MECA News

The Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) is excited to provide innovative safety training by leveraging virtual reality (VR) to provide zero-risk, immersive learning experiences for Michigan's electric cooperatives. As electric co-ops continue to prioritize safety and efficiency, MECA's VR training program is setting a new standard for preparing lineworkers for the challenges they face in the field. A New Approach to Safety Training [...]

After ten days of travel and hard work in Florida, Michigan’s co-op lineworkers have safely returned home. They were part of a national response, with over 15 states sending crews to help restore power in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Nearly 30 Michigan lineworkers answered the call, joining their counterparts to bring electricity back to communities devastated by the storm. The [...]

As Hurricane Milton churns toward Florida, bringing with it the threat of fierce winds and power outages, help is already on the way. Over the weekend, Florida Electric Cooperative Association reached out to MECA and other cooperatives across the country asking for help in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. More than 15 states answered the call, with some coming as far away [...]

Chief Executive Officer The Board of Directors for the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) is seeking their next Chief Executive Officer to continue the strong partnership and reputation it has with stakeholders from across the country and its member cooperatives who collectively serve nearly 300,000 consumer-members and businesses in Michigan. The current CEO, Craig Borr, will retire in March 2025 after 12 [...]

MECA President Craig Borr presents Sen. Debbie Stabenow with NRECA Distinguished Service Award The 2024 NRECA Regions 1 & 4 Meeting, held in Grand Rapids, MI, from September 4–6, brought together electric cooperative CEOs, general managers, directors, voting delegates and key staff to discuss critical industry challenges, share knowledge, and explore the future of energy for rural America. The event kicked [...]

Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) Chief Executive Officer Craig Borr recently notified the cooperative’s Board of Directors of his plan to retire in March 2025 after a remarkable career of more than 40 years serving Michigan’s electric cooperative interests. “For over a decade and during times of tremendous transition in Michigan we are deeply grateful for Craig’s sound leadership, strategic vision, and steady [...]

In June, emerging lineworkers from across the nation gathered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the 2024 Lineworker, Safety, Training & Leadership Conference – hosted by Michigan’s own Great Lakes Energy Cooperative. This unique event showcased individuals nominated for their influential roles in enhancing the safety culture within their utilities. The aim was to educate, collaborate, and engage with peers in the industry. “Our [...]

As tenured Journeyman Linemen retire, the focus of the Joint Michigan Apprentice Program (JMAP) is to ensure a fresh workforce is highly trained and qualified to fill those steel-toed boots and this past May the most recent cohort joined over 120 other lineworkers as graduates of the program. “Our team has put together a world class curriculum and program with instructors from [...]