CADILLAC, Mich– Wolverine Power Cooperative announced that it is on track to power the rural electric cooperatives it serves with 100% carbon-free energy by 2030, ten years ahead of Michigan’s 2040 target. This milestone positions Wolverine’s member cooperatives as clean energy leaders in Michigan, serving nearly 300,000 homes, businesses, and schools across 44 counties.
“We have integrated clean energy into our portfolio for years and are proud to lead the way in Michigan,” said Eric Baker, CEO of Wolverine Power Cooperative. “Our priority is to approach this transition thoughtfully, ensuring our members and their communities receive carbon-free energy that is both affordable and reliable.”
A key component of Wolverine’s strategy is the recent long-term power purchase agreement to support the restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in southwest Michigan. The Palisades plant will reduce Michigan’s reliance on energy imports and provide a steady baseload power supply. Known for its consistent and carbon-free output, nuclear energy plays a vital role in Wolverine’s plans, complementing ongoing investments in renewable sources. Wolverine currently has 400 megawatts of solar power under various stages of development in Michigan.
“Cooperatives were built by the community, for the community and led by the community,” said Gerry Bundle, Wolverine Board Chair. “As democratically controlled, not-for-profit organizations, our business model ensures every voice has an opportunity to be heard, and those voices guide our decisions.”
Wolverine and its member cooperatives continue to lead in Michigan’s clean energy evolution, building on a legacy that includes the state’s first community solar project and first commercial-scale wind farm. Today, co-ops also empower member-consumers with renewable energy programs that allow for personalized participation while expanding the cooperative’s clean energy portfolio.
As Wolverine and its members navigate the complexities of the clean energy transition, they remain dedicated to providing the communities they serve with clean, affordable, and reliable energy.
To learn more about Wolverine Power Cooperative’s Carbon-Free journey, please visit wolverinepowercooperative.com/100by2030.
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). Wolverine looks forward to welcoming Thumb Electric Cooperative (Ubly) to the cooperative family in the coming months.
