Planning for Tomorrow’s Power Needs
Advocating for Public Power
A Brighter, More Efficient School
Celebrating Hydropower at Red Rock
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September-October 2026
A PUBLICATION OF
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 chargers to members, employees and the public expands access to charging while making MRES a convenient stop for anyone traveling through the area.” - Tammie Krumm, MRES 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. ” Continued on Page 2.
Continued from Page 1.
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, scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/ChargePointMRES
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MRES EV CHARGER ACCESS
FROM THE EXECUTIVE TEAM: PLANNING FOR TOMORROW’S POWER NEEDS Reliable electric service does not happen by accident. Every day, MRES works to ensure our member communities have the power they need — not just today, but years into the future. One of the most important tools that guides those decisions is our Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). An IRP is Missouri River’s long-range strategy for making sure we have the right mix of resources to provide reliable, affordable electricity for decades to come. It helps us evaluate generation resources, market purchases, transmission access and other options so we’re prepared to meet changing energy needs while remaining responsible stewards of our members’ resources.
Terry Wolf, vice president & chief operating officer
“If we had to choose one word to describe it all, it would be balance. It’s our goal and one of our biggest challenges.”
Long-term planning is not about predicting one future. It’s about preparing for many possible futures. We must consider changing electricity demand, community growth, fuel prices, new technologies, regulations, regional energy markets and weather. By evaluating multiple scenarios, MRES can make informed decisions that remain flexible as conditions change. If we had to choose one word to describe it all, it would be balance. It’s our goal and one of our biggest challenges. We must balance reliability with affordability and sustainability. Those goals do not always point to the same solution. A resource may be cost-effective but carry fuel price risk. Another may be renewable but unavailable during periods of peak demand. That’s why MRES maintains a diverse portfolio of generation resources. As highlighted in the story about National Hydropower Day on pg. 10, federal hydropower continues to provide a reliable, renewable foundation for our power supply. Combined with other resources, it helps strengthen system reliability while keeping costs competitive for our members. Planning ahead also protects our member communities. New generation resources, transmission projects, permitting, financing and contracts often require years to complete. By planning early, MRES can respond more effectively to changing markets, reduce exposure to unexpected costs and better prepare for future resource needs. The electric industry will continue to evolve, but MRES remains committed to the principles that have always guided public power: reliable service, reasonable costs and thoughtful, long-term planning. An IRP is not simply a planning document; it’s the roadmap that helps ensure our member communities continue to receive dependable electricity for years to come.
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MRES CONTINUES PROGRESS ON STRATEGIC PRIORITIES MRES continues to advance its strategic plan, with the MRES board of directors and executive team reviewing progress and discussing next steps during strategic planning sessions in July.
“Engaging with membership and policy makers is a foundational component to the plan. Communicating the value of public power and join action, understanding member and customer needs, and maintaining meaningful engagement with lawmakers, regulators and policy makers is vital to MRES’ success.”
the growing importance of integrated resource planning as MRES prepares for future power supply needs.
The board and staff also addressed new technology and the need to focus on advancing member technology solutions. MRES’ strategic plan includes The broader approach reflects eight priorities that help guide the changing technology the organization’s long-term landscape and MRES’ role in direction and focus its efforts helping members evaluate on areas important to MRES and access solutions that can and its members. Five of those Alex Abplanalp, MRES vice president and chief strategy officer benefit member utilities and priorities were addressed during their customers. This includes the July discussions: attracting continued attention to emerging opportunities and challenges and retaining people, maintaining financial stability, creating a such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, along with a reliable and clean energy future, leveraging new technology, broader approach to identifying programs and services that and engaging membership and policy makers. can benefit the membership. The review provided an opportunity to evaluate progress made since the strategic plan was developed and determine how individual strategic actions should move forward. Some initiatives have progressed to the point that they are now considered part of MRES’ ongoing operations, while others were updated or refined to reflect changing conditions, emerging opportunities and member needs. Workforce development remains a strategic action, with the approach refined to emphasize long-term workforce planning, employee development and succession planning. MRES continues to focus on opportunities and initiatives that support long-term financial strength and provide value to members as well as continuing to emphasize local and regional reliability and
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“Engaging with the membership and policy makers is a foundational component to the plan,” said Alex Abplanalp, vice president and chief strategy officer. “Communicating the value of public power and joint action, understanding member and customer needs, and maintaining meaningful engagement with lawmakers, regulators and policy makers is vital to MRES’ success.” The July review by the board and executive team reflects MRES’ ongoing approach to strategic planning. Periodic reviews allow the board and staff an opportunity to assess progress, refine actions as conditions change and ensure the organization remains focused on priorities that support member utilities and their communities.
