Cloverland To Upgrade System

Improved service to electricity customers is the goal as Cloverland Electric Cooperative in the Upper Peninsula is preparing to upgrade its system using a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development program.

Congressman Bart Stupak announced the $10 million loan November 1, saying the money would benefit electricity consumers in his district.

"This funding will allow Cloverland Electric Cooperative to meet new demands and, in some cases, provide improved service for residents throughout Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac and Schoolcraft counties," Mr. Stupak said.

The loan will be used for a fouryear program to strengthen the utility's network, perform maintenance on Cloverland's plant, and meet growing demands for energy throughout the four counties. The funding will allow Cloverland to build 53 miles of new distribution lines and serve an additional 1,400 customers, said Donald Wozniak, manager of Cloverland Electric Cooperative.

The enhanced service features will include automatic meter reading, so Cloverland's customers no longer need to read their meter when they mail in their electric bill each month, Mr. Wozniak said. The upgrades will allow the cooperative to respond more quickly and efficiently to power outages.

Cloverland Electric serves 19,000 households throughout the U.P. The loan is being provided as a U.S. Treasury rate loan and is to be repaid over 35 years.