How Great Lakes Energy Coop compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Great Lakes Energy Coop, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Zeeland | 10.12 | 6,037 | -9.05 | -$977 |
| City of Holland | 11.68 | 26,608 | -7.49 | -$809 |
| City of Traverse City | 12.70 | 9,161 | -6.47 | -$699 |
| City of Grand Haven | 14.74 | 13,231 | -4.43 | -$478 |
| Cherryland Electric Coop Inc | 16.36 | 35,100 | -2.81 | -$304 |
| Indiana Michigan Power Co | 17.00 | 112,600 | -2.17 | -$234 |
| Alpena Power Co | 17.43 | 13,763 | -1.75 | -$189 |
| Tri-County Electric Coop | 18.04 | 23,034 | -1.13 | -$122 |
| Consumers Energy Co | 19.11 | 1,657,843 | -0.06 | -$7 |
| Great Lakes Energy Coop (this page) | 19.17 | 120,645 | — | — |
| DTE Electric Company | 20.13 | 2,067,758 | +0.96 | +$103 |
| Presque Isle Elec & Gas Coop | 20.99 | 32,446 | +1.82 | +$197 |
11 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Great Lakes Energy Coop. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Great Lakes Energy Coop customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, while the supply portion is separately shoppable in Michigan (see below).
Where Great Lakes Energy Coop customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Great Lakes Energy Coop premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa | City of Zeeland | 10.12 | +$977 |
| Allegan | City of Holland | 11.68 | +$809 |
| Grand Traverse | City of Traverse City | 12.70 | +$699 |
| Kalkaska | Cherryland Electric Coop Inc | 16.36 | +$304 |
| Manistee | Cherryland Electric Coop Inc | 16.36 | +$304 |
| Wexford | Cherryland Electric Coop Inc | 16.36 | +$304 |
| Montmorency | Alpena Power Co | 17.43 | +$189 |
| Barry | Tri-County Electric Coop | 18.04 | +$122 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies. In Michigan you can shop the supply portion regardless of county. Showing the 8 highest-premium counties of 26 served.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 17.71 | 19.17 | +8.3% |
| Residential customers | 120,183 | 120,645 | +0.4% |
Ownership: Cooperative. Statewide context: Michigan electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Great Lakes Energy Coop bill
Michigan has residential electric supply choice: Great Lakes Energy Coop delivers the power and bills a default supply rate, but you may buy the supply portion from a licensed competitor instead. Compare offers against the price to compare on the state's official shopping site: michigan.gov/mpsc.
Electric choice capped at 10% of each utility's load (waitlist). Gas Customer Choice (DTE, Consumers, SEMCO) uncapped.
Counties served (MI, EIA-861 2024)
Allegan · Antrim · Barry · Charlevoix · Cheboygan · Clare · Crawford · Emmet · Grand Traverse · Kalkaska · Kent · Lake · Manistee · Mason · Mecosta · Missaukee · Montcalm · Montmorency · Muskegon · Newaygo · Oceana · Osceola · Oscoda · Otsego · Ottawa · Wexford
Head-to-head comparisons
- DTE Electric Company vs Great Lakes Energy Coop
- Consumers Energy Co vs Great Lakes Energy Coop
- Great Lakes Energy Coop vs Indiana Michigan Power Co
Questions people ask
- Is Great Lakes Energy Coop more expensive than other Michigan utilities?
- Great Lakes Energy Coop customers paid an average 19.17 cents/kWh in 2024 — 1% below the Michigan volume-weighted average of 19.37 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Great Lakes Energy Coop?
- You cannot switch the wires company — distribution territory is fixed by address. Michigan does allow supply choice, so you can buy the supply portion of the bill from a licensed competitor via michigan.gov/mpsc if its offer beats the price to compare.
- How many customers does Great Lakes Energy Coop have?
- 120,645 residential customers in Michigan in 2024 across 26 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: co-op.