June 2025 Midwest

Midwest Energy & Communications

June 2025

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW

Championing Rural Michigan and Electric Cooperatives Outage Notification Texts Home Energy Rebates Customer Appreciation Event

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT*

Not seeing is believing.

Almost every backyard has a shrine to cold air. It’s called an a/c unit.

WaterFurnace will help you take back that space.

Air conditioners are unsightly and often located in the worst places. They’re vulnerable to the elements and can become home for small critters. But with geothermal, you won’t have an outside unit or any of these problems. So, reclaim your backyard. Plant some flowers and enjoy the unseen beauty that is WaterFurnace.

Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

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

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

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

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

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com

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

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

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/

Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg. & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsgeothermal-mi.com

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

Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000 Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500 Cloverland: up to $6,275 Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000 Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750 Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750 Thumb Electric: up to $2,000

The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc 1. ENERGY START rated units qualify for 30% through 2030 and 26% through 2032 and 22% through 2033 .

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

June 2025 Vol. 45, No. 6 /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. CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com 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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14 6 FROM D.C. TO HOME:

MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10.

Best Potato Dishes, due July 1; Favorite Fall Recipes, due Aug. 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

GUEST COLUMN

See details on page 18.

Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $200 for stories published!

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

A YOUTH LEADER’S JOURNEY A Gaylord student’s once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C., turned into a year of growth, service, and leadership through the NRECA’s Youth Tour and Youth Leadership Council.

7 THROWN INTO THE STORM:

JOHN KRAN’S FIRST DAYS AT MECA A record-breaking storm tested MECA’s new CEO early, but Kran’s rural roots and policy know-how helped guide the way.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Summer Desserts: Savor those summertime moments with these sweet treats.

14 SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW:

CHAMPIONING RURAL MICHIGAN AND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES Stabenow leaves a legacy of leadership and advocacy for rural economic development.

18 GUEST COLUMN A History Lesson in a Puzzle: A jigsaw puzzle gifted to one Homeworks member gave her family a fun way to remember life before electricity.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Michigan’s Solar Growth VAN BUREN KALAMAZOO

CASS

LENAWEE

MONROE

ST JOSEPH

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AND CASSOPOLIS SOLUTIONS CENTER 60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

PAW PAW SOLUTIONS CENTER 59825 S. LaGrave Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

TECUMSEH SOLUTIONS CENTER 5050 South Occidental Hwy., Tecumseh, MI 49286 M–F 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

CONTACT US Midwest Energy & Communications 800-492-5989 teammidwest.com Email: info@teammidwest.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Clarence “Topper” Barth, Chairperson, Three Rivers 269-279-9233 Clarence.Barth@teammidwest.com Dan Bodette, Vice Chairperson, Wauseon 419-344-4015 Dan.Bodette@teammidwest.com Ron Armstrong, Secretary, Lawton 269-299-0443 Ron.Armstrong@teammidwest.com John Green, Treasurer, Dowagiac 269-470-2816 John.Green@teammidwest.com Gerry Bundle, Cassopolis 269-414-0164 Gerry.Bundle@teammidwest.com Erika Escue-Cadieux, Onsted 419-346-1088 Erika.Escue-Cadieux@teammidwest.com Fred Turk, Decatur 269-423-7762 Fred.Turk@teammidwest.com Jim Wiseley, Bloomingdale 269-760-4619 Jim.Wiseley@teammidwest.com Jeff Diehl, Union 574-274-6693 Jeffery.Diehl@teammidwest.com PRESIDENT/CEO: Terry Rubenthaler DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING: Amy Pales COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST: Grant Zamora Midwest Energy & Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Please note: electric customers of MEC must adhere to our bylaws, which can be found at teammidwest.com/bylaws.

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By Terry Rubenthaler, President/CEO

JUNE 2025

One of the things I enjoy about living in this area is access to big city amenities, without the big city hassle. For example, from my house, I can be in the shops, restaurants, and malls of Mishawaka in about 15 minutes, but still have the quiet, rural country life that I like. Another benefit that I frequently utilize is the South Bend International Airport. I’ve always liked that airport because it’s smaller and quicker, and I don’t have to walk miles to get to my gate. Plus, it’s fun to get an aerial view of our area. If I am flying to Detroit, I usually get a great view of our headquarters in Cassopolis. As my plane was landing on my latest trip, I noticed something unexpected: an abundance of solar farms. I have to admit that I was shocked at how many I saw, and it definitely hit home just how much our industry is changing. We’re about to see a lot more of that in Michigan.