Brookings Solar Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Help us celebrate this milestone on our road to expanding renewable energy. Date: Oct. 1, 2026 Time: 2 – 4 p.m. Location: 3940 30th St • Brookings, SD For more information and registration, go to mrenergy.com/events Questions, please call 605-338-4042 or email info@mrenergy.com.
Please register by Sept. 25.
MEMBER MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY Each municipal member forms the foundation of Missouri River Energy Services and each membership milestone anniversary reflects decades of working together to provide reliable, community-owned energy that strengthens both individual communities and public power.
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MRES LEADERS ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC POWER IN WASHINGTON, D.C. Representatives from MRES and its member communities across South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa traveled to Washington, D.C., in July to participate in the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) annual Policy Makers Council (PMC) Fly-In. The event brings city leaders from municipal electric utility communities across the nation together to advocate for federal policies that support reliable, affordable and community-owned electric utilities. The PMC is composed of elected and appointed officials who govern municipal electric (public power) utilities. During the fly-in, participants Meeting with Majority Leader Sen. John Thune (center) in Washington, D.C., met directly with members of Congress and their were (from left) Sam McDonald, president of Kanner & Associates; Steve Meyer, staffs to discuss legislative priorities impacting executive vice president and general manager of Brookings Municipal Utilities local public power utilities and the communities (BMU); Spencer Hawley, BMU utility board member; and Matt Schull, MRES they serve. This year’s conversations focused on president & chief executive officer. streamlining energy permitting, protecting the federal hydropower program from regulatory and cost burdens, improving Federal Emergency Management Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Brad Finstad (R-Minnesota) and Tom Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance programs, and preserving Emmer (R-Minnesota). The meetings provided an opportunity the federal exemption allowing municipal utilities to regulate to discuss the unique needs of public power communities attachments on their own poles. throughout the Upper Midwest and reinforce the importance Representing MRES were board members, staff and of policies that preserve local decision-making and community leaders from member utilities in Iowa, Minnesota strengthen the nation’s electric grid. and South Dakota, demonstrating the regional collaboration “At a time when significant policy changes are being that defines Missouri River. Together, they shared how considered that could impact municipal electric utilities, it is public power utilities are investing in infrastructure, meeting increasingly important that growing energy demands “At a time when significant policy changes we engage directly with our and maintaining local congressional delegation are being considered that could impact control while delivering dependable electric service. municipal electric utilities, it is increasingly and their staff members on proposals affecting locally During their time on Capitol important that we engage directly with our owned utilities,” said Deb Hill, the delegation met with congressional delegation and their staff on Birgen, MRES vice president Senate Majority Leader John proposals affecting locally owned utilities.” of government relations. Thune (R-South Dakota), The annual Policy Makers Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-South - Deb Birgen, MRES vice president of government relations Council Fly-In ensures Dakota), Rep. Mariannette that the voices of community-owned utilities are heard in Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), and Washington. By working together and engaging directly Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minnesota). with federal policymakers, MRES representatives help shape The utility representatives also met with staff from the offices policies that support reliable and affordable public power for of Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), the customers and communities they serve. Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) and Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota); and staff of Representatives
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HELP US SHOW WHAT PUBLIC POWER LOOKS LIKE Public power is about more than poles, wires and power plants. It’s about the people behind them and the communities they serve. This fall, MRES is launching “This Is What Public Power Looks Like,” a year-round campaign highlighting the people, careers and work that make public power possible. The campaign will kick off during Public Power Week, Oct. 4-10, and we want to know how you’re celebrating! Members are encouraged to share their Public Power Week activities and photos with MRES so we can showcase how member communities are celebrating public power. Careers in Energy Week, Oct. 19-23, will begin the career-focused portion of the campaign. Throughout the year, we’ll highlight employees and the wide variety of careers that keep public power working.
