Category: MRES Today Stories
Brad Palmer retires from MRES board
| Posted in: 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.
From the executive team: supporting members beyond power supply
| Posted in: MRES Today Stories
MRES' value extends beyond providing reliable, affordable electricity. Through engineering, technical assistance, strategic planning, communications support and energy-efficiency programs, MRES helps member utilities operate more effectively and serve their communities. Services such as load control, AMI support and Bright Energy Solutions improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer engagement. MRES is also expanding member education through its new Coffee Connections training series and supports public power advocacy through communications resources. By investing in relationships, community programs and workforce development, MRES strengthens its membership while adapting to changing energy needs.
How MRES delivers value through tailored support
| Posted in: MRES Today Stories
MRES members using Tyler Technologies software receive more than technical support — they gain a trusted partner. MRES utility billing and software support specialist helps 27 member utilities maximize their CIS and billing software through personalized training, responsive troubleshooting and workflow guidance. With hundreds of support cases resolved each year and a deep understanding of utility operations, MRES empowers members with the knowledge and confidence to work more efficiently and effectively.
Strengthening the transmission system: Missouri River Energy Services' role
| Posted in: MRES Today Stories
MRES is advancing major transmission projects to strengthen grid reliability, support growing energy demand and prepare for the evolving energy landscape. Working through regional planning efforts led by MISO, MRES is helping develop several high-voltage transmission lines, including the Big Stone South–Alexandria and Alexandria–Big Oaks 345-kV projects, which will improve power transfer capability, reduce congestion and enhance reliability across Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. MRES is also investing in local projects such as the Appleton–Benson 115-kV line. Together, these projects will improve resilience, support renewable energy integration, expand access to lower-cost electricity and ensure reliable service for member communities for decades to come.