut energy bills by as much as 70%. Plus, many state, local, and utility programs offer incentives to lower installation costs.

Stop wishing and start saving with geothermal from WaterFurnace.

Visit waterfurnace.com to learn how to turn “Too Good To Be True” into “True.”

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com

Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeothermal.com

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com

Muskegon TMC Mechanical LLC (231) 865-1114 www.tmcmechanicalllc.com

Cadillac Wilder Htg & Clg (231) 645-4822 Wilderheatingandcooling.com

Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com

Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com

Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com

Gaylord Family Plmb & Htg (989) 732-8099 familyplumbingandheating.com

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southern-michigan

Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com Sparta West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 Westmigeothermal.com

Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES $2,250 rebate available through your co-op.

Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com

OLDEST UNIT CONTEST! Have an older geothermal unit? Tell us why you love it for a chance to win a new, modern WaterFurnace residential geothermal unit with professional installation.1 Hurry, the contest ends July 22, 2026.

Enter at waterfurnace.com/giveaway 1. Visit the WF giveaway landing page for full details and requirements.

visit waterfurnace.com/mi The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

July/August 2026 Vol. 46, No. 7

/michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark EDITOR: Christine Dorr GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.

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Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. ASSOCIATION OFFICERS: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; John Kran, president and CEO.

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CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com

MI CO-OP Community

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative.

See page 4 for contact information.

The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

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6 DIGGING INTO THE RICH

RECIPE CONTEST

HISTORY OF MICHIGAN’S KEWEENAW PENINSULA The majestic land of the Keweenaw captivates visitors with natural beauty and hidden riches below the surface.

GUEST COLUMN

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

MYSTERY PHOTO

14 TAKING THE LONG

See details on page 10. Autumn Comfort Foods, due Aug. 1; Heirloom Recipes, due Sept. 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $200 for stories published!

See details on page 18.

Win a $100 bill credit!

To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

Chill Out! No Cook: Summer made simple.

WAY AROUND More than an endurance event, the Mackinac Island Swim is rooted in joy, connection, and community.

18 GUEST COLUMN

A Farmers Market Tradition.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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One Year Later: Recovery, Resilience, and the Path Forward BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sandy Borowicz, Chairperson 231-627-9220 • Term Expires 2027 Daryl Peterson, Vice Chairperson 989-742-3145 • Term Expires 2027 Gerald Smigelski, Secretary 989-306-3750 • Term Expires 2026 Brentt Lucas, Treasurer 989-766-3678 • Term Expires 2028 John Brown 231-625-2099 • Term Expires 2026 Kurt Krajniak 989-884-3037 • Term Expires 2028 Sally Knopf 989-734-4196 • Term Expires 2027 Chris Nagel 616-240-8727 • Term Expires: 2026 Michael Libby 989-306-1730 • Term Expires 2028 President & CEO: Allan Berg aberg@pieg.com Chief Marketing Officer: David Eiben deiben@pieg.com Co-op Editor: Sommer Poquette spoquette@pieg.com Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 3149 Main Street (M-211) Onaway, MI 49765 Business Office & Billing: 989-733-8515 Toll-Free: 800-423-6634 Gas Emergency Toll-Free: 800-655-8565 PIE&G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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By Allan Berg, President & CEO

It has been more than a year since the March 2025 ice storm swept through northern Michigan, and I want to share where we stand— and where we are headed.

What hit us in late March 2025 was our region’s version of a historic disaster. It coated every one of our distribution lines in heavy ice, snapped poles and trees, and left thousands without power for weeks. Repairing the damage required replacing nearly 2,800 poles, restoring thousands of miles of line, and repairing or replacing hundreds of transformers. In the history of this cooperative, nothing has come close—and neither has the strength of the response.

Our crews, along with mutual aid teams from across the country, worked around the clock in incredibly difficult conditions to restore power safely and efficiently. Their commitment and resilience are a testament to the strength of this cooperative and the communities we serve.