Celebrate Public Power Week October 4 – 10, 2026
Who should we feature? Send us the name of someone at your utility with a career, story or role that others should know about.
#PublicPower
Public Power Week Marketing Materials
Send your Public Power Week activities and photos and career feature suggestions to communications@mrenergy.com.
MRES has put together a VPP Q4 marketing package to support our members in promoting Public Power Week. These materials are designed to highlight the many benefits local public power utilities provide to their customers and communities.
• Flyers • Bill Stuffers • Print Ads • Radio Ad • Social Media
. Public Local ublicPower isIsP g. It’s PowerIt’s reliable energy that .keeps life#Th movin
icity. . By this community se the than electr is more unity of all, it’s personal, becau comm Public powerMade for this peop le before profits. Most every day puts s and family, working affordable power that your neighbors, friend are r powe your d people behin thrive. to help our community rating! something worth celeb r looks like. And that’s That’s what public powe
Public Power Week •
October 4 – 10, 2026
Public Power Reliable. Be cause som for the light e things can’t wait s to come ba ck on.
Public Powe
r Week
• October 4 Public power – 10, 2026 is more than electricity. It’s power that put relia s people bef ore profits. Mos ble energy that keeps life power are you moving. It’s affo t of all, it’s per r neighbors, friends and fam son rdable ily, working eve al, because the people That’s what pub behind your ry day to help lic power look our commun s like. And that ity thrive. ’s something worth celebra ting!
Members can access and download these resources in the members-only section of the MRES website, www.mrenergy.com. Don’t have access to the site? Contact us at communications@mrenergy.com.
#ThisIsPub
licPower
#ThisIsPublicPower MRES TODAY
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BACK TO SCHOOL IN A BRIGHTER, MORE EFFICIENT SPACE As students return to classrooms this fall, Harris-Lake Park Community School District (CSD) is beginning its first full school year with elementary students learning in a new, energy-efficient space. The district opened its new 36,000-square-foot elementary addition in February of this year, bringing preschool through fourth-grade students onto the district’s existing middle and high school campus in Lake Park, Iowa. Now, with the 2026-27 school year underway, students and staff are experiencing the benefits of a modern learning environment that combines flexible classroom spaces with investments in energy efficiency. Construction of the addition was already underway when an unexpected boiler failure at the former elementary building accelerated the district’s transition into the new facility. What could have been a major disruption instead provided an opportunity to move forward sooner with a building designed around the district’s long-term needs. Bright Energy Solutions® (BES), through MRES member Lake Park Municipal Utilities (LPMU), helped the district maximize that investment by providing incentives for high-efficiency systems installed throughout the building. The improvements resulted in more than $18,000 in rebates and nearly 49 kilowatts in energy savings. Superintendent Mike Thompson said those rebates played a role in decisions made during the planning stages of the project.
“The goal was never simply to build a new building; it was to build a facility that would serve our students and community well for many years.” - Mike Thompson, superintendent of Harris-Lake Park CSD
“Anytime we can reduce the upfront cost of a project while also lowering the long-term cost of operating our buildings, that’s a win for our students, our staff and our community,” Thompson said. “These rebates allowed us to stretch our investment a little further and put more of our resources toward the things that matter most — providing a great learning environment for our students.” From the very start of the project, the district took advantage of the New Construction Design Review process, which takes a whole-building approach to energy efficiency during the design and construction process. By evaluating how the building’s systems work together, the process helped identify opportunities to maximize efficiency while supporting the long-term performance of the building and its equipment. Among the improvements were upgraded HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems designed to provide better indoor air quality and more consistent climate control, along with energy-efficient lighting that reduces electricity use while enhancing the learning environment. Large windows and an open design complement those systems by maximizing natural light throughout the building. The district received rebates for both HVAC and lighting improvements, helping reduce upfront costs while positioning the building for long-term operational savings. “The goal was never simply to build a new building; it was to build a facility that would serve our students and community well for many years,” Thompson said. “The more efficient HVAC and lighting systems are an important part of that. They help create a comfortable, welcoming environment for students while also giving us the opportunity to manage our operating costs over the life of the building.”
