Thumb Electric Cooperative (TEC) and Wolverine Power Cooperative (Wolverine) are excited to announce that TEC will be joining Wolverine as a member-owner. This strategic partnership offers mutual benefits while ensuring TEC’s access to the reliable, competitive, and clean power supply provided by Wolverine.
“We are excited to join Wolverine and fellow Michigan co-ops,” said TEC’s CEO Brad Essenmacher. “This partnership ensures that we can continue delivering reliable, affordable electricity to our members amidst the challenges of a shifting energy market.”
As the energy landscape evolves, TEC’s Board of Directors made a forward-looking decision to join forces with Wolverine, headquartered in Cadillac, Michigan. This move will address the challenges posed by significant generation retirements and new Michigan energy laws requiring increased commitments to renewable and clean energy.
Wolverine Power Cooperative operates under the same cooperative model as TEC, ensuring that TEC members will benefit from the same values and principles they have always trusted. Wolverine’s portfolio includes modern and reliable natural gas plants across the Lower Peninsula, 200 MW of wind power in Michigan’s Thumb, and a long-term agreement to purchase 436 MW of power from the Palisades Power Plant once it restarts in late 2025. This diverse and clean energy mix puts TEC, along with Wolverine’s other member-owner cooperatives, on track to have the lowest carbon-footprint of any utility in Michigan, all while maintaining reliability and affordability.
Eric Baker, CEO of Wolverine Power Cooperative, added, “We are proud to serve Thumb Electric Cooperative and welcome them to our family of Michigan cooperative owners. Together, we are well-positioned to navigate the evolving energy landscape and look forward to the journey ahead.”
About Thumb Electric Cooperative
Thumb Electric Cooperative (TEC) is a member-owned electric utility dedicated to providing reliable, affordable, and safe energy services to its members in the Thumb region of Michigan. Established in 1937, TEC serves approximately 12,000 members across Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties. Learn more by visiting www.tecmi.coop
About Wolverine Power Cooperative
Wolverine Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission cooperative serving the wholesale power supply and transmission needs of seven member-owners: Cherryland Electric Cooperative (Grawn); Great Lakes Energy (Boyne City); HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative (Portland); Midwest Energy & Communications (Cassopolis); Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op (Onaway); Spartan Renewable Energy (Cadillac); and Wolverine Power Marketing Cooperative (Cadillac). Learn more by visiting www.wolverinepowercooperative.com