The $20 monthly storm recovery fee was put in place to cover the interest on the emergency financing needed to pay for the more than $150 million in damage. While that is a significant burden, it has allowed us to stabilize our system and move forward without compromising service to our members. At the same time, we have remained fully focused on securing federal disaster reimbursement through FEMA.

pieg.com

There has been real progress. A federal disaster declaration approved in July 2025 opened the door for initial funding. Then, after months of persistent advocacy from state and federal leaders—along with our own efforts—FEMA amended Michigan’s declaration in March 2026 to include Category F funding for utilities.

This was a major step forward and reflects the impact of coordinated, determined advocacy.

While reimbursement is not immediate, we are now in a position to pursue it. We have submitted approximately $145 million in qualifying costs, and FEMA is reviewing those expenses. Under the program, up to 75% of eligible costs may be reimbursed. While the timing and final amount remain uncertain, the opportunity to recover a substantial portion of these costs is now firmly in place.

What does this mean for the storm recovery fee? For now, it remains necessary to cover ongoing financing costs. But as FEMA’s review progresses and funding begins to flow, we will be able to reassess and make adjustments with our members in mind.

We continue to work on every available channel to secure these funds and bring relief to this cooperative. We are making progress, and we are moving forward with purpose.

Thank you for your patience, trust, and your continued membership in our cooperative. I promise to keep you updated as we move forward through FEMA’s reimbursement process.

/PIEGCooperative

/PIEGCooperative

OFFICE CLOSED for Labor Day Sept. 7, 2026

Please note that our office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Your Board In Action

NEED TO MAKE A PAYMENT?

At the May 2026 meeting, the board of directors:

You can still pay using these methods:

• Reviewed Team Reports • Approved March New Memberships • Welcomed a new Human Resources Director • Reviewed a Co-op Strategic Plan Update

OUR SECURE DROPBOX

BY PHONE AT 866-999-4571

ONLINE AT PIEG.COM

THROUGH THE MYPIE&G APP

In case of an emergency, please call 800-423-6634.

Thank you, and have a safe holiday!

FEMA RECOVERY FUND STATUS We’re working to recover costs from FEMA for storm damage and emergency response.

LAST UPDATED:

June 15, 2026

We are committed to full transparency as we work through the FEMA recovery process.

Questions? Contact our Member Services team.

FUNDING PROGRESS

0%

SUBMITTED TO FEMA

FEMA COMMITTED

AMOUNT RECEIVED

MILLION *

MILLION

MILLION

$145

OF COSTS RECOVERED

Total costs submitted to FEMA for reimbursement AMOUNT RECEIVED

AMOUNT REMAINING

$0

Total amount FEMA has committed to reimburse

* Approximate

$0

Funds received are applied to the principal and interest of our debt from our emergency line of credit (ELOC)

WHERE WE ARE IN THE PROCESS

1. COSTS SUBMITTED

We’ve submitted eligible costs to FEMA.

2. FEMA REVIEW

FEMA is reviewing our submissions.

3. OBLIGATION

FEMA commits funds for approved costs and sends to state for review.

4. STATE REVIEW

State reviews all costs and decides on final amount to be allocated to PIE&G.

5. PAYMENT

The state processes the payment to PIE&G.

6. FUNDS RECEIVED

Funds received are applied to the principal and interest of our emergency line of credit (ELOC).

The assistance FEMA provides through its PA Program is subject to a federal cost share, which is not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs, with PIE&G responsible for the remaining 25 percent of recovery costs.

DISCOVERING MICHIGAN’S MAGIC Cassondra Wanders Adventure Series

Digging Into the Rich History of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula

By Cassondra Scott

huge influx of immigrants from Finland, Cornwall, and other regions, creating a unique cultural identity and helping shape the area’s diverse population.

This can be seen today in bilingual street signs, architecture, museums, and foods like the famous pasty.

Rising production costs, violent miner strikes, and the Great Depression brought job loss and population decline and ultimately led to the fall of the mining industry. Without the mines, the economy began to collapse. Many towns vanished, leaving behind ghost towns, industrial relics, and remnants of a bygone era.