Wade Sand (at far left), member account executive with MRES, Amy Bosma (at far right), utility clerk with Lake Park Municipal Utilities, and Marie Matthiesen (middle at right), city administrator for Lake Park, Iowa, present a BES rebate check to Mike Thompson (middle at left), superintendent of Harris-Lake Park CSD.
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The new addition was funded through an $18 million voter-approved bond in 2023 and replaced an aging elementary facility that had ongoing maintenance and safety concerns. The project also created a unified K-12 campus.
This fall, students from preschool through fourth grade are returning to flexible classroom layouts designed to support individualized instruction and collaboration. Having all grade levels on one campus also creates opportunities for cross-grade interaction that district leaders say can strengthen academic and social development. The project demonstrates how partnerships between schools, local utilities and energy-efficiency programs can stretch community investments further. “Being able to utilize Bright Energy Solutions rebates to support our school and students helps stretch local dollars further while improving facilities the whole community depends on,” said Amy Bosma, LPMU utility clerk.
Energy-efficient lighting upgrades in the school gym improve visibility while helping reduce long-term operating costs.
“As a school district, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the dollars our community entrusts to us,” Thompson said. “Programs like this allow us to make smart investments in our facilities while taking advantage of opportunities to reduce costs. Saving money on energy and operating expenses means those dollars can ultimately be used to support our students in other ways.” As another school year begins, Harris-Lake Park’s new elementary space provides a timely example of how energy-efficiency investments can deliver benefits that extend beyond energy savings. A thoughtful building design helped to create bright, comfortable learning spaces while maximizing efficiency throughout.
“As a school district, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the dollars our community entrusts to us. Programs like this allow us to make smart investments in our facilities while taking advantage of opportunities to reduce costs. Saving money on energy and operating expenses means those dollars can ultimately be used to support our students in other ways.” - Mike Thompson
ENERGY EFFICIENCY EXTENDS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
In addition to improvements within the new elementary addition, Harris-Lake Park CSD also leveraged BES rebates for upgrades at its bus barn facility. The district received a $400 HVAC rebate and a $617 LED lighting rebate, resulting in just under 2 kilowatts of energy savings. “The bus barn improvements are a good example of how we can continue looking for opportunities to improve efficiency throughout the district, even when the projects are smaller,” Mike Thompson said. “Every savings adds up, and our responsibility is to look for those opportunities wherever we can.” MRES TODAY
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MRES CELEBRATES NATIONAL HYDROPOWER DAY WITH RED ROCK TOURS MRES marked National Hydropower Day Aug. 24 by welcoming member utilities, legislators and members of the public to the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project (RRHP) near Pella, Iowa, for guided tours of the facility. Participants were given an inside look at how clean energy is generated using the natural flow of the Des Moines River. Visitors also learned about the project’s contribution to MRES’ diverse energy portfolio and the value hydropower provides in supporting electric reliability.
periods of higher river flow, strengthening the diverse resources that serve MRES member communities. MRES also hosted guided tours of the facility for MRES member utilities and the public July 28 and Sept. 22.
“Red Rock demonstrates how renewable energy and reliability go hand in hand,” said Alex Abplanalp, MRES vice president and chief strategy officer. “Our tours give participants an opportunity to see firsthand how hydropower supports the reliable electric service our communities depend on. It’s a great way to showcase the value of public power and the long-term investments MRES is making on behalf of our members.” It’s a unique opportunity to get behind-the-scenes within one of the region’s renewable energy facilities. RRHP can generate up to 55 megawatts of clean electricity during
Vern Cochran, plant supervisor at Red Rock Hydroelectric Project, provides tours for member utilities, legislators and the public.
