MRES expands access to EV charger at headquarters

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers now have another convenient charging option in southwest Sioux Falls. The EV charger at Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) headquarters is now available to MRES members, employees and the public through the ChargePoint network.

Originally installed during the headquarters building addition, the charger was part of a long-term vision to prepare for the growing adoption of EVs. According to Reece Chambers, resource engineer III, the MRES EV Committee recommended installing the necessary conduit and infrastructure during construction, anticipating that more members would arrive at MRES in electric vehicles for training sessions, meetings and board meetings. Member municipalities in Detroit Lakes and Marshall, Minnesota, had purchased Ford F-150 Lightning trucks, and MRES recognized that EV adoption would continue among members and visitors.

“As EV adoption continues to grow, we wanted to make sure MRES was prepared for the future. Opening the charger to members, employees and the public expands access to charging while making MRES a convenient stop for anyone traveling through the area.”

—Tammie Krumm, vice president of human resources and administration

“As EV adoption continues to grow, we wanted to make sure MRES was prepared for the future,” said Tammie Krumm, vice president of human resources and administration. “Opening the charger to members, employees and the public expands access to charging while making MRES a convenient stop for anyone traveling through the area.”

The charger is connected to the ChargePoint network, one of North America’s largest EV charging networks, making it easy for drivers to locate and use. Through the free ChargePoint app, users can find the station on public maps, check whether it’s available before arriving, start and stop charging from their phone, receive a notification when charging is complete and securely pay through the app.

“Our job is to help our members navigate changes in the electric industry,” said Alex Abplanalp, vice president and chief strategy officer. “As more people drive electric vehicles, it made sense to make this charger available not only to our members, but to employees and the public as well. It’s a simple way we can provide another useful service to the communities we serve.”

Public users and employees can charge using the ChargePoint app for $0.35 per kilowatt-hour. MRES members are eligible to charge at no cost after joining the MRES Member group by scanning the designated QR code or following the provided link. Once approved, the member rate is automatically applied each time charging begins through the app.

Getting started is simple. Download the free ChargePoint app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, create an account, add a payment method (if applicable), and locate the MRES charger in the app or scan the station’s QR code. After plugging in the vehicle, charging can be started through the app or by following the prompts on the charger. The app will notify drivers when charging is complete, allowing them to move their vehicle and make the charger available for the next user.

Whether someone is attending a meeting at MRES, working nearby, staying in the area or simply passing through Sioux Falls, the charger provides another reliable public charging location while supporting the continued growth of electric transportation. “By expanding access to the existing charger, MRES is continuing its commitment to providing practical, forward-looking energy solutions that benefit our members and communities,” Abplanalp said.

To join the MRES Member group and receive complimentary charging at MRES headquarters, visit https://bit.ly/ChargePointMRES.