Lake Region Electric Cooperative Energy Forum draws nearly 100 to Ottertail

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – Nearly 100 people attended Lake Region Electric Cooperative Energy Forum at Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail on May 18.

The Otter Tail County electric cooperative and other regional utility providers gave updates to concerns facing the industry and the state of all-things-energy in west-central Minnesota.

Priti Patel, chief transmission officer for Great River Energy, said energy infrastructure is going to be entering a transitional period in coming years.

“There is a lot that is coming our way,” said Patel, during the forum. “And, the speed at which policies are changing, the speed at which they need to change, many of us are putting a great deal of time and energy into understanding what it’s going to take to make sure that this fleet transition that is occurring, not just across our state, but our region, that we can continue to deliver reliable and affordable service. Building transmission is a strategic solution to some of the challenges that we face as our generation is transitioning in our region.”

Also participating in the event were: the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Minnesota Rural Electric Association and Mining Minnesota.