In the fall of 2023, Michigan passed the Clean Energy and Jobs Act, which requires 100% of the state’s energy to come from non-carbon sources by 2040. In order to meet that mandate, utilities must build a significant amount of renewable power.

According to The Detroit News, doing so with just solar will require about 209,000 acres of land in Michigan. I’ve heard it described as a mile-wide path of solar that runs from the state line to the Mackinac Bridge.

As a result, third-party solar companies are actively looking for land for utility-scale projects. I know of a few farmers who have been approached with deals as high as $20,000 per acre for purchase or $1,600 per acre each year for a 25-year lease.

I suspect that some of you have heard similar stories.

Unfortunately, situations like these can inspire a few bad actors who try to take advantage of people. Here are some things to watch for: • Don’t sign anything under pressure, no matter how aggressive a salesperson is or if they tell you a specific offer is only good for a limited time. Be wary of any company that refuses to give you time to review or to allow you to negotiate the contract.

• Take the time to thoroughly read all documents and have your tax, legal, and financial advisor review everything as well. They can help you make an informed decision.

• Research the company. Do they have an existing relationship with a utility that generates power? How long have they been in business? Do they have any pending litigation? How transparent are they? According to the Michigan Farm Bureau, some contracts contain confidentiality clauses that prevent anyone from talking about the terms of the deal. Keep in mind that you are not working with the utility, and the utility will not have influence over your contract.

• If you are considering a lease agreement, find out if the lease payments will keep up with inflation, what the renewal options are, what happens after the lease is up, and who is responsible for land restoration once the lease is over.

• If you are considering selling, find out the option terms. Will you be able to change your mind or sell to someone else during that term?

Continued on page 5

teammidwest.com

/teammidwest

Continued from page 4

• Also, be prepared that once the company is actually ready to build, they may try to renegotiate the contract to offer you a lower price.

Why would they be offering you more than market?

MEC supports renewable energy, and having a mix of both traditional and renewable generation strengthens our grid and improves overall reliability.

Additionally, the reality is that many solar farms will need to be built in the near future. The good news is that MEC will meet the state-mandated requirement largely thanks to our power supplier’s purchase power agreement with Palisades Nuclear Plant. The bottom line is that only you can decide if this works for your family, and I’m not here to offer any opinions.

We just want everyone to be aware that some less-than-desirable companies may be out there. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Nonetheless, I fully expect to see even more solar farms the next time I take to the sky from my local airport, but I hope when I do, that it was a win-win for all parties.

Get Outage, Account, & Propane Notification Texts Did you know you can get important alerts about your MEC account texted directly to your phone?

Notifications are available for: • • • •

Electric and Fiber Outages Propane Deliveries – new!

Billing Updates And much more!

All you have to do is log into your SmartHub mobile app or our website at teammidwest.com, then: 1. Add the phone number at which you want to receive texts.

Navigate to the menu and choose Settings  Contact Methods.

• On the app, look under Add New Contact Method and choose Phone.

• On desktop, click Add Phone.

2. Follow the prompts to add the desired phone number. Make

Independence Day Closure Our solutions centers will be closed Friday, July 4, in honor of Independence Day. Make a payment or report an electric outage via SmartHub or by calling 800-492-5989.

Dropbox payments made at our solutions centers will be processed on the next open business day.

sure you select Receive Text Messages and Save the number before exiting.

3. Sign up for notifications.

Navigate back to the menu and choose Settings  Manage Notifications.

4. Find the notifications you want to receive. For example: • To get notified when your Scheduled Propane Delivery is on its way, or to receive Fiber Outage Updates, look under On Demand.

• To receive Power Outage Updates, look under Service.

• To get a text when your monthly bill is available, look under Billing.

5. Assign the appropriate phone number and click Save.

Scholarship Opportunity:

Southwestern Michigan College SMC-bound students can apply for our one-course scholarship to cover Intro to Computer Technology. Get full details at teammidwest.com/smcscholarship.

OUR MISSION: Delivering first-in-class innovations and solutions where others won’t OUR VISION: Creating vibrant, relevant, sustainable rural communities® MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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From Curiosity to Connection:

My Electric Co-op Journey

By David Wahl

Eighteen months ago, I had no idea what an electric cooperative was—let alone how one could completely change my life. Now, I’m proud to say I’ve been part of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Tour and Youth Leadership Council (YLC) and discovered an amazing community along the way.

