EPIC Excellence Awards
Excellence Awards
The EPIC planning committee offers excellence awards on an annual basis. Recipients are nominated by fellow industry individuals. The window to submit a nomination for 2027 will be open from August 24, 2026 through January 8, 2027. Areas for nominations are Innovation, Safety, Operations and Environmental Stewardship.
2026 Excellence in Safety
Minnkota Power Cooperative
Minnkota Power Cooperative is guided by a strong safety-first culture rooted in integrity, teamwork, innovation, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to protecting employees, members, and communities. Over the past several years, Minnkota has achieved industry-leading safety performance, including record-setting injury-free milestones, top-tier EMOD ratings, and outstanding results in national safety assessments. The cooperative supports this culture through comprehensive training, advanced safety technologies, specialized emergency response teams, and innovative programs that enhance both workplace and public safety. Minnkota also demonstrates leadership in environmental stewardship through responsible operations, emissions reduction efforts, and land and water conservation initiatives. Together, these efforts position Minnkota as a model of excellence in health, safety, and environmental responsibility within the energy industry.
2026 Excellence in Innovation
Rainbow Energy Center
Rainbow Energy Center owns and operates Coal Creek Station, one of North Dakota’s most efficient coal-fired power plants, generating approximately 1,150 megawatts of electricity and employing about 200 people. Acquired on May 1, 2022, just as the plant neared closure. Rainbow transformed the facility into a thriving, flexible energy hub. Through innovation and strategic vision, Coal Creek Station now supports multiple onsite and contracted customers, including large-scale data operations. Advanced infrastructure and dynamic power management allow Rainbow to shift hundreds of megawatts within minutes to meet grid and customer needs.
Committee members, participants and vendors are encouraged to solicit facilities to apply for these awards. Finalists will be selected from the applications submitted. Winners are recognized at the awards presentation on the final day of the annual conference.
The Energy Progress & Innovation Conference annually accepts applications for the following awards.