WMU Recognized for Reliable Electric Service to the Community

WILLMAR, MINNESOTA – April 10, 2023 — Willmar Municipal Utilities (WMU) has received national recognition for achieving exceptional electric reliability in 2022. The recognition comes from the American Public Power Association (APPA), a trade group that represents more than 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned electric utilities. WMU is a member of Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) and one of sixteen of their public power utility members to have earned this national recognition for 2022.

“It’s encouraging to see year after year that public power’s track record for providing highly reliable service is backed up by data,” 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.”

“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.”

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. According to the APPA, the average U.S. electric utility customer experiences 140 minutes of interrupted electrical service per year without any major Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE events. For WMU, this number is just 24.3 minutes per year. 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. This shows the great value that municipal utilities provide to their community.

“Reliability is part of the mission statement of WMU, and staff are dedicated to this mission. Recognition from the APPA highlights the benefit that municipal utilities provide to their community.” said John Harren, General Manager at Willmar Municipal Utilities.

Todd Allen Graves Service Appreciation

Passing of Line Supervisor Todd Allen Graves

Obituary

Todd A. Graves, age 58, of Spicer, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning, Jan. 22, at his residence.  

A private family service will be held on Monday, Feb. 8, at the Open Door Church in Spicer.  A public celebration of life service will be held later this summer.  Arrangements are with the Peterson Brothers Green Lake Funeral Home in Spicer.  www.petersonbrothers.com  

Todd Allen Graves was born on November 27, 1962, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the son of Gerald and Rosemary (Doeden) Graves.  He grew up in St. Cloud, attended Apollo High School and then the Minnesota West Community College in Jackson.  Todd was employed with the Willmar Municipal Utilities for almost 30 years.  He began working as a lineman and was currently a supervisor.  Todd attended the Open Door Church in Spicer.  He enjoyed playing guitar, painting, reading, fishing and being outdoors.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and a very infectious laugh.  Todd cherished being with his family. 

 He is survived by his two children, Michael Thometz of Spicer and Nichole (and Dana) Huston of Sartell; two grandchildren, Lucy and Tyler Huston; his mother, Rosemary Graves of St. Cloud and two siblings, Tam (and Ed) Croteau of Foley and Dan Graves of Roseau, besides other relatives and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Charles and Viola Graves and Fred and Inez Doeden.

Download of the Obituary here