It All Started in D.C. In June 2024, I traveled to Washington, D.C., with nearly 2,000 students from across the country. Our local co-ops chose us to attend the NRECA Youth Tour—a once-in-alifetime opportunity. Out of all the Michigan students, I was selected to represent the state’s electric cooperatives on the Youth Leadership Council.

When I gave my campaign speech in Washington, D.C., I truly didn’t understand the magnitude of the role. I saw an opportunity to grow, learn, and connect with others—and I jumped at it. I quickly became part of a team of 45 students from nearly every state. We were all unique, but we shared a desire to serve and make a difference.

Bringing Joy Back Home One of my favorite parts of being a “YLCster” was planning a community project with my sponsoring co-op, Great Lakes Energy. I brought back an idea from when I was little—a “Stuffed Animal Sleepover” at the library—and turned it into a school event for over 160 elementary students. The kids dropped off their “stuffies” at school, and I spent the night posing them in fun scenes around the building. The next day, we shared the photos in a slideshow so the kids could see the wild adventures their stuffies had overnight. The event was a hit in the school and on social media!

PowerXchange in Atlanta As part of YLC, I also wrote and presented a speech to the Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors in hopes of becoming the YLC National Spokesperson. Even though I didn’t get to give the speech on stage at NRECA’s

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JUNE 2025

PowerXchange conference in Atlanta, I was still able to represent Michigan’s co-ops and introduce myself to nearly 6,000 conference attendees.

The whole week in Atlanta was unforgettable. I worked alongside NRECA staff, helped attendees, and made memories I’ll never forget—from visiting the country’s largest aquarium and touring Mercedes-Benz Stadium to catching a Scotty McCreery concert with a front-row view.

We came in as strangers, but we left as family.

Looking Ahead I’m so grateful to the electric co-ops for everything they’ve given me over the past year. This experience has changed my life. To the students heading to Washington, D.C., this June—I’m excited for you. You’re about to take the first steps on an incredible journey. I know you’ll come back with more than just memories—you’ll come back inspired to lead and ready to serve.

David Wahl is a junior at St. Mary Cathedral School in Gaylord, Michigan.

He represented Great Lakes Energy Cooperative on the NRECA’s Youth Tour and Michigan’s electric cooperatives on the NRECA Youth Leadership Council.

He also serves as a student representative to the City of Gaylord’s Downtown Development Authority.

From Capitol Hill to Co-op Storm Recovery: John Kran’s First Weeks at MECA Drawing on a career in advocacy and policy, Kran brings calm, clarity, and commitment to Michigan’s electric co-ops in a time of crisis.

By Emily Haines Lloyd

When John Kran stepped into his new role as president and CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA), he expected the usual whirlwind that comes with leading a statewide organization.

What he didn’t expect was an unprecedented ice storm to tear through northern Michigan just weeks into his tenure—impacting thousands of cooperative members and sending crews scrambling to restore power across some of the state’s most remote areas.

But pressure is nothing new to Kran.

Before joining MECA, he spent years advocating for Michigan farmers as National Legislative Counsel for Michigan Farm Bureau, championing rural communities at the state and federal levels. Earlier in his career, he advised Rep. Bill Huizinga in Michigan’s 2nd District, where he learned to navigate policy challenges and political gridlock.

So, when the ice storms hit, Kran did what he does best—got into the mix, assessed both the big picture and the smallest details, and rolled up his sleeves.

Were there key moments that prepared you for this leadership role at MECA?

How important is it to bring member voices directly to policymakers?

Working in D.C. for a member of Congress gave me a real appreciation for how things get done—or don’t—in government. It taught me patience, persistence, and how to translate local concerns into national conversations.

My time with Michigan Farm Bureau was another big one. I had the chance to advocate for farmers on issues that directly affected their livelihoods. That gave me a deeper understanding of rural infrastructure needs, including energy. It’s all come full circle.

It’s critical. I can talk all day about the impact of a policy, but when a lineworker, a general manager, or a member shares their story—that’s what sticks. If we don’t tell our story as a cooperative family, someone else will—and probably not the way we’d tell it ourselves.

You spent years advocating on behalf of Michigan farmers. How do you plan to carry that experience into the energy sector?

The playbook is similar—listen to your people, know the issues, and build strong relationships with policymakers. I plan to be in those rooms in Lansing and D.C., making sure rural energy needs are understood and prioritized.

What excites you most about this opportunity?

Every co-op has a story, and I get to help amplify those stories, find shared challenges, and advocate for solutions.

It’s an exciting time in energy— technology, policy, and consumer expectations are evolving quickly, and co-ops are uniquely positioned to lead.

Outside of work, how do you unwind with your family?

