October 2024 GLE

October 2024

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Great Lakes Energy Cooperative

SOARING SUCCESS AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHY FROM STEVE JESSMORE

GLE In Your Community

A Brighter Future For Tri County Area Schools

Proposed Rate Change

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Contents countrylines.com

/michigancountrylines

October 2024 Vol. 44, No. 9 /michigancountrylines

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

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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, USPS-591-710, 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.

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.

10 14

Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS. Association Officers: Tom Sobeck, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; Craig Borr, 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.

6 YOUTH TOUR:

A LIVING EXAMPLE OF COOPERATIVE VALUES Co-op student delegates travel to Washington D.C.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Breads & Muffins: Get cozy with these baked goods.

14 SOARING SUCCESS

The journey of award-winning Michigan photographer Steve Jessmore.

18 GUEST COLUMN

The One-Room Schoolhouse: A PIE&G member recalls how a unique northern Michigan structure was transformed into a family haven.

MI Co-op Community

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

Recipe Contest

See details on page 10. Soups & Stews due Nov. 1; Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1; Best No Bake Recipes due Jan. 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

Guest Column

Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published.

Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.

Win $200 for stories published!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

3

Reliability Matters for GLE and Its Members

gtlakes.com /greatlakesenergy /jointruestream

Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Howard Bowersox, Chair, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com

Janet Andersen, Vice Chair, District 6 231-690-4622 jandersen@glenergy.com Paul Byl, Secretary, District 7 231-861-5911 pbyl@glenergy.com

Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com Mark Carson, District 2 231-675-0561 mcarson@glenergy.com

David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com

nowing we have access to safe, reliable transportation when we need it provides us with peace of mind that allows us to focus on more important aspects of our lives. It ensures that we can confidently go about our daily routines, assured that our car will get us safely to our destinations.

K

Just like keeping your car reliably road-ready requires routine maintenance and other expenses, safely providing our members with reliable electric service also requires significant ongoing maintenance and other investments.

Some examples include our vegetation management program, infrastructure maintenance, upgrades such as replacing poles or moving overhead power lines underground, and modernizing our metering system.

Another key component in maintaining the high level of reliability our members depend on is ensuring that GLE remains operationally and fiscally sound. One way we do this is through regular reviews of both our fixed monthly and perkilowatt-hour rates to ensure they will adequately cover our costs.

Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com

As I discussed in last month’s letter, the monthly charge covers the fixed costs we incur to provide electric service to you while the per-kilowatt-hour rate covers the variable amount of electricity you choose to use each month.

Mary O’Connell, Director, District 4 517-974-5797 moconnell@glenergy.com

It might be helpful to think of these two rates in terms of the costs associated with your car. Some of these expenses, such as fuel and many types of maintenance, are variable based on how much you drive the car. But your loan or lease payment, the cost of auto insurance, and the vehicle’s registration fee are fixed regardless of how many miles you drive in a month. In other words, you pay those fixed costs simply to have access to a reliable source of transportation when you need it.

John LaForge, Director, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com

PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp 888-485-2537 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Brett Streby 231-487-1389 • bstreby@glenergy.com BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712

Call center hours: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com or the GLE mobile app.

Similarly, GLE’s monthly charge covers the cost of having access to a reliable source of electricity when you need it. In addition to the costs mentioned above, this charge also covers administrative, materials, storm restoration, property tax, insurance, and many more costs. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we don’t have investors; our members are the owners. This means that as our costs increase, we—as members—must cover those costs.

Based on a recent rate review, GLE’s board of directors will consider a proposed increase of $3.96 to GLE’s fixed monthly charge for residential and seasonal members at a special open member meeting set for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at our main office in Boyne City. Rate changes for other service classes will also be proposed at the same meeting. If approved, the new rates will go into effect starting with bills issued in February 2025. No change is currently proposed for the per-kilowatt-hour rates.

Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924

While no one likes paying more on their electric bill any more than they like to pay increased transportation costs, both are important investments in keeping you and your electric cooperative reliably rolling along.

Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Please see the next page for more information on the proposed rate change.

