Howard’s Kody Dawson recognized for commitment to public power
October 8, 2026Electric Superintendent earns Distinguished Service Award
For Kody Dawson, public power comes down to one pretty simple task: keeping the lights on.
“When the lights go out, I like to get them turned back on,” Dawson said. “Everybody appreciates that.”
It’s a straightforward answer, but it captures the approach Dawson has brought to his work with the City of Howard, SD for more than a decade. As the city’s electric superintendent, Dawson helps keep Howard’s electric system reliable today while making decisions that will benefit the community for years to come.
That commitment is why Heartland Energy is recognizing Dawson as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Service Award.
“Kody represents what public power is all about,” said Heartland Director of Customer Relations Kelly Dybdahl. “He takes pride in serving his community and is always thinking about what’s next—not just for the electric system, but for the future of Howard.”
Hometown commitment
A Howard native, Dawson graduated from Mitchell Technical Institute’s power line construction and maintenance program before beginning his career in the electric industry. After working a variety of jobs with electric utilities across South Dakota, he joined the City of Howard in 2012.
“They had a job opening here, and I thought it would be a good change,” Dawson said. “And I guess it’s all history now.”
While he never pictured himself returning to his hometown, Dawson has become an important part of Howard’s electric system and the community he grew up in.
After more than a decade, he has found a rewarding career serving the community he knows so well.
“Everybody knows you by first name, and I know everybody by first name,” he said. “If anybody’s got any problems, it’s pretty easy to figure out for everybody.”
Building a better system for Howard
Under Dawson’s leadership, the city has made a major investment in its electric system, converting about two-thirds of the distribution system from overhead to underground. The change has improved reliability and reduced maintenance issues.
“A lot of outages were from squirrels, lightning, and vegetation,” Dawson said. “Now we don’t worry about that as much. You don’t have to worry about storms. It’s a much better system.”
The goal is eventually to put the entire system underground. Once the city completes some other necessary projects, Dawson hopes to continue the conversion and finish the remaining third.
“Kody understands that decisions about the electric system made today will affect Howard for decades,” said Dybdahl. “He’s always looking at how the city can make smart investments in the system that will provide benefits long term, all while keeping power affordable for their customers.”
For Dawson, the investment is about more than reliability. It’s about creating a system that will serve Howard for generations while also helping the city make the most of an electric utility that provides revenue for other community needs.
“It’s fortunate for us to have an electrical system, to have a little bit of extra revenue for the City of Howard,” he said.
A partner in Howard’s growth
Dawson’s work also extends beyond the electric system itself. He has worked closely with Heartland Energy on energy efficiency, economic development and other programs that benefit Howard.
That partnership has included helping ensure Howard’s electric system is prepared to support new businesses and growth.
“Kody has been instrumental in bringing new businesses to Howard,” said Dybdahl. “He helped ensure the electric system could accommodate new projects, bringing jobs, investment and economic growth to the community.”
Dawson’s story reflects what makes public power personal. He’s not just maintaining an electric system; he’s investing his time and expertise in the community he grew up in and hopes to see thrive for years to come.
“Kody takes ownership of the electric system and invests in its future,” said Dybdahl. “He cares about customers, builds strong partnerships and understands that the utility plays an important role in the future of the community.”
Each year during Public Power Week, Heartland Energy recognizes employees in customer communities who go above and beyond to serve those around them.
Heartland is proud to recognize Kody Dawson for his dedication to Howard and his commitment to the future of public power.
