Category: News
Power with a purpose: my Light Up Navajo experience
| Posted in: News
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: News
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: News
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: News
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: News
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.