Wolverine Power Cooperative is responsible for generating and transmitting the power that we distribute to you, our members. They help us ensure that your energy is affordable, reliable, clean and safe. We rely on Wolverine to make well-rounded decisions about the future of your electricity.

We’re proud to announce that the newest addition to the Wolverine Power Cooperative supply mix, the Alpine Power Plant, is now fully powered and generating enough power for 120,000 member households across the state of Michigan!

What is the Alpine Power Plant?

Just 18 short months ago, Wolverine’s board of directors – made up of co-op members just like you – set the Alpine Power Plant in motion. Alpine is the largest and most efficient generator in Northern Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula.

Alpine is fueled by natural gas, a clean, reliable, and affordable alternative to coal. Its unique state-of-the-art technology includes two GE simple-cycle combustion turbine generators that together are capable of producing up to 432 megawatts of power.

Wolverine invested approximately $180 million into Alpine to ensure for quick start and flexible operations. As Michigan moves into a new energy future away from coal-burning power plants, Alpine has given our members a new, efficient and highly-functioning power source for years to come.

How does Alpine impact me?

Wolverine Power Cooperative and its members, including Cherryland, are proud to be leaders when it comes to providing long-term solutions for Michigan’s energy capacity. Old coal plants are retiring, leaving a void that new power plants can and need to fill.

Adding Alpine’s output to Michigan’s energy supply will help to maintain affordable rates in the midst of increasing demand by giving us an additional option to run when commodity rates are fluctuating. The plant will also help to integrate new renewable energy sources, which is important as we expect to receive 18 percent of our electricity from renewable sources in the future.

Beyond the energy benefits for Michigan as a whole, Alpine Power Plant offers economic impacts for its local community as well. Strategically located to support reliability in Northern Michigan, the middle-of-the-mitt location in Otsego County provides a boost to the local economy. During construction, the site was host to over 300 workers that in turn contributed greatly to the local economy. The plant will be maintained by nine full-time employees. The plant also provides tax revenues to units of government in Elmira Township, the City of Gaylord and Otsego County.

Michigan’s energy future is secured in part because of projects like the Alpine Power Plant. We hope you’re as excited as we are to see your electric bills stay low and your quality of life stay high!

If you’ve been hearing rumors that Michigan faces a looming energy shortfall, don’t be worried. Cherryland has your energy needs covered. Get more information about the Alpine Power Plant by visiting Wolverine’s website.