4 OCTOBER 2024

Great Lakes Energy Seeks Rate Increase

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nflation is affecting our cost to provide electric service to our members. In order to balance affordability with sustainable and reliable service, Great Lakes Energy is proposing rate changes that would result in a net increase across all rate classes.

Under the proposed rates, the fixed monthly charge for residential and seasonal members would increase by $3.96. At this time, no change is proposed to the power supply cost

recovery factor (PSCR) or the per-kWh rates for the residential and seasonal rate classes. However, changes are proposed for other rate classes.

For all residential and seasonal members, the change would result in a net increase of $4.12 per month, after sales tax is added.

Although small, the increase would raise revenues to provide sufficient funding for maintaining reliable electric service, providing adequate

margins, and ensuring members receive the service they need to power their homes and businesses.

The co-op’s board of directors will consider adoption of the proposed rate changes at an open member meeting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at our main office in Boyne City (see related notice). If approved, the new rates would take effect on bills rendered in February 2025.

Proposed Adjustments For Residential and Seasonal Members Current kWh

Proposed

300

800

2,000

300

800

2,000

Change $3.96

Monthly Charge

$39.21

$39.21

$39.21

$39.21

$43.17

$43.17

$43.17

$43.17

Energy Usage

$0.13702

$41.11

$109.62

$274.04

$0.13702

$41.11

$109.62

$274.04

PSCR on Energy Use

$0.00188

$0.56

$1.50

$3.75

$0.00188

$0.56

$1.50

$3.75

Energy Optimization*

$0.00198

$0.59

$1.58

$3.96

$0.00198

$0.59

$1.58

$3.96

MI Low Income*

$0.87

$0.87

$0.87

$0.87

$0.87

$0.87

Tax*

$3.26

$6.08

$12.84

$3.42

$6.23

$13.00

$85.60

$158.86

$334.67

$89.72

$162.97

$338.79

$4.12

$4.12

$4.12

4.81%

2.59%

1.23%

*Charges required/approved by the State of Michigan

Difference

Net Monthly Bill Change

$4.12

Notice to Members of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative An Open Member Board Meeting is set for Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. at Great Lakes Energy Headquarters The board of directors will consider changes to the cooperative’s rates at its meeting on Oct. 22, 2024, to be held at Great Lakes Energy, 1323 Boyne Ave., Boyne City, MI. The meeting will start at 11 a.m. and is open to all members of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative. Members will have an opportunity to address the board on the proposed changes prior to board action.

The following items will be considered: 1. Great Lakes Energy is seeking to increase revenues through rate changes that will result in an increase of $3.96 to the monthly charge for residential/seasonal members. Rate changes for all other rate classifications will also be proposed.

Notice of changes or additions to the cooperative’s rates or service rules shall be sent to all members, as required by P.A. 167, by publication in Michigan Country Lines at least 30 days prior to their effective date.

Participation: Any interested member may attend and participate. The location of the board meeting site is accessible, including accessible parking. Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact Great Lakes Energy at 888-485-2537, ext. 1387, a week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance. Comments may also be made before the meeting date by email at glenergy@glenergy.com.

Notice of the board meeting shall be sent to all members, as required by P.A. 167, by publication in Michigan Country Lines.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

5

Youth Tour

A Living Example of Cooperative Values

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ctober is National Cooperative Month, a time when we take the opportunity to reflect on the unique role cooperatives play in our communities.

A perfect example of our values and mission in action is Youth Tour, a program that brings the seven cooperative principles to life and cultivates a new, diverse generation of energy leaders.

Youth Tour is sponsored by Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) in conjunction with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Together, the organizations coordinate activities, learning sessions, and face-to-face meetups with their local lawmakers over the course of a week-long visit to Washington D.C. In 2024, students from 44 states, including 17 Michigan delegates representing all MECA member co-ops, embarked on a journey to the nation’s capital to learn about our

country’s history and their roles as informed citizens.

Cultivating Future Energy Leaders By bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, Youth Tour promotes inclusivity and open membership, which are core cooperative principles. These students learn the value of cooperative democratic member control as they engage with the political process and understand how their voices can make a difference.

Students are encouraged to think independently, form their own opinions, and understand the importance of personal and collective responsibility. Landen Winsor, student delegate from Wolverine Power Cooperative, attended this year’s tour and found it to be eye-opening.

