For 90 years, People’s Energy Cooperative has provided electric service to the rural communities and areas around Rochester. Throughout 2026, we will share stories from our rich history to better understand where we have been and where we are going.
Part of the mission of People’s Energy Cooperative (PEC) is to ensure fair and reasonable prices for the services we provide. Unfortunately, since the
COVID pandemic, costs have risen sharply and the need to build, maintain, and repair the electric system continues.
In the early morning hours of January 24, 2026, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), issued a series of operational alerts to electric generation utilities and market participants. The alerts indicated that the electric grid was experiencing significant strain due to extreme temperatures, forced shutdowns of generation resources, low wind production, and transmission congestion related to Winter Storm Fern.
New year, new chapter – and a fun chance to get to know the person steering our cooperative forward. We’re thrilled to introduce Gwen Stevens, People’s Energy Cooperative’s new President & CEO.
