Co-op Energy Talk
News & Politics
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Join us as we discuss the latest energy news and issues that affect Cherryland Electric Cooperative, your northern Michigan member-owned utility.
Episodes
- S12E9 - Checking In On Your Co-op
Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Board President Gabe Schneider discuss the co-op’s current standing and future direction, covering financial health, system improvements, and strategic investments to ensure reliable power and competitive…
- S12E8 - Board Meeting Brief, April 2026
The episode features Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discussing the key points from the April 20th Board of Directors meeting.
- S12E7 - Hard Hats and Hot Takes with Cherryland Lineworkers
Co-op Energy Talk features lineworkers Brad Norton and Kyle Griffin discussing their daily routines, storm readiness, and answering fun questions during Lineworker Appreciation Month.
- S12E6 - Board Meeting Brief, March 2026
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson reviews the main topics discussed at the March 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
- S12E5 - Why FEMA Matters
This episode of Co-op Energy Talk features Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Michigan Electric Cooperative Association President and CEO John Kran discussing the significance of FEMA assistance for cooperative utilities. They explore the p…
- S12E4 - Board Meeting Brief, February 2026
In S12E4 of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson covers highlights from the February 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
- S12E3 - Cherryland's Drone Inspection Program: A New Perspective
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson and Engineer Zach Endres discuss their use of drone technology for inspecting power lines. They explain how drones improve safety, efficiency, and rel…
- S12E2 - Board Meeting Brief, January 2026
Rachel Johnson, CEO of Cherryland Electric Cooperative, discusses key takeaways from the January 19th Board of Directors meeting.
- S12E1 - More Ways to Save: Inside Cherryland’s Energy Waste Reduction Programs
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, host Courtney Doyle and Cherryland Electric Cooperative’s Energy Use Advisor, Tammy Haworth, discuss Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) programs for 2026. They cover the new state mandate, how savings are me…
- S11E22 - Board Meeting Brief, December 2025
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, S11E22, Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson provides an overview of the December 15th Board of Directors meeting.
- S11E21 - Board Meeting Brief, November 2025
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the November 17th Board of Directors meeting.
- S11E20 - The Co-op Difference: How Capital Credits Come Back to You
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk , Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson sits down with Board Chair Gabe Schneider to unpack one of the most unique benefits of co-op membership, Capital Credits. Together, they explain what Capital Credits are,…
- S11E19 - Board Meeting Brief, October 2025
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the October 27th Board of Directors meeting.
- S11E18 - Celebrating Co-op Month: Meet the People Behind Cherryland
In this special Co-op Month episode of Co-op Energy Talk , host Courtney Doyle highlights the people who make Cherryland Electric Cooperative unique. Hear from some of Cherryland’s newest team members, including Adam, Brandi, Blake, Jeff,…
- S11E17 - Board Meeting Brief, September 2025
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the September 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
- S11E16 - By the Numbers: What Cherryland’s KRTA Metrics Reveal
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk , host Courtney Doyle sits down with Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and CFO Brad Pavwoski to break down the co-op's Key Ratio Trend Analysis (KRTA) and why it matters to members. From financial health an…
- S11E15 – Breaking Down MEAP: New Charges, New Opportunities for Members
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk , host Courtney Doyle talks with Cherryland’s Sonya Sias and the Salvation Army’s Patty Steele about changes to the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). Starting in September, members will see a n…
- S11E14 - Board Meeting Brief, July 2025
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the July 28th Board of Directors meeting.
- S11E13 - Behind the Scenes of Energy Policy: What It Means for Cherryland Members
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, host Courtney Doyle welcomes Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) President and CEO John Kran to discuss the critical role rural electric cooperatives play…
- S11E12 - Board Meeting Brief, June 2025
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the June 24th Board of Directors meeting.
- S11E11 - Celebrating Community: Incredible Mo’s Partnership with Cherryland
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Communications and Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Chris Mohrhardt, owner of Incredible Mo’s, to discuss their 10-year partnership hosting Cherryland’s annual meeting and their i…
- S11E10 - Board Meeting Brief, May 2025
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the May 19th Board of Directors meeting.
- S11E9 - Counting Every Voice: A Deep Dive into Cherryland’s Election Process
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland’s Courtney Doyle is joined by Matt Fiala from Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) to take members behind the scenes of Cherryland’s annual board elections. They discuss how partnering with a third…
- S11E8 - Board Meeting Brief, April 2025
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the April 21st Board of Directors meeting.
- S11E7 - Board Meeting Brief, March 2025
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the March 31st Board of Directors meeting.
