Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative provides safe and reliable electric services to members in Southern Minnesota in and around Freeborn and Mower Counties. Currently, the organization serves over 17,781 member owners and 21,092 account locations within 1,235 square miles. The Co-op recognizes the need for convenient, publicly available electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in its service territory, and has joined with other electric cooperatives throughout the nation to deploy Level 2 and 3 charging stations on the CHARGE™ network.
Freeborn Mower’s service territory resides along the high-trafficked interstates of I-90 and I-35, which are prime locations for EV fast charging. Currently, the Co-op provides power to eight Tesla SuperChargers, one ZEF fast charger, four Electrify America fast chargers, and multiple Level 2 chargers. Freeborn Mower recently completed the installation of a Level 2 charger in the parking lot of its newly designed facility and will provide additional Level 2 charging to its member cities in 2023. In regards to home charging, Freeborn Mower also offers $400 rebates towards the installation of Level 2 chargers that participate on a low-cost interruptible rate plan of 5.3 cents per kWh, almost half the cost compared to the typical residential rate.
The Co-op also prioritizes many EV educational outreach opportunities. Currently, the organization allows its employees to test-drive the company’s Tesla Model 3 fleet vehicle. This provides employees with the opportunity to get familiar with the vehicle before making a purchase, as well as the ability to share lessons learned with prospective members who are also in the market. In collaboration with neighboring utilities, Freeborn Mower has recently launched an EV charging brochure and distributed it to local auto dealerships for customers to learn more about EV charging rates and rebates. The Co-op has also started an EV Car Club and looks forward to educating future EV owners and hearing from current EV owners about their EV experiences. The Coop recently held its first “Charged Up” event. Approximately 200 members attended the event to learn more about electric vehicles, electric bikes, electric lawn and garden tools, and visit with a new business in Albert Lea that’s main focus is electric vehicle charging.
“Collaboration with other utilities in our Southern MN Region has been very beneficial for educating members on the benefits of electric vehicles and special charging rates.”
– Bryan Skogheim, Director of Business Development & Energy Solutions at Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative
