GREAT RIVER ENERGY - ELK RIVER Operations Center, Elk River, Minnesota | Utility Operations

GREAT RIVER ENERGY - ELK RIVER is an operations center located at 17845 HIGHWAY 10 in Elk River, Sherburne County, Minnesota, United States. As part of Great River Energy, a generation and transmission cooperative, this facility plays a key role in managing electricity supply for member cooperatives across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. The operations center is classified under NAICS codes 221112 (Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation), 221118 (Other Electric Power Generation), and 562213 (Solid Waste Landfills), indicating a diverse operational scope. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards, which mandate cybersecurity and physical security measures for bulk power system assets. Given its role as an operations center, it likely coordinates grid reliability, dispatch, and emergency response for a regional service area. The center's location in Elk River, a growing community near the Mississippi River, supports both urban and rural electricity needs. Environmentally, the operations center contributes to grid stability and renewable integration, as Great River Energy has invested in wind and solar resources. The facility's proximity to the Mississippi River and local ecosystems underscores the importance of spill prevention and environmental compliance. Its operational status ensures continued service to over 700,000 member-consumers, highlighting its significance in regional energy infrastructure.

The operations center is situated in Elk River, Minnesota, within the Mississippi River watershed. Great River Energy has a diverse generation portfolio including coal, natural gas, wind, and solar, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions. The facility's role in grid management supports renewable energy integration and reliability. Local environmental considerations include stormwater management, wetland preservation, and compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.