Today, the Keweenaw National Historical Park preserves 20 heritage sites that offer tours into the past— showcasing the impact the mining downturn left on the communities and landscape for generations. Some of these sites include:

Forming the northernmost tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a striking shark fin-shaped area of land stands along the shore of by Lake Superior. Isolated by geography and refined by a geology so unique, there is nowhere else in the world quite like the Keweenaw Peninsula.

To really understand the whole picture, we have to go back a billion years to the Mesoproterozoic Era. This period of forming and shifting of Earth’s continents is when a midcontinent rift formed. Volcanic activity left behind nearly pure copper lava, producing the only strata on Earth with large-scale recoverable native copper at 97%.

For over 7,000 years, Lake Superior Indigenous people and their ancestors

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mined and traded this copper, using it to make tools, beads, and ornaments.

As European settlers arrived, the Ojibwa shared their knowledge of copper resources and by the 1840s, “copper fever” had struck.

In 1842, the U.S. gained title to the Keweenaw Peninsula and opened it to commercial mining, which continued to dominate the economy until the 1960s. Industrialization attracted a

• Once one of the nation’s largest copper producers, the village of Calumet gives a first-hand glimpse of what life was like in a mining town during the 19th century.

Landmarks include Calumet Visitor Center, Coppertown Mining Museum, and Calumet Theater.

• Quincy Mine, nicknamed “Old Reliable” for being one of the largest copper producers in the UP, is open year-round for tours.

Free self-guided tours are available above ground, while the full tour takes visitors on a cog-rail tram to descend 360 feet below ground and walk through the massive hoist house.

• From mid-May to October, Delaware Mine offers self-guided underground tours to explore at your own pace. Walk 110 feet below ground to Shaft No. 1. See copper veins on the walls, ruins of stone buildings, antique engines, and mining equipment.

The “Gateway to the Keweenaw” begins in Houghton, the largest city in Copper Country. Directly across the Portage Canal sits the rolling hills and red brick cityscape of Hancock.

Connecting the two cities is the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, the world’s heaviest and widest double-decked, vertical-lift bridge.

The 25-mile partially man-made Keweenaw Waterway bisects the Keweenaw Peninsula. It serves as a vital transport route, also offering cruises and boat tours. Everything to the north is known as Copper Island, because it’s technically surrounded completely by water.

monks. These men of peace have been serving up savory heavenly treats, jams, and jellies since 1983.

Copper Harbor is a harmonious blend of old America sprinkled with parks, beaches, waterfalls, shipwrecks, and lighthouses. It’s a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and camping.

It’s also home to Fort Wilkins State Park, an 1844-era frontier fort with 11 original buildings to tour.

Established to keep peace and manage civil unrest during the early copper rush, the fort remained open for only three years, as the harsh winters proved to be nearly unbearable for soldiers

to survive. By 1870, the Army had permanently abandoned the facility.

A wildly majestic place that seems to magically transport visitors back in time, the Keweenaw Peninsula offers natural beauty as far as the eye can see and an even greater treasure just beneath the surface. Shaped by Indigenous influence, European exploration, and a century-long mining boom, it remains one of Michigan’s richest regions in both history and landscape.

Scan the QR code to watch a video of Cassondra’s adventures to the Keweenaw Peninsula.

The drive from Houghton to Copper Harbor, the very northern point of the peninsula, is a little less than 50 miles.

The mountainous, rugged drive makes for an easy day trip. You’ll traverse Brockway Mountain, Keweenaw’s best-known summit, which towers 735 feet above the lake below.

Take a pilgrimage to the Jampot in Eagle Harbor, a bakery, candy, and coffee shop run by Catholic Byzantine

Cassondra Scott is a content creator, writer, and social media influencer at Cassondra Wanders—sharing small businesses and sights to see all over the state of Michigan.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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School-Year Savings Start at Home with ENERGY STAR Appliances Back-to-school season brings busy schedules, packed lunches, endless laundry, and appliances working overtime. If you’re looking for ways to manage energy use while keeping up with the season, ENERGY STAR® certified appliances are a smart solution.

standard models, helping lower energy use with every load while still delivering excellent cleaning performance.

ENERGY STAR® appliances are designed to use less energy without sacrificing performance, and with appliance rebates from Presque Isle Electric & Gas, upgrading can save even more.