We enjoy Michigan’s seasons—time at the lake in summer and skiing in winter. We’re also trying to visit as many national parks as we can.

We recently sat down with Kran to discuss his whirlwind start at MECA, what prepared him for the job, and what lies ahead for Michigan’s electric cooperatives.

Q: It’s fair to say your beginning at MECA was sort of “trial by ice,” if you’ll forgive the pun.

A: Yeah, I was only a few weeks in when those storms hit, and it was all hands on deck. It gave me an immediate look at the grit and collaboration that define our co-ops.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Michigan Home Energy Rebates Eligible Michigan residents can now apply to receive funds for home energy efficiency upgrades through the Michigan Home Energy Rebates (MiHER) Program.

Improving your home’s energy efficiency can reduce the amount of electricity you use each month and increase your home’s overall comfort level. Eligible projects may include: • Whole-home efficiency upgrades • HVAC improvements • Switching from gas to electric appliances • Insulation upgrades (visit us at teammidwest.com/insulation to read more about the benefits of proper home insulation)

Bill Credit Opportunity:

SpartanSolar-MEC Community Solar Participate in solar energy generation without taking on the time, cost, and ongoing maintenance to do it on your own.

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JUNE 2025

Important Note: This is not simply a reimbursement program. To receive a rebate, you must apply for the program, select a MiHer-approved contractor, have an in-home assessment performed, and get a post-work inspection. The amount of funding a home is eligible for depends on the household’s income. Also, the rebates require funds to be awarded to about 15,000 homes, so act fast.

Visit michigan.gov/egle for more information.

THE PROGRAM: Purchase a panel of the solar array at our Cassopolis headquarters, built in partnership with SpartanSolar and our power supplier Wolverine Power Cooperative, for $600 up front or $10 monthly payments for five years.

WHAT YOU GET: You will earn a bill credit of $0.10/kWh generated. Credits will begin to accrue on the first day of the month following enrollment, and they will appear on your bill after the first full calendar month. They will continue to accrue for each full month for a total of 15 years.

HOW TO SIGN UP: Visit our website at teammidwest.com/community-solar to read the full program details and fill out our application.

How the U.S. Power Grid Works The U.S. power grid is complex and interconnected, with many players and checks and balances to help ensure reliability and supply.

Where We Get Your Power We don’t generate electricity. In today’s complicated markets and regulatory mandates, we don’t have enough customers or employees to do it effectively, and many electric co-ops and municipalities are in the same boat.

We rely on bigger organizations to make the electricity that we deliver to you. Our primary partner for this is Wolverine Power Cooperative, a Michigan-based generation and transmission company that serves Michigan cooperatives.

They manage the fuel mix and ensure the consistent and reliable flow of electricity onto the grid.

We also purchase a small amount of power from Buckeye Power for our Ohio customers.

Learn more about Wolverine at wolverinepowercooperative.com.

Getting Power to You There are three major players in the electric grid: generators, distributors, and transmission grid operators.

Generators, like Wolverine Power Cooperative, create electricity from a wide range of fuel sources.

Distributors, like MEC, take that electricity from the grid and bring it to customers via their networks of power lines and substations.

Transmission grid operators are independent third parties between the generators and the distributors, and they are responsible for balancing the system. While they don’t own power plants or power lines, they work with generators

like Wolverine to ensure there is enough electricity to meet customers’ demands.

Additionally, grid operators say when power plants should and should not run and are responsible for maintaining the health of the grid should supply issues arise. The grid operators are the ones who call on generators and power companies to implement rolling blackouts in emergencies.

While inconvenient, these blackouts protect the grid from permanent damage.

We have two such operators that oversee our territory: PJM Interconnection and MISO. Together, they manage the flow of electricity for 110,000,000 residences and businesses throughout multiple states.

We do not choose which grid operator(s) manage our territory, as that is determined purely by where we are located and the companies with which we are interconnected. Part of our service territory is interconnected with American Electric Power (AEP) and First Energy, which are managed by PJM. We also have interconnections with Consumers Energy and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, which are managed by MISO. These companies own the very large transmission towers and high-voltage lines that deliver electricity from the generators to our substations. Outages on their transmission lines can knock out power to our substations, and that ultimately means you lose power too.

As you can see, we work with a lot of players to ensure you have safe and reliable power.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

SUMMER DESSERTS

Savor those summertime moments with these sweet treats.