“One thing I took away was the importance of advocacy. Sometimes

Understanding the Seven Cooperative Principles— America’s Electric Cooperatives 6 OCTOBER 2024

Voluntary and Open Membership

it feels like the world is too big for you to change anything about it,” said Winsor. “Hearing how [lawmakers] were addressing issues related to rural Michigan was enlightening and encouraging.”

For many of these students, the Youth Tour is a transformative experience.

“It’s amazing to watch students grow and gain self-confidence as they navigate a myriad of new situations on the trip,” said Michigan Youth Tour Director Katie Deller. “This journey is more than an educational trip; it’s an empowering experience that instills confidence and a sense of responsibility in each participant.”

Education and Community Involvement Youth Tour is a testament to the cooperative principle of education, training, and information as well.

Students gain invaluable insights into the energy sector and the workings

Democratic Member Control

Members' Economic Participation

of government, preparing them to be informed, active citizens. This educational journey fosters a deep sense of community concern and highlights the cooperative commitment to nurturing the next generation. “The students not only get to experience historical sites, monuments, and memorials firsthand, they learn about the history of electric cooperatives,” said Deller. “How co-ops are different than other types of utilities and the incredible work they have done and continue to do across rural America.”

Michigan delegates met with Sen. Debbie Stabenow, as well as engaged in a candid conversation with staffers from Rep. Jack Bergman’s office.

Great Lakes Energy CEO Shaun Lamp attended this year’s Youth Tour as a chaperone. He invited students along for his morning runs, where they asked him questions about the industry and career paths. He was impressed by their thoughtfulness and preparedness.

“The engagement, knowledge level, and enthusiasm of the delegates was fantastic,” noted Lamp. “We didn’t prep them with questions for their meeting with [Rep. Bergman’s] staff, but they asked really good and relevant questions on their own. It’s a reminder that their generation is going to do some great things.”

Autonomy and Independence

Education, Training, and Information

Cooperation Among Cooperatives Through Youth Tour, there is a continuous connection to “cooperation among cooperatives,” another key principle. This national initiative sees cooperatives across the country working together to create a unified and enriching experience for all participants. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we collaborate and support each other.

“My favorite part of Youth Tour was the people. My peers were not only willing to push me intellectually, but also physically as we did many miles of walking,” said Winsor. “The sights and experiences would not have been as memorable if not for the people I was with.”

Youth Tour exemplifies the very essence of cooperative principles. By investing in our youth and providing them with these enriching experiences, we are cultivating a new generation of leaders who are committed to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.

“I cannot say enough how impressed I am with all 17 delegates from Michigan. It was an honor and privilege to spend time with these young people,” reflected Lamp.

“They give me great confidence that our future is in good hands.”

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Concern for Community

Youth Tour couldn’t exist without the dedication of staff, directors, coordinators, chaperones, bus drivers, and the many volunteers. Their commitment to the enrichment of the students in our cooperative footprint is nothing short of astounding.

A special thanks to the many folks from Michigan who made this experience possible: MECA Youth Tour Director Katie Deller and Wolverine VP of Administration Dawn Coon, who breathed new life into the program after the pandemic and provided a safe environment for the students to experience D.C. while also spreading their wings.

Volunteers and chaperones: Katie Deller (MECA), Dawn Coon (Wolverine), Shaun Lamp (Great Lakes Energy), Jamie Trommater (HomeWorks), and Kristen Hartley (Cherryland)

For more information on the seven principles, visit electric.coop/sevencooperative-principles

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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GLE in Your Community

Truestream

Classroom Grants

GLE continues to make big strides in expanding our Truestream fiber internet and voice service. We now have more than 23,000 Truestreamers, and that number is growing every day. We are in the process of expanding our network in the Waters service district (Crawford, Montmorency, and Otsego counties), and we are planning to expand the network further in 2025.

School districts in the Great Lakes Energy service area where children of GLE members are enrolled can apply for a grant of up to $2,000 to fund innovative programs. GLE has awarded more than $302,700 in classroom grants to 204 projects since the program began in 2012.