Dry More Efficiently with an ENERGY STAR® Heat Pump Clothes Dryer

Keep It Clean with an ENERGY STAR® Clothes Washer From school clothes to sports uniforms, laundry piles up quickly during the school year. Traditional washers can use a large amount of water and energy, especially with frequent hot-water cycles.

An ENERGY STAR® certified clothes washer uses less water and energy than

Plus, you can receive a $25 rebate on an ENERGY STAR® certified clothes washer to help keep laundry day efficient and affordable.

During the school year, dryers often run nonstop with uniforms, towels, and weekend catch-up loads.

Traditional electric dryers can use significant energy and add extra heat to your home.

ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump dryers use advanced technology that recycles warm air instead of constantly venting heated air outside.

This process uses significantly less energy, is gentler on clothing, and helps reduce heat buildup in your laundry space.

With a $50 rebate available, upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® heat pump dryer can deliver long-term savings for busy households.

Chill Out with an ENERGY STAR® Refrigerator Back-to-school season also means your refrigerator is working harder to keep lunches, snacks, and quick dinners fresh. Since refrigerators run around the clock, choosing an energyefficient model can make a noticeable difference in household energy use.

ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerators are designed to use less energy while maintaining reliable cooling performance. You may also qualify for available rebates when upgrading to a qualifying model.

Learn more about ENERGY STAR® appliance rebates from Presque Isle Electric & Gas and start the school year with smart savings at home.

SAVINGS THAT MAKE THE GRADE Upgrade your appliances and get money back on your energy bill.

Every appliance comes with two price tags— the purchase price and the operating cost.

ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances help reduce the operating cost by reducing energy use without sacrificing performance.

Presque Isle Electric & Gas is offering rebates on qualified appliances to help you save on the purchase price. Now that’s smart savings!

Back to School Back to Savings

Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit pieg.com/energy-optimization-rebates/

MI CO-OP Photo Contest

CUTE PETS MOST VOTES

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1. MOST VOTES Known to the Royston neighborhood north of Hillman as Buckshot & Gary. Free ranging BFFs on the Steinke Farm. Kara Steinke 2. Leela. Donald Wilton II 3. Hi, I’m Dan! Samantha Taylor 4. You look like the Fourth of July! Makes me wanna have a hotDOG, real bad.

Sarah Hemgesberg 5. Help an old lady with her parents’ electric bill. Vote for me! Love, Daisy. Robin Styers 6. “Why is my cake on fire?”

Kathy Scoon 7. Can I come in? Nancy Belusar 8. Puff the Magic Calleigh and Spiderdog Kiaran!

Heather Notter 9. God emperor Chavi.

Walter Estrada

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Enter to win a $50 energy bill credit!

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Submit your Seasonal Decorations photos by July 25 for the October issue!

Submit your best photo and encourage others to vote!

The photo receiving the most votes in our photo contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites.

To enter the contest, visit pieg.com/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your January 2027 bill.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

CHILL OUT! NO COOK Summer made simple.

SESAME CHICKEN CRUNCH SALAD

WINNING RECIPE!

Katie Grzesiak, Great Lakes Energy Dressing: 1 tablespoon sugar ¾ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ¾ teaspoon ground ginger ⅓ cup neutral oil (such as canola or avocado oil) 1½ tablespoons sesame oil 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari (for gluten-free) Salad: 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 4–5 cups) or 6 cooked chicken breasts, seasoned and shredded 1 small head Napa cabbage, shredded (about 5 cups) or 2 heads romaine lettuce, shredded 1–2 carrots, shredded 4 green onions, thinly sliced 3 tablespoons toasted sliced or slivered almonds 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds 1 (3-ounce) can fried rice noodles (Asian-style crunchy noodles, such as La Choy) In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, black pepper, ground ginger, neutral oil, sesame oil, vinegar, and soy sauce until well combined. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage/lettuce, carrots, green onions, almonds, sesame seeds, and fried rice noodles. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat and combine. Serve immediately. If you expect leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before adding it to the salad and serve the rice noodles separately to keep them from becoming soggy.

Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos

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HAM-N-CHEESE BALL

CHOCOLATE PEANUT CLUSTERS

Julie Stellema, Alger Delta 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried parsley ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon seasoning salt 3 tablespoons finely chopped ham, optional 1 cup bacon bits, optional

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, seasoning salt, and ham, if using. Stir well until combined. Form the mixture into a ball, cover, and chill in the refrigerator until firm. When ready to serve, spread the bacon bits on a plate and roll the cheese ball in the bacon until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving platter and serve with crackers.

Bill & Mary Jo Williams, Great Lakes Energy 1 (6-ounce) bag Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels 1 (10-ounce) bag Reese’s Peanut Butter Morsels

1 can (10–12 ounces) Planters Spanish Peanuts (use only Spanish peanuts for best results)

Combine the semi-sweet chocolate morsels and peanut butter morsels in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir well.

Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the Spanish peanuts until evenly coated. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or parchment paper. Let the candy harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then leave on the counter for at least 1 hour before storing in a tin or airtight container. Makes approximately 45–50 clusters. The recipe can easily be doubled.

GRAPE SALAD

SEVEN-LAYER TACO DIP

Rhonda DeBolt, Cherryland Electric

Linda Gowman, Presque Isle

4 pounds seedless green grapes, or a combination of green and red grapes 8 ounces sour cream 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 ounces chopped pecans 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Remove the grape stems and rinse the grapes in vinegar water, then allow them to dry completely. In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the grapes, then mix in most of the pecans and brown sugar, reserving a small amount to sprinkle over the top before serving. Cover and refrigerate overnight if possible, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve and the flavors to blend.

RECIPE CONTEST

1 (15-ounce) can refried beans 5 tablespoons mayonnaise 5 tablespoons sour cream 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 bunch green onions, chopped (green tops only) ½ can black olives, drained and sliced 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Layer the ingredients in the order listed in a shallow serving dish, glass pie plate, or 8x8-inch baking dish, beginning with the refried beans and ending with the shredded cheddar cheese. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips and salsa.

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Autumn Comfort Foods, due Aug. 1; Heirloom Recipes, due Sept. 1. Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $100 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

Fast Internet Is Great. Protected Internet Is Better.

Most people would never leave their front door unlocked overnight. Many make sure their vehicles are locked before heading inside. Homes are protected with cameras, alarms, motion lights, and smart locks to help keep loved ones safe.

But what about your internet?

Today’s home network is another doorway into your life. Smart TVs, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, doorbell cameras, thermostats, baby monitors, smartphones, and even appliances are all connected. If your network is not protected, it can create opportunities for cyber threats, malware, and viruses, as well as unauthorized access.

That is why PIE&G Connect offers more than just fast fiber internet. It delivers a smarter, safer connected experience with PIE&G Connect IQ.

Forget juggling multiple apps to manage your home network. PIE&G Connect IQ combines Command IQ, Experience IQ, and Protect IQ into one seamless, easy-to-use platform that gives you complete visibility, control, and protection, all included at no extra charge.

With PIE&G Connect IQ, you can: • Set parental controls and manage screen time for your household • Receive real-time protection against malicious websites, viruses, and online threats • Monitor every connected device on your network • Prioritize bandwidth for gaming, remote work, streaming, or other high-demand activities • Optimize your home Wi-Fi performance all from one convenient app

It is like locking the digital doors to your home while giving yourself the tools to manage everything happening inside.

The internet today powers far more than entertainment. It supports your work, protects your home through connected security systems, helps your family learn, and keeps everyone connected. Shouldn’t that connection be protected, too?

If your current internet provider is only giving you access without the added control, security, and peace of mind, it may be time to make the switch.

Upgrade to PIE&G Connect fiber internet today. Check availability and sign up at piegconnect.com.

Fiber Internet Update PIE&G Connect continues to make strong progress in expanding fiber internet service across our communities, bringing fast, reliable connectivity to more homes and businesses throughout our service territory.

Construction progress to date includes: • Phase 1: 622 miles completed, 100% complete • Phase 2: 761 miles completed, 100% complete • Phase 3: 667 miles planned, currently 84% complete That means thousands of miles of fiber infrastructure have already been built to deliver true fiber-to-the-home internet where members live, work, and connect.

