Cherryland Electric Cooperative

What Cherryland Electric Cooperative does

Cherryland Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric distribution cooperative that serves approximately 38,000 residential and commercial member-owners across six counties in northern Michigan: Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Benzie, Kalkaska, Wexford, and Manistee. Founded in 1938-1939 as part of the federal rural electrification program, the cooperative operates as a distribution utility, purchasing wholesale power from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative and delivering it through substations and more than 300 miles of power lines. Members elect a seven-member board of directors to govern the cooperative, and excess revenue is returned as capital credits rather than distributed as profits.

The cooperative's core product is electricity distribution, supplemented by a portfolio of member-facing digital services and programs. Its technology stack includes the SmartHub member portal (web and mobile), an ArcGIS-powered outage management system with text-based outage reporting, an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) rollout underway from 2024 through 2026, and a drone-based infrastructure inspection program initiated in 2018 with FAA-licensed pilots trained through Northwestern Michigan College. Renewable and energy-efficiency offerings include the SpartanSolar community solar array, net metering, buy-all sell-all, Time of Use rate options, residential and commercial appliance rebates (commercial up to $10,000-$15,000 per project), and home energy assessments.

Cherryland's revenue is generated primarily through monthly electricity distribution charges under both standard residential and optional Time of Use rate schedules ($0.10/kWh off-peak, $0.205-$0.210/kWh on-peak). Ancillary revenue streams include $100 new residential service connection fees, $150 non-refundable construction deposits for service modifications, and rebates that function as cost pass-throughs. The cooperative's energy portfolio is 62% carbon-free and 19% renewable, sourced in part through long-term power purchase agreements with the Harvest Wind Farm (2007) and Deerfield Wind Farm (2016). Community-facing programs include Cherryland Cares (over $906,000 donated to local nonprofits in 10+ years), zero-interest economic development loans (over $6.7 million deployed since 1998 with zero defaults), scholarships, and the annual Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. A new $35 million, 115,000-square-foot headquarters is under construction in Garfield Township with anticipated move-in in spring 2028.

Name

Cherryland Electric Cooperative

Legal name

Cherryland Electric Cooperative

Website

https://cherrylandelectric.coop

Company type

Private

Founded year

1938

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Cherryland Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving approximately 38,000 residential and commercial members across six counties in northern Michigan through substations and over 300 miles of power lines.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Utility Distribution

NAICS

Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211), Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution (22112), Electric Power Distribution (221122)

SIC

Electric Services (4911)

akta.pro primary industry

Electric Cooperatives (Rural/Member-Owned Utilities) (EUADABAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Distributed Generation (DG) Solar & Small Wind (EUAMAJAD), Community Microgrids & Shared Distributed Generation (EUACALAC)

Keywords

• Electricity distribution
• Member-owned cooperative
• Renewable energy programs
• Energy efficiency rebates
• Grid infrastructure services

Headquarters

HQ city

Grawn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Electricity Distribution: As a distribution cooperative, Cherryland's primary revenue comes from electricity distribution to 38,000 residential and commercial members across six counties. The cooperative purchases power from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative and distributes it through its infrastructure to end users. Rates are set to cover costs and are not profit-driven as the co-op is not-for-profit.
2. Service Connection Fees: New residential service connections include a $100 connection fee. Additional charges may apply for extra footage, temporary service, obstacles, and winter construction. Commercial and non-residential projects receive personalized quotes.
3. Service Modification Fees: Projects modifying existing service (pole barn power, underground upgrades, meter moves) require a $150 non-refundable construction deposit that goes toward the project cost.
4. Energy Efficiency Rebates: Residential and commercial rebates on energy-efficient appliances and HVAC equipment, with commercial projects eligible for up to $10,000 per project (and up to $15,000 per business member).
5. Capital Credits: As a not-for-profit cooperative, excess revenue is allocated to members as capital credits rather than distributed as profits. These allocations are eventually retired and returned to members based on board approval and financial health.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Cherryland Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric distribution cooperative that distributes electricity to approximately 38,000 residential and commercial member-owners across six counties in northern Michigan. Its core business is purchasing power from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative and delivering it through its substations and 300+ miles of power lines, supplemented by member programs such as energy efficiency rebates, renewable energy offerings, outage management services, and community initiatives.

