Cherryland Electric Cooperative5930 US-31, Grawn, Michigan, United States

Cooperatives are businesses, but they're not in it for the money. Because they are not-for-profits, cooperatives don't operate to make shareholders richer. When cooperatives make more money than they spend, and when they're in a good place financially, that extra money (called "margins") goes right back into members' pockets. At Cherryland, we try our hardest every year to keep our costs down and to pass those cost savings on to you in the form of lower rates and better margins. 

Cherryland is a leader in the industry and in our community because we take action. In 1938 northern Michigan needed someone to bring electricity to rural homes. Cherryland didn’t wait for someone else to solve the problem; we did it ourselves. 

As we embarked on the 21st century, our members were interested in renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Did we just sit on the sidelines? No, we took action. 

Today, Cherryland has one of the largest renewable energy portfolios in the state, getting over 18% of our energy from clean, renewable sources. And it continues to grow. From Michigan’s first utility-scale wind farm to Michigan’s first community solar, we are committed to finding innovative ways to source energy that is not only renewable, but also reliable and cost-efficient.

Cherryland Cares

Lending a Hand to Nonprofits 

While we could all use a little help sometimes, some of us need it more than others. That's why we established Cherryland Cares—it's our way of lending a hand to northern Michigan nonprofits doing good work in our local communities. 

What is it? 

Cherryland Cares is overseen by a group of volunteer members who review grant applications and allocate funds to the nonprofit organizations seeking assistance. Since it's an all-volunteer board, 100% of the money donated goes right back into the community. 

How Does It Work? 

It works because of you! Each month, when you choose to round up your electric bill to the nearest dollar, that money goes into the Cherryland Cares fund. And every month, we're blown away by how many members tell us to go ahead and charge them a little bit extra. Did you know that in the last five years alone, you've given $250,000 to deserving groups in our northern Michigan communities?! Groups like Father Fred, Benzie Habitat for Humanity and Rainbow House of Hope have all received Cherryland Cares money to continue their important work in our community.