Marshall Municipal Utilities Focuses on Reliability and Infrastructure

New leadership highlights investments in electric and water systems to serve the community

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Marshall Municipal Utilities (MMU) continues to prioritize reliable service and long-term infrastructure projects under the leadership of new General Manager Pete Wyffels. The utility has earned recognition for its electric grid reliability, including 21 months without any unplanned outages. MMU is also advancing major water infrastructure projects and preparing for future regulatory challenges like lead service line replacement.

Why it matters

As a locally controlled public utility, MMU's investments in its electric and water systems directly benefit the Marshall community by supporting jobs, maintaining affordable rates, and ensuring the long-term reliability of critical services. The utility's focus on infrastructure upgrades and emergency preparedness also helps the region's economic strength by providing a stable foundation for businesses and residents.

The details

MMU recently welcomed new General Manager Pete Wyffels, who previously held leadership roles in other Minnesota cities. Wyffels credited the utility's knowledgeable and collaborative staff for a smooth transition. On the electric side, MMU has earned the American Public Power Association's highest "Diamond" reliability distinction, thanks in part to long-term investments like burying power lines and adding substations. The utility is also replacing an aging diesel turbine with a new 12-megawatt generation facility. For water operations, Supervisor Jeff Larson outlined upcoming infrastructure projects to replace aging pipes and prepare for lead service line removal requirements.

  • In 2015, MMU brought a third water source online north of Cottonwood, stabilizing supply.
  • In 2021, the water plant was expanded to further soften water and reduce chloride discharge.
  • This summer, the second phase of the College Drive reconstruction project will include new water main installation.
  • Additional water main replacement projects are planned on North High Street, South Fifth Street, and East Street (likely in 2027).

The players

Pete Wyffels

The new general manager of Marshall Municipal Utilities, bringing 35 years of experience in the electrical industry, including previous leadership roles in other Minnesota cities.

Jeff Larson

The water operations supervisor at MMU, who has been with the utility since 2007 and became water operations manager in 2014.

Marshall Municipal Utilities (MMU)

The locally controlled public utility that provides electric and water services to the city of Marshall, Minnesota.

Missouri River Energy Services

The joint action agency that MMU purchases power cooperatively through, made up of 61 member utilities across Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Iowa.

Western Area Power Administration

The federal agency that provides about 25% of MMU's power through hydropower generated at federal dams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Everybody, all the departments here work really well together. It's a good gelled group of people to work with.”

— Pete Wyffels, General Manager (marshallradio.net)

“MMU has invested a lot into its infrastructure over the years and we're starting to see how that's paying off now.”

— Pete Wyffels, General Manager (marshallradio.net)

“Every community needs it. When you've got a main break or a power outage and that gets settled, people are usually fairly grateful. People do come up to you and thank you at the end of the day. And that means a lot.”

— Jeff Larson, Water Operations Supervisor (marshallradio.net)

What’s next

MMU is preparing for upcoming regulatory challenges, including a nationwide effort from 2027 to 2037 to remove lead service lines. The utility is working to secure funding and determine how many lead lines can be replaced during this period.

The takeaway

As a locally controlled public utility, MMU's focus on reliable service and strategic infrastructure investments directly benefits the Marshall community by supporting jobs, maintaining affordable rates, and ensuring the long-term stability of critical electric and water systems. The utility's collaborative approach and emergency preparedness also contribute to the region's overall economic strength.