Product overview

Cherryland Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit member-owned electric utility providing electricity distribution to approximately 38,000 members across six counties in northern Michigan. Rather than a single unified product, the cooperative offers a portfolio of core electricity distribution services augmented by multiple member programs and digital tools. The core product is residential and commercial electricity distribution, with power supplied through Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative (62% carbon-free, 19% renewable). Supporting services include the SmartHub member portal for account management and bill payment, an outage management system with text alerts and interactive mapping, and energy efficiency programs including rebates, home energy assessments, and Time of Use rate options. Renewable energy offerings span community solar (SpartanSolar), net metering, buy-all sell-all, and large renewable programs. Additional member programs include drone-based infrastructure inspections, vegetation management, capital credits (profit returns), Cherryland Cares charitable giving, scholarships, Youth Tour leadership program, and free safety presentations. The cooperative also supports economic development through zero-interest loans and business energy rebates up to $15,000. A new 115,000 sq. ft. headquarters is under construction (expected 2028, $35M contract) to support continued growth.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Residential Electricity Distribution Standard electricity distribution service to approximately 38,000 residential meters across six counties in northern Michigan (Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Benzie, Kalkaska, Wexford, and Manistee). Power is purchased from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative and delivered through Cherryland's substations and power lines.
• Commercial Electricity Distribution Electricity distribution services for commercial and business member-owners, with custom commercial energy efficiency rebate programs up to $10,000–$15,000 per project, access to zero-interest economic development loans, and renewable energy program options for high-usage operations.
• SmartHub Member Portal Online and mobile (iOS/Android) member portal for account management, bill payment, outage reporting, usage analysis, and auto-pay enrollment, available via web and dedicated mobile application.
• Outage Management System Interactive outage center providing text alerts (OUT/STATUS/QUIT commands to 800-442-8616), a real-time ArcGIS outage map, and multi-channel outage reporting via text, SmartHub, phone, and online streetlight reporting.
• Energy Efficiency Rebates Residential and commercial rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances, HVAC equipment, and other qualifying energy-saving measures. Residential rebates include appliance and heating/cooling incentives, and commercial projects are eligible for up to $10,000 per project (and up to $15,000 per business member in some cases).
• Community Solar (SpartanSolar) Community solar subscription program allowing members to subscribe to panels in the SpartanSolar array without installing rooftop panels. Subscriptions cost $600 upfront or $10/month for 5 years; members receive $0.10/kWh bill credits for 15 years.
• Net Metering Solar generation program where members install on-site systems and receive a two-way meter. Usage is offset at retail rate; excess generation earns $0.056/kWh credit. Agreement term is 10 years.
• Buy-All Sell-All Solar Program for members to install solar systems up to 100 kW and sell all generated electricity to Cherryland at $0.065/kWh for a 20-year agreement, designed for members seeking to be net energy suppliers.
• Large Renewable Energy Program Solar program for high-usage members installing arrays between 20 kW and 1 MW. Generators can receive credits for excess production up to 10% of projected annual output at power supply cost rate. Agreement term is 10 years.
• Time of Use Rate Optional residential rate with lower off-peak pricing ($0.10/kWh) during specific windows and higher on-peak pricing ($0.205–$0.210/kWh). Summer peak hours are 2–6 PM (May–September); Winter peak hours are 5–9 PM (October–April). 12-month lock-in required.
• Home Energy Assessments Free DIY home energy assessment with a customized energy-saving kit (smart thermostat, weather stripping, shower optimizers, faucet aerators, water heater pipe insulator) based on online questionnaire, with in-home thermal imaging assessments available in some cases.
• Electric Vehicle Program Resources Information and resources for members considering electric vehicle purchases, including details on EV models at various price points and guidance on home charging infrastructure.
• Winter Protection Plan Disconnect protection program for low-income members and seniors aged 65 and older from November through March, ensuring continued electric service during winter months for qualifying members who have exhausted government assistance programs.
• New Service Connections and Service Modifications New residential service connections with a $100 connection fee (additional charges for extra footage, temporary service, obstacles, and winter construction); commercial and non-residential projects receive personalized quotes; service modifications require a $150 non-refundable construction deposit that is applied toward the project cost.

