MWEC News

Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC) has recently energized a new static synchronous compensator, known as a STATCOM. in New Town. This technology continuously monitors and responds to system disturbances by maintaining good voltage regulation. What does this mean for our members? Simply put. this technology improves our ability to deliver reliable power. 

A backyard hobby growing flowers blossomed into a thriving business for Chelsey Bean-Anderson. Now in its fourth season, Beanstalk Flower Farm grows dozens of cut flower varieties - from snapdragons to lisianthus - and crafts them into charming bouquets.

Matt Glueckert gained valuable leadership skills, industry knowledge and professional connections by attending the Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program (MIP). "The focus was on leadership and communication, how to build a team and keep culture at the forefront," said Glueckert, operations manager at Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative.

Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC) is working with Asplundh again this year to perform tree trimming/vegetation management in our service area.

Spring is on our doorstep and like many of you, I’m looking forward to more opportunities to be outdoors and enjoy warmer temperatures. Whether you enjoy golfing, hiking, fishing or simply being outdoors, spring is the perfect time to explore what western North Dakota has to offer.

Todd Brickhouse, chief executive officer and general manager, joined Basin Electric Power Cooperative in 2022 as its senior vice president and chief financial officer. He was named chief executive officer and general manager in December 2023. Brickhouse leads a team of nearly 1,800 employees who work to provide value to the cooperative’s membership by providing affordable and reliable power, products and services produced in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC) is expanding their charitable giving program with a new grant focused on supporting new infrastructure and capital enhancement projects in Mountrail and Williams County.

Couples seeking a stunning, serene backdrop for their wedding need look no further than the Peaceful Prairie Ponderosa. Nestled just outside of Stanley, this hidden gem offers acres of picturesque grounds, a charming historic barn and endless opportunities for unforgettable photos.

In every community, individuals are leading behind the scenes and making a lasting impact. For Robert (Bob) Grant, what started as a desire to serve on the Mountrail Electric Cooperative board of directors in 1981  progressed into over 40 years of service to North Dakota’s electric cooperatives.

The McVay Elementary School PTO, a dedicated group of staff and parent volunteers, brought holiday cheer to students in Williston with the annual Santa Shop. The event, now in its second year, continues to grow in popularity, giving students the opportunity to shop while encouraging the spirit of giving.

February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, and we typically see higher energy bills as our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm. However, there are steps you can take to make a meaningful impact on your home’s energy savings.

When Samuel Dyk and his dad heard about the need for aggregate for construction projects in North Dakota, the two “old  farmers” from Platte, S.D., sensed an opportunity. “We thought, ‘We can figure out rock crushing,’” Dyk says.

As your electric cooperative, delivering safe and reliable power is always our top priority. Behind the scenes, there are many steps to grid reliability, one of these being maintenance and upgrades. Starting this week, a helicopter will inspect over 450 miles of transmission line across the MWEC footprint, starting from the east of our service area and moving to the west. Just think of a road trip from Williston, ND to Bemidji, MN – that is a lot of transmission line!

Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC) is proud to announce the winner of its 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour essay competition, Alivia Lowery. In June, Lowery will join nearly 2,000 students from across the country on a weeklong trip to our nation’s capital, where she will visit historic locations, observe the inner workings of our nation’s government and learn about the important roles electric cooperatives play in their communities, country and world.

When everyone is seeking shelter from storms, lineworkers are repairing the damage. “I was always leaving home when the weather was bad,” said Darin Swensrud, operations superintendent.

A self-described “classic North Dakota guy” who likes to hunt in the winter and golf in the summer, new Chief Financial Officer Cole Hendrickson grew up near Parshall just a mile and a half from an MWEC service area.

Electric cooperatives take pride in offering educational opportunities for the next generation. Whether through school programming or mentorship, we know education, training, and information can empower our youth and the communities they call home.

Where some see an impressive building, MHA Nation Tribal Chairman Mark N. Fox sees a game changer, maybe even a life extender. The Community Health Resources Center opening next year in New Town will be a major leap toward healing for the tribal community on Fort Berthold.

Power consumption in the U.S. is expected to rise to record highs this year and next, and the demand for electricity is expected to at least double by 2050. As our country’s economy continues to grow, the increased demand for electricity along with lagging infrastructure development could place many regions in the U.S. at risk of power supply shortages over the next five years.

The added weight of ice on poles can quickly lead to broken power poles and other pole equipment. Ice can also make falling tree branches 30 times heavier and much more likely to break power lines.

Meet your MWEC director: Geri Bratvold, East District 3A

What makes Siren Sips unique, according to owner Hannah Miars-Keillor, is what she doesn’t put into her coffees and teas: anything artificial. That means no artificial caffeines, colors or preservatives. Instead, she uses all-natural ingredients and natural caffeine from coffee bean and green tea extracts.

It’s difficult to believe we’ll soon be gathering with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season.