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News of the week
September 19, 2024
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Minnesota Lineworkers' Rodeo 2024 is on the books
On September 10, lineworkers from across the state came together at MMUA’s Marshall Training Center for the 2024 Minnesota Lineworkers' Rodeo. Pictured are the apprentice lineworker award winners. Left to right are Jon Bell–Marshall, Spencer DeFrang– Rochester, Logan Lamote–Marshall, Jack Schintz–Shakopee, Trent Anderson–Chaska, Preston Coleman–Shakopee, and Bryson Whyte–Marshall. First place overall in the apprentice group went to Bryson Whyte, with second place going to Preston Coleman and third going to Trent Anderson. Look for additional rodeo coverage and a complete list of apprentice and journeyman winners in a future issue of The Resource.
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Whalan, Minnesota, to hold public hearing on transferring utility ownership
Whalan, Minnesota, will hold a public hearing on October 14 to discuss the city’s upcoming November ballot item on the transfer of ownership of the city’s electric utility to the MiEnergy Cooperative of Rushford, Minnesota, effective January 1, 2025.
Whalan, a city of approximately 67 residents, is located in southeastern Minnesota near Lanesboro. Their electric system is comprised of an estimated 57 meters with total annual sales of 352 megawatt hours. Decisionmakers there decided to hold the vote due to the city’s aging electrical infrastructure and the cost of repairing it.
If approved, MiEnergy Cooperative will take over ownership of the system and will work system improvements into their 10-year plan. If the measure is not approved, Whalan will work the cost of repairing the system into its own 10-year plan.
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Gasoline pipeline near Pipestone National Monument approved by PUC
On September 12, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a route permit for a 1.3 mile gasoline pipeline near the Pipestone National Monument in southwest Minnesota. The narrow 3-2 vote selected a route for the pipeline that was not the preferred route for Oklahoma-based developer Magellan Pipeline Company but was still controversial due to its proximity to the historic Pipestone National Monument.
The Pipestone National Monument was designated in 1966 and is culturally significant to 23 tribal nations in North America. The pipestone quarries, located just north of the city of Pipestone, were a neutral place where many tribes quarried stone for ceremonial pipes.
Learn more here.
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FREE Earned Sick and Safe Time Webinar for MMUA members
MMUA invites all members to participate in a free webinar on Thursday, September 26 from 10:00–11:00 am. The webinar will discuss Minnesota's Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law, including the latest updates which went into effect at the end of the legislative session in May. MMUA's Organizational Development and Human Resources Manager Shelly Dau will be presenting.
The ESST law was effective January 1, 2024, and it requires Minnesota employers to provide paid leave to employees who work in the state. This leave can be used for reasons including an employee's illness, to care for a sick family member, or to seek assistance if an employee or their family member has experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
The ESST law was updated in May 2024 to clarify who qualifies for ESST, the rate at which ESST must be paid, ESST application to other paid time off, and more. We will cover it all, and we will address frequently asked questions. Please plan to join us!
Registration is required for this meeting. For more information and to register, click here.
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State takes action to force removal of junked wind turbine blades in Grand Meadow
An ongoing headache in Mower County will be resolved—one way or another. On September 5, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) responded to a complaint from the City of Grand Meadow regarding a large pile of unused wind turbine blades that are supposed to be recycled. Instead, they have been sitting in a heap, largely untouched for years.
The equipment was originally owned by NextEra Energy. The junk was sold to other companies that are now out of business. The PUC has ordered those responsible to get the mess cleaned up by the end of the year or face enforcement action. Learn more here.
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Vendor spotlight: FS3
MMUA has been lucky to have the support of dozens of industry suppliers. This month, we feature FS3, one of MMUA's 2024 gold-level annual sponsors. FS3 is a family-owned underground materials and supplies company based in Annandale. Click here to learn more about FS3 and its human resources director, Tiny (pictured at the left)!
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Minnesota Department of Commerce issues RFP for its electric grid resilience grant program on September 16.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce issued an RFP for grants available to community-owned municipal utilities, cooperatives, and power agencies. A total of $5.3 million will be available, with maximum grants of $250,000. There are no match requirements. Proposals are due November 19, 2024.
MMUA held an informational webinar on Tuesday, September 17.
- Download the RFP here
- Review slides from DOC's webinar here
- Review slides from MMUA's webinar here
- Review MMUA's informational webinar here
MMUA will again provide members with assistance in preparing their grant requests by hosting webinars and making team members available for consultation. We will hold a second informational webinar on Tuesday, September 24 from 1:00–2:00 pm. No need to pre-register: just join the meeting via this Zoom link. Contact Karleen Kos or Blaine Chaulklin for more information.
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Transformer School and pre-conference workshop
November 19–22, 2024
MMUA Training Center, Marshall
This course focuses on three-phase transformer connections. Our highly qualified instructor, Scott Meinecke, has decades of experience working with and providing training on all manner of topics related to transformers. Participants will appreciate Scott's unique ability to explain complicated topics, so that they are more easily understood. This course includes classroom and hands-on instruction. Participants can expect to learn about the basics of transformers including turns ratios, polarities, calculations, and connections. Working with miniature transformers, participants will put their troubleshooting skills to the test.
The pre-conference workshop is intended to serve as a basic or refresher course on the fundamentals of single-phase transformer connections and theory. The course includes instruction on topics such as safe work practices, transformer theory, basic calculations, connections, and sizing. This course would be helpful for any lineworker, as well as personnel from other departments that may assist as a ground person.
Check MMUA's events calendar for full details and to register.
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As always, thank you for your association with MMUA and your commitment to delivering excellent service through locally owned utility assets in your community. Have a great week!
Karleen Kos
Chief Executive Officer
Direct: 763-746-0701 / Cell: 813-675-7589
kkos@mmua.org | www.mmua.org
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