Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) cost-share programs helped member utilities turn everyday outreach into high-impact community connections.
Through three sponsorship opportunities – Bright Energy Solutions (BES), Value of Public Power (VPP) and Community Co-Sponsorships – members used cost-share dollars to support events, advertising and promotional materials that told their local stories while receiving up to 50% reimbursement on eligible expenses from MRES. From print and digital ads promoting energy efficiency to community events, these tools made it easier for utilities to stay visible in the communities they serve.
MRES invested more than $75,000 in member communities in 2025 using cost-share programs, in the end doubling the impact back to communities of more than $150,000.
Check out how a few MRES members put these options to work with events, customized materials and co-branded messaging that reinforced public power values and energy efficiency. By taking advantage of these cost-share opportunities, members were able to stretch marketing budgets further.
As 2026 gets underway, MRES encourages each utility to participate. More information is available on the members-only site on mrenergy.com. For more information, contact info@mrenergy.com.
In Sauk Centre, co-branded flex travel mugs and hot/cold packs helped keep energy efficiency and the Bright Energy Solutions rebate program visible. MRES also provided co-sponsorship support for two community events, Sinclair Lewis Days in mid-July and Night to Unite on Aug. 5.
On Oct. 13, 2025, ALP Utilities welcomed the Alexandria community to an open house at its new operations center during Public Power Week. Co-sponsored by MRES, the event featured guided tours, food and family-friendly activities, giving neighbors the opportunity to meet the people behind their power and water while celebrating local public power service and community investment.
MRES provided cost-sharing support for Willmar Municipal Utilities through the Value of Public Power by creating co-branded calendars and other practical items. These materials help highlight the role of the municipal utility in everyday life, providing useful resources for residents while reinforcing the reliability and local ownership of public power in Willmar.
On July 24, 2025, the City of Barnesville hosted its annual Community Picnic at Blue Eagle Lake, bringing residents together for an evening of summer fun and community pride. Co-sponsored by MRES, the event included dinner, inflatable games and a giant water slide for kids, live music and a fireworks finale — creating a welcoming space to connect with neighbors and celebrate Barnesville.
Detroit Lakes Public Utilities
MRES provided cost-sharing support for Detroit Lakes Public Utilities through support for the Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center Discovery Series, Community Theater performances at the historic Holmes Theatre and Tuesdays in the Park summer concerts. Through the BES cost-share option, MRES also partnered on a co-branded promotional blanket, giving Detroit Lakes a tangible, reusable way to promote energy efficiency and public power.
Throughout summer 2025, MRES co-sponsored with Denison Municipal Utilities a series of events in Denison that brought energy and community pride to Uptown and the fairgrounds. From Hot Summer Nights on July 10 to the Crawford County Fair, Best in the West Showdown on July 30 and the Tri-City BBQ Fest in September, Denison Municipal Utilities made sure to help sponsor these events so residents and visitors could gather for music, food and family-friendly fun. Together, these events highlighted Denison’s commitment to creating memorable community experiences and connection.
In 2025, MRES provided cost-sharing support for the City of Jackson with community-focused events that brought residents together. From Public Works Day on June 10, where kids received work gloves and ice cream, to the homecoming parade on Oct. 2 and Trunk or Treat on Oct. 30, these co-sponsored activities combined fun and community connection. A highlight of the Trunk or Treat included a bucket truck appearance complete with “Spiderman” dropping candy.
In late September 2025, City of Lake Park, Minnesota, welcomed residents and visitors to its annual Pumpkin Fest, held in late September, celebrating fall with parades, crafts, food and pumpkin-themed fun. MRES provided co-sponsorship support with the City of Lake Park to help support this growing community tradition and strengthen local connections.
The City of Sanborn’s Railroad Days featured Cruise Night on Main Street, antique tractor rides, cook-offs, youth activities and a fireworks finale at Miller Park. With cost-sharing support from MRES, the city helped sponsor multiple days of events that celebrated local history and encouraged community participation.