Quantifiable outcome

• 62% of member energy served by carbon-free sources
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• Northwestern Michigan College (NMC)supportingTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2018Cherryland's drone pilots are trained through NMC's Unmanned Aerial Systems program. Engineers, lineworkers, and operations staff received training and licensing to become FAA-licensed drone pilots for infrastructure inspection and outage response.
• Deerfield Wind FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 201620,000-acre wind farm in Michigan's Thumb that more than quadrupled Cherryland's wind energy supply when added in 2016.
• SpartanSolarcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2013Community solar provider for Cherryland's SpartanSolar community array program. Members purchase panel subscriptions and receive bill credits for their share of the solar array's output. Panel subscription costs $600 up-front or $10/month for 5 years, returning $0.10/kWh on monthly bills for 15 years.
• Harvest Wind FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Michigan's first commercial wind farm located in the Thumb region. 3,200-acre project marking Cherryland's entry into wind energy supply in 2007.
• Wolverine Power Supply CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCherryland is a distribution cooperative that purchases power from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, another member-owned cooperative. Wolverine generates power and purchases power through contracts with other utilities, transmitting it across the electrical grid to substations serving Cherryland and other distribution co-ops. Two Cherryland board directors represent member interests on the Wolverine board.
• Michigan SavessupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMichigan Saves contractor database recommended to members seeking solar installation contractors. Members can search the database for solar contractors with contact info and customer reviews to find qualified installers.
• National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization representing electric cooperatives. Cherryland participates in NRECA programs including America's Electric Cooperatives PAC and Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
• Garfield TownshipsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partnership for Cherryland's new headquarters facility on Rennie School Road. Township has approved rezoning and site plan, with coordination on water/sewer infrastructure and road access (Oleson Boulevard).

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Michigan Saves: State-authorized clean energy financing program that Cherryland recommends to its members for solar and energy-efficiency projects. Comparable as an enabling ecosystem partner in Michigan's distributed energy market rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• DTE Energy: Detroit-based investor-owned utility serving much of southeastern Michigan with electricity and natural gas. Overlaps with Cherryland on electricity distribution as the broader Michigan market incumbent, but operates at much larger scale with rate-base and capital structure unavailable to a co-op.
• Consumers Energy: Michigan's largest investor-owned utility serving the majority of the state's lower peninsula including areas adjacent to Cherryland's service territory. Serves the same residential and commercial end customers with electricity distribution at much greater scale and broader geographic reach.
• Lansing Board of Water & Light: Municipal electric and water utility serving Lansing and surrounding areas in Michigan. Comparable as a community-anchored, rate-regulated distribution utility with overlapping residential and commercial customer base and similar renewable integration challenges.

Direct peers

• Midwest Energy Cooperative: Distribution electric cooperative serving southwestern and western Michigan. Comparable to Cherryland in scale, rural service territory, and member-driven governance, with similar product offerings across electricity distribution, broadband, and renewable programs.
• Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative: Generation-and-transmission cooperative that supplies Cherryland's wholesale electricity. Wolverine is a direct structural peer within the Michigan cooperative ecosystem, owned by and serving the same class of member distribution co-ops with similar cost-of-service economics and member governance.
• HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative: Distribution electric cooperative serving rural central and western Michigan. Mirrors Cherryland's operating model—member-owned, regulated distribution utility offering similar residential and commercial service programs, capital credits, and community solar initiatives.
• Great Lakes Energy Cooperative: Michigan's largest electric distribution cooperative serving rural western and northern lower Michigan. Operates under the same Touchstone Energy / cooperative member-ownership model as Cherryland, with overlapping territory and a comparable portfolio of rates, rebates, and renewable programs.

Regional players

• ITC Holdings: Michigan-headquartered independent transmission operator whose high-voltage system underpins the grid that delivers Cherryland's wholesale power. Comparable as a Michigan-focused electric infrastructure operator but operating in transmission rather than distribution.

Emerging players

• SpartanSolar: Community solar subscription platform integrated with Cherryland's SpartanSolar program. Comparable as a Michigan-based distributed renewable energy provider offering subscription-style community solar access to retail electricity customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cecelec
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CherrylandElectCoop
• Facebookfacebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cherryland-electric-cooperative
• Instagraminstagram.com/cherrylandec

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cherryland Electric Cooperative