Power plant employee assists fuel truck driver in distress While a fuel truck driver was making a delivery at Great River Energy’s Elk River Peaking Station in late January, he spoke to Howard Pappenfus, peaking plant operator/technician, and mentioned he was having chest pain and was going to sit in his truck. Pappenfus immediately recognized […]
Stepping up to save a life Read More »
Great River Energy earns recognition for fostering a culture that empowers employees to serve both the co-op and their country Great River Energy took the national spotlight last month, earning recognition as one of the Navy Reserve’s outstanding employer partners — an honor that celebrates the cooperative’s unwavering commitment to supporting employees who serve. At
A commitment beyond the workplace Read More »
Great River Energy Senior Support Analyst Nate Lantaigne-Goetsch was recently named the Help Desk Institute (HDI) Minnesota Customer Service and Support Technician of the Year. That state award was followed by a district-wide award, which earned him a seat in the finals. Lantaigne-Goetsch cashed in at the HDI SupportWorld Live conference in Las Vegas, Nevada,
Employee takes home highest honor for tech support Read More »
Employees receive ‘Good Neighbor’ award for stepping up during emergencies At Great River Energy, the Good Neighbor Program recognizes employees who step up to help others during emergencies or difficult situations. They do so using the same skills, training and calm decision-making they rely on in their day-to-day work. The program encourages employees to be
‘Helping others when it mattered most’ Read More »
Great River Energy, wholesale power provider to 26 member distribution cooperatives, is asking Minnesota communities to join the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and hundreds of co-ops across the U.S. in recognizing the work line technicians do for the communities they serve on April 13, 2026, Lineworker Appreciation Day. “Our line technicians take great pride
Thanks to the lineworkers who keep the lights on Read More »
Great River Energy Vice President and Chief Transmission Officer Priti Patel recently joined the advisory board for the Women in Leadership with AI Driven Engagement Certificate Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Board membership is by invitation only and recognizes distinguished personal and professional accomplishments. The advisory board brings together a diverse and highly connected
Patel joins MSU Mankato advisory board Read More »
Safety manager receives Good Neighbor Award for stepping in and potentially saving a life On the evening of March 29, Great River Energy Generation Services Manager Jackie Bentz was at a cabin with some friends, including one friend’s mother and 70-year-old boyfriend. While eating, the man began choking on his steak. He put his hand
‘Attentive eyes and ears in our communities’ Read More »
MDU Resources Group, Inc. announced that Priti Patel, vice president and chief transmission officer at Great River Energy, has been elected to its board of directors following nomination by the board and approval by shareholders. Patel brings 28 years of experience in the energy industry, with a focus on electric transmission systems, infrastructure planning and
Patel elected to MDU Resources board of directors Read More »
Great River Energy was recognized for achievements in communications and marketing by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) for its “Be the One” safety campaign, which focuses on speaking up for safety and using stop work authority. Great River Energy received the Silver Award in the Best Strategic Communications Campaign category in NRECA’s Spotlight
Safety campaign wins national strategic communications award Read More »
Dick Pursley, director of transmission services at Great River Energy, was recently presented with this year’s HERO Award from Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO). The annual HERO Award serves as a peer recognition program for individuals who set standards of excellence aligned with the principles of high-reliability organizations. MRO’s mission is to identify, prioritize and assure
Pursley recognized for reliability excellence Read More »