Bylaws
These bylaws were amended and revised on January 26, 2021.
Cloverland Electric Cooperative Bylaws PDFAnnual Reports
- 2021 Annual Report (PDF)
- 2020 Annual Report (PDF)
- 2019 Annual Report (PDF)
- 2018 Annual Report (PDF)
- 2017 Annual Report (PDF)
NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Posted November 30, 2022
The Board of Directors for Cloverland Electric Cooperative voted on September 27, 2022 to revise its electric rates which will go into effect January 16, 2023. Furthermore, the Board of Directors approved the supporting rate tariffs on November 8, 2022.
The Cooperative has advanced its mission and improved its financial performance without increasing rates since 2017 and has done so in an environmentally responsible manner while providing the delivery of safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to its members.
The Cooperative retained the services of GDS Associates, Inc. Engineers & Consultants to provide a Cost-of-Service Study and as part, has recommended a modified tariff structure with associated rates.
The Cooperative has chosen to follow the recommendations of the GDS consultants, that will have the following estimated impact on the rate classes:
Residential Rates
| Rate Class | Current Rate | Proposed Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Facility Charge | $23.75 | $24.00 per month |
| Energy Charge | $0.04330 | $0.04330 per kWh |
| Energy-Capacity Charge | $0.04819 | $0.04873 per kWh |
| Energy Optimization | $0.00197 | $0.00197 per kWh |
| Demand Rate** | $0.00 | $0.93 per kWh |
General Service 1
| Rate Class | Current Rate | Proposed Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Facility Charge | $25.60 | $26.63 per month |
| Energy Charge | $0.06658 | $0.06658 per kWh |
| Energy-Capacity Charge | $0.02917 | $0.02992 per kWh |
| Energy Optimization | $3.37 | $3.37 per month |
| Demand Rate** | $0.00 | $1.67 per kW |
General Service 3
| Rate Class | Current Rate | Proposed Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Facility Charge | $40.60 | $41.03 per month |
| Energy Charge | $0.06658 | $0.06633 per kWh |
| Energy-Capacity Charge | $0.02917 | $0.02917 per kWh |
| Energy Optimization | $3.37 | $3.37 per month |
| Demand Rate** | $0.00 | $2.02 per kW |
Large Power
| Rate Class | Current Rate | Proposed Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Facility Charge | $110.00 | $141.01 per month |
| Energy Charge | $0.06872 | $0.06726 per kWh |
| Energy-Capacity Charge | $0.00824 | $0.00824 per kWh |
| Energy Optimization | $183.99 | $183.99 per month |
| Demand Rate** | $8.80 | $11.51 per kW |
Lighting
| Rate Class | Current Rate | Proposed Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 60W LED | $9.97 | $10.39 per month |
| 250W Sodium | $15.69 | $17.45 per month |
EV Rate***
| Rate Class | Proposed Rate |
|---|---|
| Facility Charge | $28.00 per month |
| Energy Charge | $0.4330 per kWh |
| Energy-Capacity Charge | $0.0176 per kWh |
| Energy Optimization | $0.00197 per kWh |
| Demand Rate | $4.33 per kW |
**Demand rate is determined by utilizing the member’s single highest one hour reading in the billing cycle during the hours of 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
***Availability is based on physical proof of ownership.
As required by 2008 PA 167, the Cooperative is providing members with written notice of the adoption of the new rates by publishing this notice at least 30 days prior to the rate’s effective date. A full copy of the rate tariffs are available online at cloverland.com or by request at the Cooperative. Rate tariffs will be filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission as required.
NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Click here to review the board resolution for the proposed rate increase.
Click here for proposed rate tariffs.
Posted September 9, 2022
Cloverland Electric Cooperative’s (the “Cooperative”) Board of Directors (the “Board”) desires to adopt new rates for electric service, effective January 2023.
The Cooperative desires to revise its rates for electric service based on a recent Cost of Service Analysis (COSA) completed on January 25,2022 by GDS Associates, Inc. Engineers & Consultants which was subsequently presented to the Board of Directors on July 19, 2022.
The COSA revealed a redistribution of costs compared to revenues is necessary to ensure that each rate class is paying for the proper costs associated with that class of service.
Furthermore, the COSA also revealed that Demand is one of the leading costs incurred by the Cooperative and thus a Demand Charge(a charge based on the maximum power requirement recorded by the meter over a specific time frame during the billing period)should be added to the residential and general service (non-residential) rate classes.
The redistribution of costs to each rate class as determined by the COSA and projected revenue requirements results in rate changes for the following rates classes: Residential(RES1), General Service/Non-Residential (GEN1/GEN3), Large Power (LP), Outdoor Protective Lighting (OPL), Municipal/Street Lighting (STL), Primary Substation Distribution Service (PSDS)and Large Power Mining Operations (LPMO), Choice rates and special contracts; and collectively represent approximately a 5% increase in rates.