People Fund

Storm Restoration

With your contributions, in the past year, our People Fund program has provided more than $286,000 in grant support for many community and charitable organizations across our service area.

The program has awarded more than $4.7 million in grants since its inception in 1999.

Multiple storms impacted GLE’s service area during the past year. Crews restored service to thousands of GLE members following storms in April and June.

More recently, lineworkers made more than 21,000 restorations during a three-day period following severe weather that hit the area on Aug. 27. GLE employees are always ready to reconnect members as quickly and safely as possible.

8 OCTOBER 2024

GLE PHOTO CONTEST

Backroad Adventures

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4 Enter to win a $200 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Historical Treasures” photos By Oct. 25 Each month, members can submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo with the most votes is published here, along with other selections.

Our October theme is Historical Treasures. Photos can be submitted

by Oct. 25 to be featured in the January 2025 issue.

How To Enter

Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/photocontest/. Make sure to vote and encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2024 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 bill credit in December 2024.

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6 MOST VOTES! 1. A walk in the woods, Debbie Duman, White Cloud 2. Don’t leave a trail, Sheila Melke, Charlevoix 3. Boardman Field, Audrey Bearden, South Boardman 4. A boy and his toy, Tyler Sobers, Shelby 5. Ghost and Ruger, Krista Parker, South Boardman 6. Rails to somewhere USA, Beth Pipe, Baldwin

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Recipes

BREADS & MUFFINS Get cozy with these baked goods.

WINNING RECIPE! LEMON CRUMB MUFFINS

Ruth Armbrustmacher, HomeWorks Tri-County 3 cups flour 1¾ cups sugar ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 4 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 cup melted butter 1½ tablespoons grated lemon peel/zest 1 tablespoon lemon juice Topping: 6 tablespoons flour 6 tablespoons sugar ¹⁄ 8 cup cold butter, cubed Glaze: ¼ cup sugar 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Recipe Contest

Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare 2 (12-cup) muffin tins with muffin cups. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, melted butter, lemon peel, and lemon juice. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill muffin cups ¾ full. For the topping, combine the flour and sugar, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the batter. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick placed in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Meanwhile, to make the glaze, mix together the sugar and lemon juice. Allow the muffins to cool, but still be a bit warm, before topping with the glaze.

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Soups & Stews due Nov. 1; Sauces & Marinades due Dec. 1; Best No Bake Recipes due Jan. 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 OCTOBER 2024

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

RUSTIC GARLIC PARMESAN HERB BREAD Kerri Hanson, Great Lakes Energy

1 tablespoon instant dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 1 cup warm water 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 6 cloves garlic, minced 2–2½ cups all-purpose flour, divided ¹⁄³ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter, divided In a large mixing bowl, add the yeast, sugar, and water. Stir in the salt, rosemary, basil, oregano, and garlic.

Add in 2 cups flour and the Parmesan

cheese and stir until combined.

Gradually add in the remaining ½ cup flour (if needed) until you have a smooth and elastic dough that is tacky but doesn’t stick to your hands. Transfer to a lightly greased mixing bowl, cover, and let rise until double in size, about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375 F. Drizzle a baking sheet with the olive oil. Gently divide the dough in half and shape into two separate round loaves. Place loaves onto the prepared baking sheet.

Let rise another 15–20 minutes while oven is preheating. Top each loaf with ½ tablespoon butter (tuck into the center of each loaf). Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.

“TO DIE FOR” BLUEBERRY MUFFINS Betsy Price, Great Lakes Energy

1½ cups flour ¾ cup sugar ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder ¹⁄³ cup vegetable oil 1 egg ¹⁄³ cup milk 1¼ cups blueberries, fresh or frozen + 1 teaspoon flour Topping: ½ cup sugar ¹⁄³ cup flour 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ¼ cup cold butter, cubed Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease 8 muffin cups or use muffin liners. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl and set aside. Pour the

oil into a 1-cup measuring cup, then add the egg and milk to fill the cup. Pour into the flour mixture and stir with a spoon.

