Category: Member News
Back to school in a brighter, more efficient space
| Posted in: Bright Energy Solutions Rebates, Member News, MRES Today Stories
Harris-Lake Park Community School District began the 2026–27 school year with preschool through fourth-grade students learning in a new 36,000-square-foot elementary addition. Bright Energy Solutions, through Lake Park Municipal Utilities, provided more than $18,000 in rebates for efficient HVAC and lighting systems, producing nearly 49 kilowatts in energy savings. The improvements support comfort, indoor air quality and long-term operating savings while helping the district stretch community dollars. Additional rebates also supported efficiency upgrades at the district’s bus barn.
Honeywell joins MRES board of directors
| Posted in: Member News, MRES Today Stories
Kristi Honeywell has been appointed to the MRES board of directors, succeeding longtime board member Brad Palmer. As Pierre’s city administrator, she brings decades of experience in engineering, public administration and municipal leadership. Honeywell has overseen major city projects and previously served 24 years in South Dakota state government. She looks forward to working collaboratively with fellow board members to address infrastructure, workforce and long-term energy challenges while helping shape the future of public power for MRES member communities.
Brad Palmer retires from MRES board
| Posted in: Member News, MRES Today Stories
After serving on the MRES board since 2022, Brad Palmer has retired, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated leadership and service to public power. A longtime utility director for the City of Pierre, Palmer helped guide key decisions on power supply, infrastructure and reliability while championing member communities. He credits MRES’ employee-focused culture and strong advocacy as highlights of his tenure.
Community center earns nearly $10,000 rebate for energy-efficient upgrades
| Posted in: Bright Energy Solutions Rebates, Member News, MRES Today Stories
The Prime West Health Runestone Community Center in Alexandria, Minnesota, received a $9,682.50 rebate from ALP Utilities for energy-efficient upgrades during its expansion. New LED lighting and HVAC improvements are creating brighter, more comfortable spaces while lowering energy use and long-term costs. The project is also expected to reduce demand by over 27 kilowatts and save more than 30,000 kilowatt-hours each year.
MRES, partners help turn energy planning into savings
| Posted in: Bright Energy Solutions Rebates, Member News, MRES Today Stories
A recent project in Lac qui Parle County shows how the right partnerships can turn energy planning into real, measurable savings. Through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, energy audits helped identify simple, high-impact upgrades that brought better lighting, lower energy use and $1,019.20 in rebates for the Public Health Building and University of Minnesota Extension offices.