WINNING RECIPE! FROSTY BLUEBERRY SQUARES Cindy Thome, Alger Delta 1 cup flour ¹⁄2 cup butter, melted ¹⁄4 cup packed brown sugar ¹⁄2 cup pecans, chopped 2 pasteurized egg whites* ³⁄4 cup cane sugar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2½–3 cups blueberries 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed Preheat oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl, combine fl our, melted butter, brown sugar, and pecans together until crumbly. Spread crumbs onto cookie sheet covered in parchment paper, and bake for 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Cool.

Spread half of the crumbs into a 9x13inch baking pan. Beat egg whites until frothy. Add sugar and lemon juice and continue beating at high speed until stiff peaks form, about 12–15 minutes. Fold in blueberries and thawed whipped topping.

Spread mixture evenly over crust, then top with reserved crumbs. Cover and freeze 6 hours or overnight. Cut into squares and serve while still frozen. Garnish with additional blueberries, if desired. Makes 12–15 servings. *Note: Pasteurized egg whites are safe to eat uncooked. If you cannot find pasteurized eggs, pasteurized liquid egg white products are available in most grocery stores.

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

RECIPE CONTEST

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Best Potato Dishes, due July 1; Favorite Fall Recipes, due Aug. 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.

10 JUNE 2025

LEMONADE STAND PIE RECIPE Tori Hufnagel, HomeWorks Tri-County 1 (6-ounce) can frozen lemonade or pink lemonade concentrate, partially thawed (our family favorite is pink lemonade) 1 pint (2 cups) vanilla ice cream, softened

1 (8-ounce) tub nondairy whipped topping, thawed 1 prepared graham cracker crumb crust

Beat the lemonade concentrate in a large mixer bowl with an electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds. Gradually spoon in the softened ice cream and beat until well blended. Gently stir in the non-dairy whipped topping until smooth. If necessary, freeze the mixture to thicken. Spoon the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust. Freeze for 4 hours, or overnight, until firm.

When ready to serve, let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes or until the pie can be cut easily. Garnish with strawberries, if desired. Store leftover pie in the freezer. Makes 8 servings.

FOUR LAYER CREAM CHEESE PUDDING DESSERT Elizabeth Charest, Great Lakes Energy 1 cup flour ¹⁄2 cup nuts, chopped ¹⁄2 cup butter, softened 8 ounces cream cheese 1 cup powdered sugar 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, divided

2 (3¹⁄2-ounce) packages instant pudding mix (any flavor) 3 cups milk • toasted coconut/nuts for topping, optional

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine flour, nuts, and butter. Press mixture in 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake 10–15 minutes. While cooling, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup (4 ounces) Cool Whip. Spread over cooled first layer. Mix the pudding and milk until combined, then pour on the creamy layer. Chill. Spread with remaining Cool Whip. You may sprinkle with toasted coconut, nuts, etc. Enjoy!

Order Your Cookbook Today!

LEMON BLUEBERRY CAKE

David Gibson, Midwest Energy & Communications 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1¹⁄4 cup sugar ¹⁄2 cup packed light brown sugar 4 large eggs, room temperature 1 tablespoon vanilla 3 cups sifted flour

1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup buttermilk • zest and juice of 3 medium lemons 1¹⁄2 cups fresh blueberries 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare 2 round cake pans, 1 9x13-inch baking pan, or 2 loaf pans. Beat the butter until creamy, then cream the butter with the sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt slowly, then add to the butter mixture. Follow with buttermilk, lemon zest, and juice of lemon. Coat the blueberries in 1 tablespoon of flour, then stir into the batter. Spoon evenly into the pan. The batter will be extremely thick, so do not overmix. Bake for 21–26 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

The Best of Michigan Country Lines Cookbook features favorite recipes from the past 10 years. Get your copy exclusively on Amazon.

Scan the QR code or visit micoopkitchen.com.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

MEC IN THE COMMUNITY Career Fairs In April, we presented at Addison Elementary’s career fair. MECers chatted with around 46 students about the many career paths available at MEC.

Cassopolis Conservation District Tree Sale A group of eight MECers helped out at the annual Cass County Conservation District’s Tree Seedling & Plant Sale. Together they wrapped trees and pulled over 120 orders.

Hotline Demonstrations In April, we kicked off our annual safety contest with demonstrations for fourth-grade students at Kincheloe Elementary, Marcellus Elementary, Sister Lakes Elementary, Patrick Hamilton Elementary, Howard Ellis Elementary, and Addison Elementary.

Students will take what they learned about electrical safety and draw a poster. The students with the top posters will win a pizza party and Amazon card for their classroom. Additionally, one winner from southeast Michigan and one from southwest Michigan will be chosen to have their posters displayed on a local billboard as part of our summer safety campaign.