The batter will be very thick; add a bit more milk if it is difficult to stir. Mix the blueberries with a teaspoon of flour before adding to the batter (this will keep them from sinking to the bottom of the muffin cups). Fold blueberries gently into the batter. Fill the muffin cups to the top with the batter. To make the topping, in a small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender or a fork, mix the cold butter into the flour mixture until the butter looks like crumbs. Spoon the topping onto each muffin. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Test with a toothpick after 20 minutes. Let the muffins cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

ORANGE-CRANBERRY NUT BREAD Mary Card, Great Lakes Energy

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¹⁄³ cup cold butter 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon finely grated orange rind/zest ²⁄³ cup orange juice 1½ cups fresh cranberries, rinsed, patted dry & chopped 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In large mixing bowl, stir together the

flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add the beaten egg, orange rind, and juice. Stir to “just combined” but not over-stirred. Fold in the cranberries and nuts. Spoon into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf, making sure it comes out clean. Cool in pan on cooling rack for 10 minutes, then turn out loaf onto cooling rack and cool completely. This bread is best the next day (if you can restrain yourself), sliced into 8–12 slices. Wrap in plastic wrap. Can store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

11

A Brighter Future for Tri County Area Schools Energy Wise Connects District to Innovative Energy-Saving Lighting Solutions

n the summer of 2023, GLE's energy advisor for the Energy Wise program, noticed ongoing construction at Tri County High School in Sand Lake and recognized an opportunity to help the school district save money.

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The construction taking place was a significant project funded by a $37 million bond approved by voters in August 2019. The project included a new high school cafetorium and a K-5 elementary building.

The cafetorium is used as a cafeteria during the day and is converted into an acoustical theater that seats about 700 people for concerts, performances, and other community events. The new elementary school was built to put all kindergarten through 12th-grade students in a central location and on one campus, increasing efficiency while improving safety and traffic flow.

Once the construction was complete, a meeting between our energy advisor and Thomas Phinney, the school’s director of operations and facilities, was scheduled to discuss the many benefits of the Energy Wise program, highlighting the potential for rebates on energy-saving measures.

Encouraged by our Energy Wise team’s knowledge and assurance that the district qualified for rebates, Phinney and his team took the next steps.

12 OCTOBER 2024

Installing new LED lighting in the new high school cafetorium and throughout the new elementary school earned the schools a generous rebate of $19,553.22 through the Energy Wise program.

Phinney said, “It’s a great program, especially for schools—we need every dime we can get.”

Along with the financial savings, the energy savings will have a significant environmental impact, preventing 46.3 metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, equivalent to taking 25.7 tons of coal out of the equation or offsetting emissions by the CO2 sequestered by 54 acres of forest.

“The experience was seamless,” said Phinney. “Your energy advisor is a fantastic guy to work with, and your energy programs manager, Thomas Mann, is very knowledgeable.”

Tri County Area Schools’ success story is a shining example of how energyefficient measures can deliver longterm savings, reduce environmental impact, and build a more sustainable future—one school at a time.

GLE's Energy Wise program offers many energy-saving rebates for both residential and commercial settings.

To learn more, visit: gtlakes.com/ energy-wise/

THE POWER GRID MUST ADAPT To Support A Clean Energy Future

THIS IS HOW ELECTRICITY GETS TO YOUR HOME power plant generates electricity

transmission lines carry electricity long distances

transformer steps up voltage for transmission

distribution lines carry electricity to houses

neighborhood transformer steps down voltage

transformers on poles step down electricity before it enters your home

So, how do we prepare the grid to integrate large-scale renewable energy and ensure reliable electricity to your home?

WE NEED MORE TRANSMISSION LINES

WE NEED STORAGE

We used to move fuel to plants. Now we need to move plants to the weather—and build lines to carry the energy to end-consumers.

We could store traditional fossil fuels. Obviously, we can't store weather, but what about electricity?

The grid operates in real time The power grid operates in real time, supplying more electricity when demand surges and scaling back when demand decreases.

PRESENT

Most electricity today doesn’t travel very far because, historically, power plants were built close to cities with high electricity demand.

FUTURE

Renewable energy is intermittent

Electricity will need to travel farther because clean energy sources are often situated in remote locations, like wind in the plains and sun in the southwest. We need to build more transmission lines to transport clean energy farther to homes and businesses.

