FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 22, 2026
City of Melrose approves agreement for electric distribution support
MELROSE, Minn. –– The City of Melrose has approved an agreement with Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), its supplemental power supplier, to provide services to operate and maintain the community’s electric distribution system.
The Melrose Public Utilities Commission approved the agreement during its September 21 meeting following a review of the city’s current and future electric utility needs. Through the MRES Distribution System Operations and Maintenance Program, Melrose will have access to experienced utility personnel, and additional technical resources. Under the agreement, MRES personnel assigned to Melrose will be based in or near the community, ensuring prompt local responses to outages and supporting the reliable operation of the city’s electric system.
“We understand that there may be questions about this change, and we take those concerns seriously,” said Tom Budde, Melrose City Administrator. “Our responsibility is to make decisions that support the safety of our employees, the reliability of service within our community and responsible stewardship of the city’s electric system. This agreement gives Melrose additional resources and expertise while the city retains ownership and oversight of the utility.”
MRES launched its Distribution System Operations and Maintenance Program in 1998 to support municipal electric utilities. Depending upon a utility’s needs, services can include routine system maintenance, line construction and reconductoring, directional boring, maintenance of local generation facilities, system planning, budgeting, inventory support and assistance with specific projects.
Currently, six municipal utilities contract with MRES for comprehensive distribution system operations and maintenance services. MRES employs the line crews, who live in or near the communities they serve. MRES also provides as-needed distribution maintenance assistance to 17 additional municipal utilities.
MRES provides distribution operations and maintenance services to municipal utilities throughout Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Under the agreement, MRES personnel will coordinate with city leadership to support Melrose’s electric distribution needs. The City of Melrose retains full ownership of its electric utility, equipment, and infrastructure. The agreement does not transfer ownership of the electric utility to MRES; Melrose Public Utilities will continue to own and generally manage the municipal utility, including responsibility for budgeting, capital planning, and customer service.
“We approach these partnerships as an extension of the local utility,” said Terry Wolf, MRES Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Our role is to listen, collaborate closely with city leadership and provide the qualified personnel and resources the community needs. Every community is different, and we’ll work with Melrose to ensure safe, reliable service throughout the transition and for years to come.”
City leaders recognize that changes to utility operations can raise questions. Additional information about the agreement and its implementation will be shared with Melrose residents and businesses as details are finalized.
About the City of Melrose
Located in central Minnesota, the City of Melrose was incorporated in 1897 and is home to approximately 3,872 residents. The city provides a full range of municipal services to the community. Melrose Public Utilities, governed by the Melrose Public Utilities Commission, has served the community since 1907 and provides electric, water and wastewater services to residents and businesses.
About Missouri River Energy Services
Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) is a South Dakota-based not-for-profit joint action agency that provides wholesale electricity and energy-related services to 61 member municipalities in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. MRES is committed to enhancing the value of member utilities to their communities by supplying reliable, cost-effective, long-term energy and energy services in a fiscally responsible and environmentally sensitive manner.