Random Acts of Kindness MECers carried out random acts of kindness throughout April. In southeast Michigan, they presented gift baskets with homemade chocolate-covered pretzels to a nursing home, assembled cake kits for food pantries, and left plastic eggs around Lenawee County that were filled with candy, car wash kits, and pet treats.

In southwest Michigan, they packed meals for area food pantries, handed out flowers to strangers, paid for a senior citizen’s groceries, surprised elementary teachers with coffee, fruit, and breakfast bars, sorted inventory at a thrift store, and assisted with operations at a food pantry.

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Free Computer Class On April 23, the Coloma Public Library hosted a free Microsoft Excel 101 class, sponsored by MEC. Attendees learned how to work with columns and rows, copy and paste, change fonts, and more.

We have many other free computer class opportunities this year. Visit us at teammidwest.com/classes to find one at a library near you.

How We Restore Power When Mother Nature, curious critters, or other unforeseen circumstances rear their ugly heads, our linemen hit the ground running.

Reports Come In If your power goes out, report it to us as soon as possible, providing as many details as you can. Even if your neighbors have already called it in, submitting your own report helps us pinpoint the issue.

Please do not report your outage by email or through social media as we are not always immediately available.

Let us know if you see fallen power lines, but DO NOT approach them.

They pose a potentially deadly threat.

Assessment and 911 Calls Our first priority is always to de-energize fallen lines. Dispatchers also begin sending crews to determine the extent of reported outages and which equipment they need for repairs.

Repairs Begin Crews get to work on repairs, starting with substations and major lines,

working their way down to individual homes like yours.

Patience Due to the complicated nature of the power grid, your electricity may not come on at the same time as your neighbor’s.

If you see trucks near your property and they leave before you are restored, this means they need to make repairs elsewhere before your power can come back on. The issue may be further down the line, or there may be a larger part of the outage that needs to be restored before they can return to your specific property.

Meter Base Damage If your meter base is damaged, an electrical inspection is required before we can restore service. Visit teammidwest.com/inspectors for lists of southeast and southwest Michigan inspectors.

A Note About Restoration Times When your power goes out, we know the first thing you think is, “How long will this last?”

The unfortunate truth, particularly in major storms, is we don’t know.

It takes time to find and assess the true extent of the damage. Think of it like remodeling your house: You don’t know exactly what you will encounter until you start tearing down walls.

Once we have fully assessed the damage and repair needs, we can provide rough estimates on when the lights will come back.

Why Did My Lights Blink?

We utilize oil circuit reclosers (OCR) to act essentially as breakers on the system. When things like animals or branches come into contact with our lines, an OCR opens and then closes again quickly.

Hence, the blink. If the disturbance on the line remains, the OCR will continue to trip two more times. If after the third blink, the disturbance still remains, the OCR remains open, resulting in a power outage.

Overall, OCRs help protect the entire system, and they also isolate outages and reduce the number of impacted customers.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW

Championing Rural Michigan and Electric Cooperatives

By Emily Haines Lloyd

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow may be the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s recently minted Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, but Michigan’s senior senator didn’t start her career amidst accolades in glitzy ballrooms.

A FOUNDATION OF SERVICE Raised in Clare, Michigan, where “neighbors helping neighbors” was not only a sentiment but a way of life, Stabenow has spent decades ensuring that Michigan’s rural regions, farmers, and electric cooperatives thrive.

Stabenow’s rural upbringing profoundly shaped her approach to public service. She recalls the close-knit nature of her hometown, where her parents—a nurse and a small business owner—instilled the values of hard work, community, and giving back.

“My family wasn’t political,” said Stabenow. “But they instilled in their children that if you benefit from something, you owe it to pay it back. It’s your responsibility to help where you can.”

“Public service is at its best when it’s driven by people from every background.”

14 JUNE 2025

ROLLING UP HER SLEEVES She found an opportunity to help as a 24-year-old graduate student at Michigan State University working to stop the closure of a nursing home—the last in Ingham County serving lowincome seniors.

The facility was saved, but Stabenow’s fight was just beginning.

One of the key leaders trying to close the facility was the county commissioner in her own district. The next election, Stabenow ran against that commissioner—and won his seat. Two years later, she was the chair of the board—the first woman and youngest to hold that position in Ingham County.

From there, her journey led to the Michigan House of Representatives, U.S. House, and ultimately the U.S. Senate, fueled by a commitment to the most pressing needs of the communities she served.