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We are also excited to share that 7,465 services have now been installed, connecting thousands of members to fast, reliable PIE&G Connect fiber internet.

Thank you to our members for your continued support as we expand this important investment in our communities.

Behind Your Bill:

What Members Should Know

Why Is a Base Fee Included on My Bill?

What Is My Monthly Bill Frequency?

Presque Isle Electric & Gas includes a Base Fee on utility bills to help cover the fixed costs of maintaining the infrastructure required to deliver safe and reliable electric and natural gas service to your home or business. This fee, previously called the Availability Charge, was renamed the Base Fee in September 2025.

To provide members with more timely billing and a better overall experience, all electric bills are issued monthly.

Monthly billing helps members better track energy use, manage household budgets, and avoid large annual billing surprises.

Even if your energy usage changes from month to month, the systems that make service available remain in place and require ongoing maintenance. This includes poles, wires, underground infrastructure, transformers, substations, pipelines, and other essential equipment that ensure electricity and natural gas are ready when you need them.

The Base Fee helps support these ongoing operational costs regardless of how much energy is used during a billing period. Similar to other service providers that charge for access to infrastructure, this fee helps ensure the system remains reliable and ready to serve members every day.

Monthly billing also offers several benefits, including: • Better visibility into energy usage throughout the year • Easier budgeting with more predictable billing cycles • Faster outage notifications and improved communication • More frequent account updates and billing transparency

AMI Meter Reading Information For members with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), electric meter readings are collected continuously throughout the month, with usage data posted from the beginning to the end of the month.

Members in C2 and C3 rate classes with electric AMI may not always be billed using the most recent usage readings when their bill is generated, depending on the billing cycle. This timing difference is a normal part of the billing process and ensures meter data is properly processed and applied.

Additional Billing Convenience Options Members can make billing even easier by enrolling in AutoPay or paperless billing.

Budget billing may also be available to members who prefer more consistent monthly payments throughout the year.

If you have questions about your bill, meter readings, payment options, or account settings, please contact Member Services at 800-423-6634.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

British Landing

TAKING THE LONG WAY AROUND

By Emily Haines Lloyd Grand Hotel

Fort Mackinac

Arch Rock

SWIM START

M

ost Mackinac Island visitors take the familiar route, walking its streets, pedaling its perimeter, or settling into a horse-drawn carriage.

But on one August morning each year, before the first rush of day-trippers arrives, hundreds of swimmers cross the straits with a different plan entirely. They step off early ferries wrapped in neoprene and nerves and head toward the shoreline to do something equal parts daunting and delightful: swim 8.2 miles around Mackinac Island.

From the outside, the Mackinac Island Swim can look like a test of endurance alone, the kind of event soaked in competitiveness and bragging rights.

And, yes, it is a serious challenge. But that’s only part of the story.

More Than an Endurance Event Talk to Event Director Jon Vos, and a different picture comes into focus.

“Endurance events can become all about the competition,” Vos says.

“From day one, we wanted it to be about the experience, the people, and just enjoying this thing we love to do with others who love it, too.”

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FINISH LINE

That philosophy shapes everything about the day. Yes, swimmers are timed, but mostly so organizers can track who is safely in and out of the water. There are no podiums at the finish line and no pressure to outperform. In fact, the only “trophies” handed out come from the local bakery, appropriately called Humble Pies. What you do see and feel are the people cheering each other on, taking in the crystal-clear water, and embracing the rare chance to experience Mackinac in an entirely unique way.

A Challenge Shared One of the most unique aspects of the swim is how connected it feels. Mackinac’s bike path traces the shoreline, making it unusually spectator-friendly. Friends and family can follow along from land, turning the entire route into a moving cheering section. Aid stations become gathering places. Visitors become invested in strangers.

“People make it their own,” Vos says.

“You see families out there, relay teams, people coming back year after year. It becomes part of their story.”

Even when conditions have been tough with cold water, wind, and waves, the response is often the same: “That was awful…see you next year.”