- S11E6 - Peaking Plants, Peak Performance: How Natural Gas Supports the Grid
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine Power Cooperative CEO Eric Baker join host Courtney Doyle to explore the essential role natural gas plays in keeping the lights on. From Michigan’s unique na…
- S11E5 - Planning for the Future: Cherryland’s Approach to Reliability and Rates
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland CEO Rachel Johnson and Board President Gabe Schneider join Courtney Doyle to break down how Cherryland tracks reliability, financial health, and member value. From smart investments in grid…
- S11E4 - Board Meeting Brief, February 2025
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the February 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
- S11E3 - From Data to Demand: Data Centers and AI's Impact on the Grid
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, Cherryland’s Courtney Doyle chats with CoBank Knowledge Exchange economists Teri Viswanath and Jeff Johnston about the surging demand for electricity driven by data center development and AI. From the…
- S11E2 - Board Meeting Brief, January 2025
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the January 21st Board of Directors meeting.
- S11E1 - Enhancing Reliability: Cherryland's 2025 System Upgrades
In this episode of Co-op Energy Talk, CEO Rachel Johnson and COO Frank Siepker discuss Cherryland Electric Cooperative's ambitious plans for 2025. From transitioning to a new SCADA system to expanding underground infrastructure, these inve…
- S10E23 - Board Meeting Brief, December 2024
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the December 16th Board of Directors meeting.
- S10E22 - Understanding Capital Credits: A Cooperative Advantage
This year, Cherryland Electric Cooperative is retiring $570,000 in capital credits back to its members—a clear benefit of co-op membership. Join CEO Rachel Johnson on this episode of Co-op Energy Talk as she breaks down how capital credits…
- S10E21 - Board Meeting Brief, November 2024
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the November 25th Board of Directors meeting.
- S10E20 - Resilience and Reliability: Cherryland’s Year in Review
Cherryland Electric Cooperative has had a big year, from enhancing grid reliability to advancing sustainability efforts, and we’re here to share the story. In this episode, join CEO Rachel Johnson as she sits down with Cherryland's Board P…
- S10E19 - Board Meeting Brief, October 2024
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the October 28th Board of Directors meeting.
- S10E18 - Courage and Care: Spotlight on Breast Cancer Awareness
Join Cherryland's Communications and Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle as she sits down with CEO Rachel Johnson to discuss her personal journey through breast cancer. In this heartfelt episode, Rachel shares her experience from diagn…
- S10E17 - Board Meeting Brief, September 2024
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the September 23rd Board of Directors meeting.
- S10E16 - Leading The Way To 100% Carbon Free By 2030
Join Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle as she sits down with Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine Power Cooperative CEO Eric Baker to discuss the exciting journey towards providing 100% car…
- S10E15 - Board Meeting Brief, August 2024
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the August 19th Board of Directors meeting.
- S10E14 - Board Meeting Brief, July 2024
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the July 22nd Board of Directors meeting.
- S10E13 - The Power of Partnership: Cherryland and Wolverine
Join Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle as she sits down with Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson and Wolverine Power Cooperative CEO Eric Baker to dive into the unique partnership between the two cooper…
- S10E12 - Board Meeting Brief, June 2024
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the June 24th Board of Directors meeting.
- S10E11 - The State of Our Co-op: A Year in Retrospect
Join Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle in this episode of the 'Co-op Energy Talk Podcast' as she sits down with CEO Rachel Johnson to reflect on the highlights from the past year at Cherryland Electric Cooperative.
- S10E10 - Board Meeting Brief, May 2024
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the May 20 Board of Directors meeting.
- S10E9 - Grid Technology: Cherryland's New Metering Upgrade
Join Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle in this episode of the "Co-op Energy Talk Podcast" as we dive into Cherryland Electric Cooperative's switch to an upgraded metering system. Courtney chats with Jason Rice, meteri…
- S10E8 - Board Meeting Brief, April 2024
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the April 22 Board of Directors meeting.
- S10E7 - Shining a Light on Cybersecurity
In this episode, Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Patrick Kelley, the founder of Léargas Security and Critical Path Security, to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and practical strategies…
- S10E6 - Board Meeting Brief, March 2024
Cherryland Electric Cooperative CEO Rachel Johnson discusses the highlights of the March 18 Board of Directors meeting.
- S10E5 - Striking the Balance and Navigating a Rate Change
In this episode, Communication & Member Relations Manager Courtney Doyle sits down with Cherryland's CEO, Rachel Johnson, and Controller Brad Pavwaski to delve into the cooperative's recently proposed rate change.