MRES cost-share programs amplified member outreach in 2025
| Posted in: Member News, MRES Today Stories
Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) helped member utilities amplify community outreach through cost-share programs that reimbursed up to 50% of eligible marketing and event expenses. In 2025, MRES invested more than $75,000, doubling the impact to over $150,000 in local communities. Through co-branded materials, advertising and community events, members strengthened visibility, promoted energy efficiency and reinforced public power values.
Supporting members through experience
| Posted in: Member News, MRES Today Stories
Rock Rapids Municipal Utilities faced a major transition when longtime staff retired, prompting a structured approach to training new linemen. As a Missouri River Energy Services member, RRMU partnered with MRES Distribution Maintenance to locally administer the Denny Merchant Journeyman Lineman Program. The collaboration provided mentorship, hands-on support and regional teamwork, ensuring a smooth generational shift and a strong, well-prepared crew for the future.
Kwik Trip & Bright Energy Solutions® rebates
| Posted in: Bright Energy Solutions Rebates, MRES Today Stories
Bright Energy Solutions (BES) helps businesses lower construction costs and long-term energy expenses by incentivizing smart energy-efficiency decisions made early in building design. Kwik Trip, Inc. has embraced this approach, using BES rebates for 14 new stores in Missouri River Energy Services member communities, earning nearly $100,000 while saving significant energy and demand. BES offers two paths to incentives: a whole-building design review that often yields larger rebates, or simpler prescriptive rebates for individual systems like lighting or HVAC.
Making room for opportunity in Watertown
| Posted in: MRES Today Stories
MRES prepared the Watertown Power Plant for future opportunities by acquiring and clearing adjacent properties, completing demolition and site work, preserving history, improving access, and ensuring long-term flexibility and readiness.
Energy providers to meet growing electricity needs by adding to key Upper Midwest transmission line
| Posted in: News Releases
Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), Great River Energy, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy have applied to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a Certificate of Need to add a second transmission line circuit to the existing power line that runs along Interstate 94 between Fargo and Alexandria.