Economic Development

Because they are owned by their members, Minnesota electric cooperatives are an integral part of the communities they serve. With more than 65 years of experience in providing affordable and reliable electric service, cooperatives are a ready-made delivery system for improving the economic health of their rural and suburban communities.

As a result, cooperatives do more than just supply power. They aggressively work to attract new businesses and help expand existing businesses. Cooperatives often undertake projects that improve infrastructure and quality of life, cornerstones of economic development and job creation. Cooperatives, for example, spur job creation by guaranteeing zero-interest loans secured through the USDA Rural Development Service. Projects funded by these loans benefit entire communities, not just areas served by electric cooperatives.

The economic development efforts of Minnesota electric cooperatives are an extension of the rural electrification program's original goal to provide a quality of life for all citizens no matter where they live.