ADVANCING RURAL DEVELOPMENT It’s unsurprising then that Stabenow sought government committees that would most directly impact her constituents. As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Stabenow became a fierce advocate and authored multiple farm bills that expanded the scope of agricultural policy.

“What we grow in Michigan reflects what people want,” she said, highlighting the significance of tailoring policies to the diverse needs of farmers and consumers.

Her leadership extended to food security programs, bio-based economies, and clean energy initiatives, all designed to bolster economic viability and quality of life in rural areas. Through her efforts, Michigan’s farmers have gained access to expanded crop insurance, renewable energy resources, and grants supporting sustainable practices.

for America Program (REAP) empowered electric cooperatives and rural communities to invest in renewable energy, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Her dedication to decarbonization was also reflected in her support for the New ERA grant program, a groundbreaking initiative that provides low-interest loans and grant funding for electric cooperatives transitioning to renewable energy sources.

“Jobs, energy access, and sustainability are interconnected,” she noted. “These programs help create prosperity in rural Michigan.”

A LEGACY OF CONNECTION AND HUMILITY Known for her approachability and collaborative spirit, Stabenow has worked alongside policymakers from both parties to achieve tangible results. Her relationships with

rural constituents and cooperative members have remained authentic and grounded.

“She’s never forgotten where she came from,” said former MECA President Craig Borr. “Senator Stabenow stands for so much of what electric cooperatives stand for—collaboration, creative solutions, and community. She’s been a true champion of rural Michigan, and we will always be grateful for her policy work in the U.S. Senate.”

Now retired from the Senate, Stabenow looks forward to continuing her advocacy work from her home state.

She also offers advice to Michiganders aspiring to public service: “Don’t wait for someone else. If you see something that needs to be done, step up,” said Stabenow. “Public service is at its best when it’s driven by people from every background.”

CHAMPIONING ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES Electric cooperatives hold a special place in Stabenow’s legacy. She has been a tireless advocate for rural economic development. Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson notes that Cherryland has leveraged a federal USDA program to create a revolving loan fund that has supported almost 40 locally owned small businesses in their service territory with over $7 million of zero-interest loans to expand their businesses and create and retain local jobs.

“The impact of our loan fund will be felt for generations, and we are incredibly proud of the success of our borrowers,” said Johnson. “None of this would be possible without Senator Stabenow’s support for rural Michigan.”

Additionally, Stabenow’s work on programs like the Rural Energy

“Don’t wait for someone else. If you see something that needs to be done, step up.”

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

STATE OF MICHIGAN BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ***NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT*** REGARDING THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF RENEWABLE ENERGY FILED BY MIDWEST ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS CASE NO. U-16594 • On February 27, 2025, an Application for Approval of Renewable Energy Plan was filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission (Commission) to fully comply with Public Act 295 of 2008, as amended by Public Act 235 of 2023.

• Any interested person may review the Application at the Michigan offices of Midwest Energy & Communications, 60590 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031 or at the office of the Commission’s Executive Secretary, 7109 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, Michigan, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or on the Commission’s website at: https://mi-psc.my.site.com/s/.

• Any person wishing to file a public comment may do so by filing a written statement in this docket. The written statement may be mailed or emailed and should reference Case No. U-16594. Statements may be emailed to: mpscedockets@michigan.gov. Statements may be mailed to: Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, 7109 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917.

• All information submitted to the Commission in this matter becomes public information, thus available on the Michigan Public Service Commission’s website, and subject to disclosure. Please do not include information you wish to remain private. For more information on how to participate in a case, you may contact the Executive Secretary at the above address or by telephone at (517) 284-8090.

COMMENTS ARE DUE BY 5:00 P.M. ON JULY 15, 2025.

SAVE

$0.10/GALLON when you prebuy propane!

Prebuy Price: $1.879/gal.

Regular Price: $1.979/gal.

As you use gas, we deduct the gallons from your account.

Any leftover credit can be used during the next heating season.

Sign Up by July 31, 2025: teammidwest.com/prebuy Eligible tanks must be 250 gallons or above. Must purchase minimum of 500 gallons, up to a maximum of 1,000 gallons.

Credit check and 12-month contract required. Tank set fee of $1 plus applicable fees for trenching and securing township permits. Propane services are not available in our southeast Michigan or northern Ohio electric service territories. Propane services are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

16 JUNE 2025

2024 ANNUAL REPORT Report of Independent Auditors

obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.

Following are excerpts from the audit report. The full report may be accessed at TeamMidwest.com or by calling 800-492-5989.

Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Opinions We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Midwest Energy Cooperative (the Cooperative), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations, equities and margins, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Cooperative as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the changes in financial position and, where applicable, cash flows thereof for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. We are required to be independent of the Cooperative and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinions.

We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control-related matters that we identified during the audit.

Years Ended Dec. 31 (Dollars in 000)

2024 Operating revenues

$

2023

140,276 $

131,747

Operating expenses

124,026

110,893

Interest expense

8,800

7,354

Operating margins (deficits)

7,450

13,500

Capital credits

5,341

3,971

Nonoperating margins (deficits)

25,033

10,489

37,824 $

27,960

Net margins

$

Consolidated Balance Sheets Dec. 31 (Dollars in 000)

ASSETS

2024

Net electric plant and equipment

$

Other assets and investments Current assets Total assets

$

2023

496,119 $

391,428

47,327

42,983

45,001

42,280

588,447 $

476,691

LIABILITIES, EQUITIES, AND MARGINS

Moss Adams March 28, 2025

Patronage capital and other equities

173,887 $

135,458

Long-term debt

287,117

270,530

Directors’ Compensation Disclosure Elected directors are paid a monthly retainer of $500 and a per diem based on board position, and years of service or credential status for meetings attended on behalf of the cooperative.

The chairman is paid a monthly retainer of $600.

Other liabilities

3,101

2,738

Current liabilities

122,722

66,457

Deferred tax liability

1,620

Irrigation Sales 4%

Commercial & Industrial Sales 34%

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Deferred credits

Depreciation 13%

Residential Sales 62%

Administrative & Member Services 12%

1,506 -

Total liabilities, equities, and margins

Property Taxes 6%

Where Our Sales Come From

$

$

588,447 $

2 476,691

Interest Expense 8%

Where Your Dollars Go

Cost of Purchased Power 47%

Operations & Maintenance 14%

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

MI CO-OP Guest Column

Jigsaw Puzzle Provides Family Fun And Teamwork

By Mary Ellen Wynes, a HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative member

This summer, we attended a picnic hosted by our Homeworks Tri-County Electric Cooperative, where we were gifted a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that illustrated “Electrifying Rural America.” We are apt to forget that our access to reliable electricity has not always existed, and the puzzle theme reminded us of the comfort it provides.

We admired the detailed and colorful depiction of the process illustrated on the top of the puzzle box so much that we enjoyed it, unopened, on the kitchen table for several months. One day, I decided it was time to assemble the puzzle, and although I hadn’t attempted one since I was a child, I found the process not only entertaining but addictive!

I would sit down to work at it “for a few minutes,” and an hour would speed by before I looked up. The alluring and unique “snap” when a piece locked into its correct place kept me inspired. By the time our family was able to gather for a very belated Christmas this February, the pieces for

“The challenge to ‘finish it for Grandma’ was accepted, and their teamwork resulted in a lovely completed puzzle.”

the road, trees, horses, cart, and truck still needed to be assembled. The challenge to “finish it for Grandma” was accepted, and their teamwork resulted in a lovely completed puzzle. They also applied puzzle glue so that it could be hung in our home to admire and preserve the memory of a time when family members, ages 8 to 84, enjoyed the fun of working together.

Thank you to HomeWorks Tri-County for providing a challenge and an opportunity for family fun and teamwork.

GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!

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18 JUNE 2025

Put money in your pocket this year.

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TeamMidwest.com

You’re Invited to MEC’s

2025 CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT Enjoy one of two scenic Michigan venues.

Tickets are limited – reserve yours today.

Please note: Venue space is limited. You must RSVP to be admitted. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so act quickly. We recommend carpooling to make your parking experience as smooth as possible.

Warner Vineyards 706 S. Kalamazoo St., Paw Paw, MI 49079

Hidden Lake Gardens

Enjoy a concert by A1A – The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show!

Get lunch at the entrance from MEC, then walk the trails and have a picnic!

Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

DATE:

SUNDAY, AUG. 17

DATE:

SATURDAY, AUG. 16

MEC CUSTOMER ADMISSIONS:

MEC CUSTOMER ADMISSIONS:

6 PM

CONCERT STARTS:

8 PM

6214 Monroe Road, Tipton, MI 49287

11 AM–2 PM LUNCH SERVED:

Limit 2 tickets per customer.

11:30 AM– 1:30 PM

RSVP REQUIRED

BY JULY 31:

teammidwest.com/customer-appreciation

Limit 6 tickets per customer.