How It Began Like many good ideas, the Mackinac Island Swim started with a simple question.

In the wake of COVID, when events were canceled and plans disrupted, a small group of swimmers found themselves still heading north, still eager for connection and adventure.

Someone floated the idea: What if they went to Mackinac Island and swam around it?

It was a little bold. Totally impractical.

And immediately exciting.

With help from local swimmers and organizers, the idea quickly came together. The first year drew a whopping 250 swimmers. Last year there were over 400, with solo swimmers, relay teams, and support crews taking part.

What has stayed constant is the intent behind it. From the beginning, Vos wanted the swim to feel different from

MACKINAW ISLAND SWIM August 9, 2026 For more information, visit swimaroundmac.com

the ultra-competitive atmosphere often found in endurance sports: Less swagger. More shared experience.

A Community Effort Pulling off an 8.2-mile swim around an island is no small feat. It requires coordination with ferry operators, local boat captains, lifeguards, island paramedics, the Coast Guard, and city leaders. Around 70 people are involved each year, including a core planning team and dozens of volunteers.

But that effort reflects something more than logistics. The event has become part of the community itself.

Through its partnership with the Mackinac Women’s Club, the swim has helped raise roughly $100,000 to support local initiatives.

Where Bravery Meets Joy When the swimmers come ashore, they’re usually tired, sometimes shivering, but always smiling.

Yes, it takes endurance. Yes, it takes bravery.

But what people remember is the joy.

The cheers from shore. The stories traded afterward. The feeling of having done something hard, beautiful, and just a little bit crazy. Together.

As swimmers come out of the water smiling ear to ear, it’s clear this was never really about who finished first or beat their personal best. It was about taking the long way around to see both Mackinac and themselves differently.

And to carry home a story that only the water could give them.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

How Extreme Summer Temps Impact Reliability

By Abby Berry

When outdoor temperatures soar, our electricity use increases. That’s because our air conditioners are running longer and more often to counteract sweltering outdoor temperatures. Factor in that we all tend to use electricity at the same times—in the morning and early evenings—and that equals a lot of strain on our electric grid.

At Presque Isle Electric & Gas (PIE&G), we work closely with Wolverine Power, our local generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative, in resource and infrastructure planning to ensure you have the power you need whenever you flip a switch, but the electric grid is much larger than your local co-op and G&T. In summer months, when even more electricity is being used simultaneously across the country, it is possible for electricity demand to exceed supply, especially if a prolonged heat wave occurs. If this happens, which is rare, the grid operator for our region of the country may call on consumers to actively reduce their energy use or initiate rolling power outages to relieve pressure on the grid. PIE&G will always keep you informed about situations like this.

We work proactively with our G&T to create a resilient portion of the grid and ensure electric reliability in extreme weather, including regular system maintenance, grid modernization efforts, and disaster response planning— but it takes everyone to keep the grid reliable.

To help keep the air conditioner running for you, your family, and neighbors, here are a few things you can do to relieve pressure on the grid during times of extreme summer heat: 1. Select the highest comfortable thermostat setting and turn it up several degrees whenever possible. Your cooling system must run longer to make up the difference between the thermostat temp and the outdoor temp.

Pro tip: Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping. Air leaks and drafts force your cooling system to work harder than necessary.

2. Run major appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, and dryers during off-peak hours when the demand for electricity is lower.

Pro tip: Start the dishwasher before you go to bed.

3. Use ceiling fans to make yourself feel a few degrees cooler. Remember, ceiling fans cool people (not rooms), so turn them off in unoccupied rooms.

Pro tip: During summer months, set ceiling fan blades to rotate counterclockwise, which pushes cool air down for a windchill effect.

16 JULY/AUGUST 2026

4. Close blinds, curtains, and shades during the hottest part of the day to block unwanted heat gain from sunlight.

Pro tip: Consider blackout curtains with thermal backing or reflective lining to block heat and light.

5. Use smaller appliances such as slow cookers, air fryers, and toaster ovens to cook meals.

Pro tip: Studies have shown that air fryers use about half the amount of electricity than of a full-sized oven. Air fryers are smaller and use focused heat, which results in faster cooking times, less heat output, and lower energy use.