With the adoption of these rate changes, the State Reliability Mechanism Surcharge(s)will be adjusted accordingly and shall also take effect in January 2023.
The Cooperative also desires to adopt a new rate for optional residential electric vehicle charging.
Rate definition changes are also necessary for energy optimization and experimental renewable energy rider.
Collectively, these rate classes will be redefined and replace the rate tariffs as they appear in the Cooperative’s rate books No. 5 and No. 9. Rate tariffs will be filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission upon adoption as required.
The Board will review and consider a vote to approve its new rates at the September 27, 2022 board meeting (check Cloverland.com for location and agenda). The current rates and the new proposed rates can be reviewed at the Cooperative’s website: cloverland.com.
NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Posted April 6, 2022
The Board of Directors for Cloverland Electric Cooperative has revised its Construction Fees and Deposits and Notice of Changes located in the Terms and Conditions (Page 15) to take effect as of May 30, 2022. A general summary of the policy is listed below:
Amendments to the Construction Fees and Deposits include the following areas: New Service or Upgrade of Existing Service Application, Outdoor Protective Lighting Application, Make-Ready Pole Attachment Application, Service Connection, Competitive Bidding Job Estimate Fee, Temporary Service Monthly Fee, Submarine Service to Island Permit Deposit and Permit Application Deposit. Amendments and removed fees are further explained in the summary of notable changes located on the Governance page at cloverland.com.
The amendment to the Notice of Changes of the Terms and Conditions clarifies that a notice delivered by the cooperative magazine regardless of postage class also qualifies as adequate notice to the Membership. A sentence was added to the policy and reads as follows: “For any notice required herein, the Cooperative may, in lieu of first-class mailing, publish notices in a periodical issued by the cooperative that is mailed to each member.”
As required by 2008 PA 167, the Cooperative is providing members with written notice of the adoption of the new policy by publishing this notice at least 30 days prior to the policy’s effective date. A full copy of the rules and regulations are also available by request at the Cooperative.
Approved Construction Fees and Deposits
Approved Notice of Changes Revision
NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Posted March 9, 2022
Cloverland Electric Cooperative’s (the “Cooperative”) Board of Directors (the “Board”) desires to revise its Construction Fees and Deposits as it pertains to the Construction Policy that includes the following general changes from its current practices:
Amendments and additions to the Construction Fees and Deposits include the following areas: New Service or Upgrade of Existing Service Application, Outdoor Protective Lighting Application, Make-Ready Pole Attachment Application, Competitive Bidding Job Estimate Fee, Temporary Service Monthly Fee, Submarine Service to Island Permit Deposit, and Permit Application Deposit.
The Board of Directors will review and consider a vote to approve its Construction Fees and Deposits at the March 29, 2022, board meeting (Administrative office, 725 E. Portage Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI). The current practices and the new fees with summary of notable changes can be reviewed below:
Construction Fees and Deposits Summary
Proposed Construction Fees and Deposits
NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Posted February 23, 2022
The Board of Directors for Cloverland Electric Cooperative has revised its Rate Book Introduction, Terms and Conditions, and Construction Policy to take effect as of April 10, 2022. A general summary of the policy is listed below:
Amendments to the Rate Book Introduction were necessary to improve accuracy of the description of the service area and the communities served.
Amendments to the Terms and Conditions include the following areas: Membership Fee, Ownership & Responsibility, Use of Service, Notice of Intent, Conditions of Use, Non-Standard Services, Resale of Electricity, Service to Single Metering Points, Point of Attachment, Metering & Metering Equipment, Apartment Buildings and Residences with Multiple Dwellings, Farm Services, Deposits. New rules include Proper Identification, Meter Relocation, Disconnection/Reconnection and New Services, Personnel Procedures (Accessibility), Publication of Procedures, Access to Rules & Rates, Access to Consumption Data, and Notice of Changes. Removed rules include Other Conditions of Service, Service to House Trailers/Vans/Buses Used as Dwellings, Master Metering, and Deposits Commercial and Industrial. Revised and moved rules to the Member Standards and Billing Practices include Failure to Register and Rate Application.
Amendments to the Construction Policy are significant in scope and organization, therefore, cannot be listed adequately here. Please see the summary of notable changes available in the notices below.
As required by 2008 PA 167, the Cooperative is providing members with written notice of the adoption of the new policy by publishing this notice at least 30 days prior to the policy’s effective date. A full copy of the rules and regulations are also available by request at the Cooperative.
NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Posted January 7, 2022
Cloverland Electric Cooperative’s (the “Cooperative”) Board of Directors (the “Board”) desires to revise its Terms and Conditions, Construction Policy, and Rate Book Introduction that includes the following general changes from its current practices:
Amendments to the Terms and Conditions include the following areas: Membership Fee, Ownership & Responsibility, Use of Service, Notice of Intent, Conditions of Use, Non-Standard Services, Resale of Electricity, Service to Single Metering Points, Point of Attachment, Metering & Metering Equipment, Apartment Buildings and Residences with Multiple Dwellings, Farm Services, Deposits. New rules include Proper Identification, Meter Relocation, Disconnection/Reconnection and New Services, Personnel Procedures (Accessibility), Publication of Procedures, Access to Rules & Rates, Access to Consumption Data, and Notice of Changes. Removed rules include Other Conditions of Service, Service to House Trailers/Vans/Buses Used as Dwellings, Master Metering, and Deposits Commercial and Industrial. Revised and moved rules to the Member Standards and Billing Practices include Failure to Register and Rate Application.
Amendments to the Construction Policy are significant in scope and organization, therefore, cannot be listed adequately here. Please see the summary of notable changes available online.
The Board of Directors will review and consider a vote to approve its revised Terms and Conditions, Construction Policy, and Rate Book Introduction at the February 22, 2022, board meeting. The current practices and the new policy with summary of notable changes can be reviewed below.
Legacy Cloverland Electric Cooperative Introduction – Terms and Conditions
Legacy Edison Sault Electric Introduction – Terms and Conditions
Legacy Cloverland Electric Cooperative Construction Policy
Legacy Edison Sault Electric Construction Policy
Legal Notices
Cloverland Electric Cooperative publishes legal notices of interest to cooperative members in Cloverland Connections magazine mailed bi-monthly to co-op members. In addition to social media channels and our website, Cloverland Connections is a primary communications resource for co-op members.
An archive of legal notices pertaining to the cooperative can also be found on the Michigan Public Service Commission’s website.
- September | October 2021 – Public Act 295 as amended: The Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act
- May | June 2021 – Statement of Non-Discrimination
- November | December 2021 – Notice to Members of Data Privacy Policy
- May 14. 2019 Hearing Notice for the state reliability mechanism charge: U-20508 (PDF)
- May 15. 2018 Hearing Notice for the state reliability mechanism charge: U-20144 (PDF)
- Visit the Michigan Public Service Commission’s Electronic Docket Filings System to view the 2017 Renewable Energy Report
- Visit the Michigan Public Service Commission’s Electronic Docket Filings System to view the 2017 Energy Waste Reduction Report
Member Regulation
The Cloverland Electric Cooperative Board of Directors voted in favor of a proposal to return to being member regulated in accordance with P.A. 167 of 2008, at its special open meeting in Dafter on October 15, 2015. On December 22, 2015, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) determined that Cloverland met the legal requirements to become member regulated effective January 19, 2016.
In general, member regulation allows an electric cooperative to make decisions in specific business areas more efficiently and effectively without having to seek the approval of the MPSC.
Many types of cooperatives such as credit unions, hardware stores, agricultural, telephone, and grocery stores are member-regulated. Each has the common thread of being democratically controlled, member-owned, and not-for-profit.
The 40 municipally-owned electric utilities in Michigan are member-regulated in that the citizens of the town elect the council who then make the decisions and policies for the utility.
All nine of the Michigan electric cooperatives are member-regulated and nationally, 678 or 80% of the electric cooperatives are member-regulated through a locally elected board of directors.
Cloverland Electric Cooperative is governed by nine co-op members elected by the membership to its board of directors. Each director serves a three-year term.
We believe that you, and the directors you elect to represent you, can better govern Cloverland Electric Cooperative and the state Legislature agrees. Public Act 167 of 2008 states that “member-regulation by a co-op in the areas of rates, charges, accounting standards, billing practices, and terms and conditions of service may be more efficient and cost-effective.”
From its founding in 1938 until 1965, Cloverland was member regulated. As the state was growing, aggressive utilities were attempting to take control of co-op service areas. The electric cooperatives requested the MPSC provide territory protection. The MPSC agreed but regulated other business decisions. In 2008, Public Act 167 was adopted allowing electric co-ops a process to return to member regulation.
Cloverland will save approximately $140,000 a year by reducing MPSC assessments and legal fees related to hearings in Lansing.
Cloverland’s board will have the flexibility to establish policies, procedures, and rates much quicker. MPSC hearings and decisions typically take a year or more through the legal process.
Cloverland’s board can make forward-looking budget decisions for the co-op’s infrastructure needs. MPSC’s decisions are based on nearly two year old data.
The process to return to member regulation started with a board member making a proposal. That was done at the regular board meeting on June 19, 2015. A minimum 90-day notice period followed before scheduling a special board meeting to consider the proposal. The proposal and meeting date was provided in the September issue of Michigan Country Lines. Members had seven opportunities at community meetings across the service area to express comments for the board to consider prior to the October 15, 2015 meeting. A dedicated phone number and email address was also established to receive comments.
Cloverland’s board voted on the proposal by an 8 to 1 vote and then notified the MPSC of its decision. Minutes of the meeting were published in the November issue of Michigan Country Lines.