Renewable energy sources depend on weather conditions. Can we store it?

Not effectively with today's technology.

Storage technology must improve Present state-of-the-art battery technology lasts only two hours. We need storage technology to evolve before renewables can provide reliable electricity to all.

So what do we do right now?

Did you know?

By the 2030s, we need to build so many new transmission lines that, if strung end to end, they would reach the moon!

We are collaborating with our power supplier, statewide association, and fellow electric cooperatives in Michigan to advance innovative ideas. One of those ideas is to install a safe underwater transmission line connecting Michigan to Wisconsin. Think of it as a regional superhighway delivering reliable, clean, affordable, and controllable energy to the entire upper Midwest. Learn more at wolverinepowercooperative.com/lake-michigan-connector.

Source: https://www.gatesnotes.com/Transmission

SOARING SUCCESS AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHY FROM STEVE JESSMORE

By Emily Haines Lloyd

When the world seemed to slow down in 2020, award-winning photographer and photojournalist Steve Jessmore found himself with more time to reflect and appreciate the beauty around him. Instead of focusing on the quiet, he turned his skilled and artful eyes to his surroundings, capturing moments that revealed the extraordinary in the everyday.

THE ASSIGNMENT Jessmore’s workload had declined significantly, but as luck would have it, one of the few assignments he did land led to a major shift for him. He’d been hired to photograph people who had picked up outdoor activities during COVID. He was photographing kayakers, thinking he’d never been in a kayak himself.

It was Jessmore’s wife, Brenda, who sent him out on her own assignment.

“She told me to go out and create something every day,” said Jessmore.

“She said I had too much talent to just wait for the next job to come along.”

He found himself buying his own kayak, getting up before dawn and floating down the Torch River with his camera.

He wasn’t entirely sure what he was on the hunt for, but he kept his eyes open.

A STORYTELLER AT HEART Jessmore’s journey as a photographer didn’t start with snapping shots of

14 OCTOBER 2024

nature. Taking photos was a way for him to see bands when they came to town—offering local papers his images in exchange for free tickets.

Eventually, he even got paid for his efforts and saw over 100 concerts by the time he finished college.

His hobby evolved into a career.

Working in photojournalism for 30 years, Jessmore’s camera became a tool for storytelling, capturing human experiences. “I’ve never liked to pose pictures,” said Jessmore. “I like to capture authentic moments, reactions, interactions. I like telling stories of people just doing things.”

LOOKING UP His approach to authentic photography was an asset as his focus turned to the sky and he began to notice the amazing birds in his little ecosystem.“I like to wait patiently and observe birds living their lives without disturbing them. It’s the same ethics I use with photojournalism—you don’t contrive

shots. You capture the story without making the story,” said Jessmore.

The transition from photographing people to birds presented its challenges. While photographing people often involved capturing moments of emotion, photographing birds demanded patience, precision, and anticipating their behavior.

FINDING HIS FLOCK Jessmore honed his craft, capturing breathtaking images that encapsulated the essence of birdlife.

He posted photos on his Instagram account and was surprised by the response. “People would send me notes saying these photos were a bright spot in their day or made them smile even with the heaviness of COVID,” he said. “It was clear that nature was having a real effect on people besides me.”

His photographer friends nudged him to try his hand at some competitions—

with a big one thrown down as a challenge. The prestigious National Audubon Society hosts an annual contest that showcases especially beautiful images of avian life.

Jessmore’s friends told him there were over 10,000 entries each year, but to make it into the Top 100 would be a big deal.

That’s all Jessmore needed to hear.

It was “game on.” He gathered several of his photos and submitted them to the contest. Then something unimaginable happened. With Jessmore’s first submission to the contest, he swept the Professional Division of the competition—winning first place and honorable mention.

“I like to wait patiently and observe birds living their lives without disturbing them. It’s the same ethics I use with photojournalism— you don’t contrive shots.

You capture the story without making the story.”

Jessmore continued his journey of capturing “birds doing stuff” and the following year, his photo titled “Feeding Frenzy” won Audubon’s Fisher Prize for most creative approach to photographing birds.

The image graced the cover of the magazine’s awards issue. In addition, he held gallery and art shows and was featured in publications such as The Smithsonian and Ducks Unlimited.

We’re now a few years past the apex of the pandemic, but Jessmore still goes out on his kayak with his camera.

He visits and captures the beauty of the avian community that brought him more than a hobby—it showed him it’s never too late to spread your wings and fly.

SPECIAL OFFER As a valued reader of Michigan Country Lines, you can enjoy a 20% discount on Steve’s stunning prints and upcoming 2025 calendars. Use the code COUNTRYLINES at checkout on stevejessmore.com to bring a piece of Michigan’s natural beauty into your home.

Calendars will be available starting in October, and this exclusive discount is good through Nov. 15.

Jessmore’s first-place Michigan Audubon photo, “Feather for Its Mate.”

stevejessmore.com

/sjessmore

@sjessmo

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

15

GLE Offers Innovative Insights To Energy Savings

W

hen Co-op Month rolls around every October, it provides an opportunity for GLE and other cooperatives to celebrate what we call “the cooperative difference.”

One of the many ways GLE strives to make a positive difference in the lives of our members and the communities we serve is by offering innovative programs and services.

A great example of these innovative efforts is the new consumer analytics program we rolled out for members earlier this year.

Accessible through a GLE online account or the GLE mobile app, the program provides members with much more detailed information about their home’s energy use than was previously available.

The new system uses a process known as disaggregation to analyze the same power consumption data from your home’s meter that is used to calculate your electric bill.

The system doesn’t directly detect which device, system, or appliance in your home is using power. Instead, it uses computer models to look for distinct “fingerprints” of power use that can be attributed to appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters, and ovens. With the right software algorithms, the usage of specific appliances or home systems can be identified and estimated.

Armed with the information provided through these tools, members can look for opportunities to cut their energy use and costs.

To learn more about GLE’s consumer analytics tools, visit: gtlakes.com/analytics/

16 OCTOBER 2024

Here's a summary of the tools available: • ENERGY DETAIL: This tool will provide a breakdown of your home’s electric use by the type of device, appliance, or system. Types of use include refrigeration, heating, cooling, laundry, cooking, water heating, lighting, entertainment, and always-on.

• SIMILAR HOME COMPARISON: This tool will compare your home’s energy use with similar-sized, average, and energy-efficient homes in your area.

The tool offers tabs for total energy use, heating, cooling, and always-on energy use.

• BILL ANALYSIS: This tool will allow you to compare your home’s energy use across billing cycles.

• BILL PROJECTION: This tool will provide an estimate of what your next electric bill will be based on your recent usage patterns.

• BUILD YOUR HOME PROFILE: Members can increase the accuracy of the estimates the consumer analytics tools provide by completing a short survey about their home and the systems in it.

• MY RECOMMENDATIONS: This tool will provide recommendations for potential energy- and money-saving steps you can take based on your home and your usage patterns. *Members must have their GLE online account set up to access the consumer analytics tools.

OUT

GLE: A crew has been dispatched to address the cause of the power outage affecting your service location.

Members who sign up will receive outage notifications in four stages: 1. OUTAGE REPORTED: When an outage is reported by a member or is detected on our system but has not yet been confirmed, you’ll receive this message: “A power outage affecting your area has been reported and is awaiting review by GLE staff for confirmation.”

2. OUTAGE VERIFIED: When we have confirmed that an outage exists, but a crew has not yet been assigned to it, you’ll receive this message:

Outage Information At Your Fingertips LE works hard to keep the lights on for our members.

However, thanks to the whims of the weather and other factors, occasional power outages are unavoidable. When that happens, our crews work just as hard to get your power restored as quickly as possible.

G

We know power outages can be a significant cause of concern and inconvenience for our members. When an outage occurs, members want to know if GLE is aware of it, if we are working to restore it, and how long it will be until their service is restored.

GLE’s got you covered Leveraging advancements in our smart grid technology, GLE offers an innovative outage notification system that provides enrolled members with automated updates and information during power outages. This system

delivers these notifications via text message, email, or the GLE mobile app.

Members enrolled in text notifications can also report an outage by texting the word “Out” to (855) 939-3703.