As we face the challenges posed by soaring summer temperatures, understanding the impact on energy demand is crucial for maintaining a reliable power supply. By adopting energy conservation practices during periods of extreme heat, not only can you save money on your electric bills, but you can also contribute to the resilience of the grid, keeping our local community cool and connected.

5 WAYS to Reduce

Use During Extreme Heat

During periods of extreme heat, the demand for electricity can skyrocket, placing additional strain on the grid. By working together to lower our electricity use, we can reduce pressure on the grid.

Here are five effective ways to lower use at home.

1. Raise your thermostat setting a few degrees higher than usual. Every degree can reduce cooling energy consumption.

2. Cook with smaller appliances to save energy and reduce heat gain in the kitchen.

3. Keep blinds, curtains, and shades closed during the hottest part of the day to block direct sunlight.

4. Use fans to circulate air, which can make you feel cooler without needing to lower the thermostat.

5. Shift activities that require a lot of energy consumption to off-peak hours when demand is lower.

Avoid the Big Green Box

Please stay away from pad-mounted transformers (the big green box). While safe, they are not meant for touching, climbing, or playing. Pad-mounted transformers carry high voltages of electricity that serve many homes in our communities.

Never touch, climb, or play on pad-mounted transformers.

Never put fingers, sticks, or other objects through cracks in the transformer.

Keep areas surrounding the padmounted transformer clear so that workers can safely maintain transformers as needed. Keep shrubs and structures at least 10 feet away from the transformer doors and 4 feet away from the sides.

10 feet 4 feet

Never dig near a pad-mounted transformer. They are surrounded by underground cables. Hitting the cable could result in electrical shock or disruption of service.

Report problems. If you notice anything amiss, like an unlocked transformer or one that has been damaged, please contact us immediately.

Always dial 8-1-1 before you dig.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

Where In Michigan Is This?

MI CO-OP Guest Column

A Farmers Market Tradition

By Kelsee Nemetz, A Cherryland Electric Cooperative member

MYSTERY PHOTO Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Identify the correct location of the photo above by July 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community.

MAY 2026 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is Christian Kleber, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member who correctly identified the photo as Gertz Village Square in downtown Millersburg, Mich.

Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/ August, September, and November/December.

18 JULY/AUGUST 2026

A family tradition is something that moves us closer to those we love. They provide an opportunity for bonding and create lifelong memories. These family traditions were exactly what we were looking to create for our new little brood.

We moved from my daughter’s and my birthplace of Grand Rapids when she was 3, and landed in my husband’s hometown of Traverse City. Moving from a bigger city to a smaller beach town was a bit jolting. Everything was now much closer to us, no longer needing a trek across the highway just to get groceries. And that newfound shorter driving radius included a ton of little pop-up farmers markets.

I have always loved the idea of a farmers market. However, traveling to the markets in Grand Rapids always proved stressful. Traffic was usually a nightmare, and when you arrived...it was a coin flip if you would find a decent parking space. I noticed that all changed when we moved up north. With everything much more spread out and spacious, I experienced a lot less stress just getting around town.

We began by visiting the Sara Hardy

market in downtown Traverse City, and then expanded our search to the Interlochen Farmer’s market.

Now, opening weekend is a bit of a ritual. My daughter loves riding in our wagon and looking around at the jewelry and baked goods stalls, always appreciating a good cookie.

My favorite stop lately has been the Cheese Lady’s stand. There’s a special feeling that comes with strolling the market on a finally warm and sunny mid-morning, and it has now become our treasured spring tradition. Creating and keeping family traditions looks different everywhere you go. For our family, it’s a sunny stroll through a local farmers market on warm weekends. Maybe it’s the weather, finally getting out of the house and doing an outdoor activity after months of stagnation. Maybe it’s the togetherness of it all and the joy of browsing local treasures with the ones you love the most. Or maybe it’s creating those lasting memories, the ones that my daughter will take on to adulthood. One day, maybe she will take her own children to her town’s farmers markets. Just like her mom used to take her.

GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!

Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.

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