MLEC leadership along with other integral members of McGough Construction, Architectural Resources Inc., and Tegra Group gathered to celebrate the beginning of Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative’s new facility project.

Located near the junction of Highways 169 and 18, the new site is ideally positioned to more effectively and efficiently serve MLEC members. Since its creation in 1939, MLEC has evolved into critical infrastructure, serving more members with more offerings in a more connected world.

“Growth is good, but it had constrained our existing facility’s ability to serve MLEC’s expending business needs,” said Sarah Cron, CEO of MLEC. “This new facility positions MLEC for success in its next 80 years.”

Cron said this long-term investment will help MLEC more competitively meet the needs of community members in Aitkin, Crow Wing, and Mille Lacs counties for affordable energy, efficiency services and high-speed Internet.

The estimated $16 million project will replace the current MLEC facility, located one mile east of Aitkin. It is expected to be complete in the fall of 2024.

“What’s best for our members guides our strategic decisions,” said Harold Harms, board president of MLEC. “Our needs have evolved since the 1960s. However, our communities and members will remain at the center of the project and our future goals. The building will be a gathering place that will serve our communities for years to come. The time is right for Mille Lacs Energy to make this change and step into our next era of growth.”

For more information and updates throughout the construction process, visit mlecmn.net/TheNext80Years and read The Outlet newsletter. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call the MLEC office at 218-927-2191.

MLEC is a not-for-profit, electric distribution cooperative owned by the members we serve.  We provide service to over 13,500 members in parts of Aitkin, Crow Wing, and Mille Lacs counties. Our operations facility is located at 36559 US Highway 169, one mile east of Aitkin, MN.