| Posted in: News Releases
Sixteen public power utilities that are members of Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) and one associate member have earned national recognition for achieving exceptional electric reliability in 2022. The recognition comes from the American Public Power Association (APPA), a trade group representing more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities.
APPA helps electric utilities track power outage and restoration data through its subscription-based eReliability Tracker service. Once per year, APPA’s Reliability Team compares this data to national statistics tracked by the U.S. Energy Information Administration for all types of electric utilities.
The following MRES members outperformed the electric industry national average for reliability:
- Atlantic Municipal Utilities – Atlantic, Iowa
- Rock Rapids Municipal Utilities – Rock Rapids, Iowa
- ALP Utilities – Alexandria, Minnesota
- City of Barnesville – Barnesville, Minnesota
- City of Ortonville – Ortonville, Minnesota
- City of Staples – Staples, Minnesota
- Detroit Lakes Public Utilities – Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
- Hutchinson Utilities Commission – Hutchinson, Minnesota
- Marshall Municipal Utilities – Marshall, Minnesota
- Melrose Public Utilities – Melrose, Minnesota
- Moorhead Public Service – Moorhead, Minnesota
- Sauk Centre Public Utilities Commission – Sauk Centre, Minnesota
- Willmar Municipal Utilities – Willmar, Minnesota
- Worthington Public Utilities – Worthington, Minnesota
- Pierre Municipal Utilities – Pierre, South Dakota
- Watertown Municipal Utilities – Watertown, South Dakota
MRES Associate Olivia Public Utilities, located in Olivia, Minnesota, also was awarded this national recognition for achieving exceptional electric reliability. MRES provides distribution maintenance services to the City of Olivia, which includes system maintenance and outage response.
“It’s encouraging to see year after year that the data backs up public power’s track record for providing highly reliable service,” said APPA Director of Research and Development Paul Zummo. “These utilities are the best of the best when it comes to keeping the lights on. And these communities should be proud of their local power providers and appreciate the hard work that goes into earning this recognition.”
Electric reliability is measured using four different metrics. The 2022 results for these MRES member utilities were significantly better than those of other types of utilities in the region in every category. Nationwide, the average public power customer has their lights out for less than half the amount of time that customers of other types of utilities do.
“Customers place a high value on reliable electric service, and it’s also a top priority for MRES and every member,” said Tom Heller, president and chief executive officer of MRES. “Our members take great pride in receiving this recognition. It is a testament to the hard work of all their lineworkers and utility staff in each of these communities to ensure that they keep their local community powered.”
For more information, contact MRES Vice President of Member Services and Communications Joni Livingston at 605-338-4042 or info@mrenergy.com.