BMU Board Member Represents Brookings on Capitol Hill

Brookings Municipal Utilities (BMU) was proud to have Board Member Spence Hawley, and Executive VP and GM Steve Meyer represent our community in Washington, D.C., during the American Public Power Association's (APPA) annual Policy Makers Council Fly-In.

Hawley, who serves on the BMU Board and is an appointed member of the APPA Policy Makers Council (PMC), joined public power leaders from across the country to advocate for issues that directly impact locally owned utilities and the customers they serve.

More than 25 PMC members and 10 public power professionals participated in the event, holding approximately 40 meetings with members of Congress to discuss key public power priorities. Hawley was part of a delegation representing Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) that met with South Dakota's congressional delegation, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

The group focused on several important issues facing public power communities, including maintaining affordable electric rates, protecting grid reliability, advancing energy permitting reform, addressing wildfire-related risks to utility infrastructure, and supporting a strong and effective FEMA.

As a community-owned utility, BMU understands the importance of having a voice in federal policy discussions. Participation in events like the APPA Policy Makers Council Fly-In helps ensure that the interests of public power communities are represented as energy policy decisions are made at the national level.

BMU appreciates Spence Hawley's leadership and service in representing Brookings and advocating for the reliable, affordable, and locally controlled electric service that public power customers depend on every day.