2026 MRES AREA MEETINGS SCHEDULED Utility representatives and city officials from MRES member communities are encouraged to attend one of four upcoming Area Meetings hosted by MRES. These meetings provide members an opportunity to learn about MRES programs and services planned for the coming year, receive updates on rates, budgets and other timely topics, and meet informally with MRES staff and representatives from other member communities. This year’s Area Meetings will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude with lunch hosted by MRES. Meetings are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
Alexandria Area Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 9 a.m.
Orange City Area Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 9 a.m.
Cavalier Area Meeting Thursday, Oct. 22 | 9 a.m.
Sioux Falls Area Meeting Thursday, Oct. 29 | 9 a.m.
Broadway Ballroom Event Center 115 30th Ave. E Alexandria, Minnesota
American Legion 701 Main St. W Cavalier, North Dakota
Prairie Winds Event Center 908 8th St. SE Orange City, IA
MRES Headquarters – Training Room 3724 W. Avera Dr. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Additional information, including registration details, will be available through MRES. Area Meeting attendees are encouraged to register online at www.mrenergy.com/events by Friday, Oct. 9, so adequate arrangements can be finalized. MRES TODAY
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Scan here todletoarn more an register online!
MRES EMPLOYEES GIVE BACK THROUGH ENRICHMENT DAYS MRES employees recently stepped away from their desks and typical workday and spent some time giving back to the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, community as part of MRES Enrichment Days. Employees volunteered at St. Francis House, helping with projects that included meal and sack lunch preparation, kitchen work and indoor and outdoor cleaning. The days gave employees a chance to lend a hand where it was needed while also spending time together outside of their usual roles at MRES. “There’s something meaningful about stepping away from our normal work and serving together,” said Matt Schull, MRES president and chief executive officer. “Enrichment Days give our employees a chance to connect with each other outside the office and support organizations like St. Francis House that are doing important work in our community.” St. Francis House has served the Sioux Falls community since 1987 with a mission of “Moving People from Homelessness to Hope.” The organization provides a safe place to live along with meals, case management, life-skills support and other resources to help guests work toward stability and independence. Enrichment Days reflect an important part of the MRES culture: providing opportunities to be involved in the communities where employees and members live and work and finding meaningful ways to give back.
LUVERNE LINEWORKERS STEP UP TO THE PLATE FOR THEIR COMMUNITY For the MRES Distribution Maintenance (DM) crew in Luverne, Minnesota, serving the community extends beyond maintaining the electric system. When an opportunity arose to help improve Luverne’s baseball field, the crew was ready to lend its skills and equipment to a project with strong community ties. The field’s aging scoreboard was replaced with a new scoreboard donated by the family of Joe and Bea Burns, longtime supporters of Luverne baseball. Using a digger truck and bucket truck, the Luverne DM crew removed the old scoreboard, mounted the new one and completed the installation. They also handled the wiring and programming, allowing the project to be completed in just two days.
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PO Box 88920 Sioux Falls, SD 57109-8920 Phone: 605-338-4042 | mrenergy.com © 2026, Missouri River Energy Services. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be copied or duplicated in any format without the expressed permission of MRES.
EVENTS CALENDAR SEP
APPLEFEST Woodbine, Iowa woodbineapplefest.com
OCT
ORANGE CITY AREA MEETING Orange City, Iowa mrenergy.com/event/mres-area-meetingorange-city-ia/2026-10-28
OCT
PUBLIC POWER WEEK Nationwide publicpower.org/event/public-power-week
OCT
SIOUX FALLS AREA MEETING Sioux Falls, South Dakota mrenergy.com/event/mres-area-meetingsioux-falls-sd-2/2026-10-29
OCT
ALEXANDRIA AREA MEETING Alexandria, Minnesota mrenergy.com/event/mres-area-meetingalexandria-mn-2/2026-10-21
OCT
CAVALIER AREA MEETING Cavalier, North Dakota mrenergy.com/event/mres-areameeting-north-dakota/2026-10-22
26
4-10 21
22
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To have your event listed, send the event’s date, name, location and contact information to info@mrenergy.com. Visit mrenergy.com/events to see a full listing of calendar events for MRES.