With GLE’s outage notification system, members have further reassurance that our crews are working as quickly as they can to restore their service.

Signing up is simple To enroll in outage notifications, members must have their GLE online accounts set up.

Members can enroll in outage notifications by selecting “Manage Notifications” under the “Settings” menu found on their online account or the GLE mobile app.

“A power outage affecting your service location has been confirmed and is queued for assignment for restoration with an available crew.”

3. CREW DISPATCHED: When a crew has arrived at the site and is beginning work on your outage, you’ll receive this message: “Outage restoration efforts are in progress in your area. Safety Alert: DO NOT approach or interrupt lineworkers.”

4. RESTORED: When the outage has been resolved and service has been restored, you’ll receive this message: “The assigned crew has reported that power has been restored. If your location is still without power, please report the outage by replying ‘OUT,’ using the GLE app, your online account, or calling 1-888-485-2537.”

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

MI CO-OP Guest Column

The One-Room Schoolhouse

By Claudia Sanderson, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member

he history of a one-room schoolhouse is embedded in my heart. I was born in 1951, which was the same year my grandparents purchased the oneroom school on Alcona Road between Harrisville and Black River, Michigan. My grandparents drove up from Detroit in January of that year. The immense snowfall prevented them from getting anywhere close to the front door. But they ultimately did go forward with the sale before they ever got a glimpse of the interior of this unique structure. It is much to our family’s good fortune that they decided to purchase this rare and one-of-a-kind former school.

T

One of the most significant artifacts left behind was the school bell (more about that shortly). Thus, we began reinventing this former schoolhouse into a family keepsake.

Family members did all of the work, most with minimal background in construction, plumbing, or electricity.

Eventually, this once-upon-a-time “learning center” that local students attended became a four-bedroom gathering place. Nothing can compare to the countless memories shared by five families and cousins galore who ventured to this haven in the north each summer.

We were all used to relatively modern conveniences available in the 1950s. So using an outhouse and hand pump from a well was quite an experience for city kids living in rural areas. When doing dishes, bath time, and nighttime trips to the outdoor “facilities,” these resources were functional but less than optimal. My dad (bless his sense of humor) loved to wake everyone up in his typical, subtle way.

He had been known to play “Taps” on his bugle for a get-up and get-going early rise. On a few occasions, he would pull the rope on the school bell, which, as we know, could be heard from a significant distance away. None of us minded his antics because it meant more time in the day to enjoy activities with extended family.

It was, eventually, decided by the collective family members that the bell should be given to Ralph Miller, the teacher/ 18 OCTOBER 2024

principal of Mt. Joy school. He lived and maintained the farm on the property next door to the school. However, after hauling the bell over to Mr. Miller’s property, someone took it from that location. Its whereabouts have never been discovered. And the precious sound of that memorable bell has never been heard again.

Rolling hills, farmland, and a peek-a-boo view of Lake Huron surrounded the schoolhouse. I can readily recall the sound of the rustling wind blowing through the leaves on the giant oak tree out back, as well as the feel of the northern air whenever you venture outside. And I can still capture the scent of the sandy beach on Lake Huron, which was frequently your private beach back in those early days. Twenty-one grandchildren had the privilege of sharing and celebrating this historic building. Five of those grandchildren became educators. Although our educational experiences were different, we greatly respect how lessons were presented to students who had attended this school.

In 2006, we re-enacted life in this rural one-room school and dedicated Mt. Joy School as a historic site. May we forever continue to appreciate the history and beauty of this area of the state.

About the Author: As a retired special education teacher, I have had the privilege of working with some amazing children and exceptional families.

It was truly a privilege to share in their early years and be able to impact their lives in such a positive way. I have a knack for writing poetry. Every family member or close friend has been the recipient of poetic verses that have been written specifically for them.

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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OCTOBER IS NATIONAL

Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit, community-led utilities. Because we are a co-op, we can adapt to our local members’ needs, providing the programs and services you care about most.

That’s the power of co-op membership.

GIVEAWAY! As part of our celebration, during the month of October, GLE is giving wall calendars and nightlights away to members at our offices, while supplies last.