Category: MRES Today Stories
Smart Energy Squad prepares for another year of impact
| Posted in: MRES Today Stories
MRES is encouraging member utilities to participate in the Smart Energy Squad program, an interactive energy education initiative for fifth-grade students. The program teaches energy efficiency, electricity generation and responsible energy use through hands-on activities, classroom lessons and take-home energy kits. Participating utilities report stronger connections with local schools while helping students develop lifelong energy-saving habits. MRES shares program costs with member utilities, making it an affordable way to educate future energy consumers and engage communities.
Power with a purpose: my Light Up Navajo experience
| Posted in: MRES Today Stories
Bryan Hall, apprentice lineworker, from Hillsboro, North Dakota, shares his experience participating in the 2026 Light Up Navajo initiative, helping bring electricity to homes across the Navajo Nation. While the work of setting poles and connecting service was familiar, the remote desert terrain and long travel distances made the project unique. Beyond the technical work, the experience highlighted the life-changing impact of reliable electricity and the power of teamwork.
From the executive team: cybersecurity starts with people
| Posted in: MRES Today Stories
Cybersecurity is more than technology — it depends on informed, vigilant employees. MRES Vice President & Chief Information Officer Rich Kruthoff highlights how phishing, social engineering and other cyber threats often exploit human error rather than technical weaknesses. MRES encourages ongoing education, simulated training and a culture of accountability to strengthen security across MRES and our member utilities. With cybersecurity talent in high demand, every employee plays a vital role in protecting critical systems by staying alert, reporting concerns and practicing secure habits every day.
Preparations underway for major fall outage at Exira Station
| Posted in: MRES Today Stories
MRES is preparing for a major planned maintenance outage at Exira Station this fall to complete critical inspections, repairs and equipment upgrades on Unit 2. By combining several major projects into one outage, the utility aims to reduce future downtime and improve long-term reliability. A new on-site turbine shop, completed this summer, will allow maintenance to be performed more efficiently, reducing transportation needs and helping crews return units to service faster while ensuring dependable power generation for member communities.
Honeywell joins MRES board of directors
| Posted in: 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.