Participants learn the inner workings of mutual aid and support processes at the Emergency Preparedness and Restoration Conference

The Emergency Preparedness and Restoration Conference held in St. Cloud on February 19–20 offered valuable information on mutual aid and restoration. Special guest Amy Zubaly, Florida Municipal Electric Association's executive director discussed the complex operations involved in coordinating support efforts for some of the country's largest municipal utilities during times of crisis.

MMUA Government Relations Attorney Bill Black provides testimony to the Minnesota House Energy and Finance Committee

Last week Bill Black spoke to the Minnesota's House Energy and Finance Committee about the net metering reform bill MMUA is sponsoring with Minnesota Rural Electrical Associate (MREA). The bill primarily removes the financial incentive for a person to install a solar array generating far more energy than that person needs. Under the current law, when extra power is generated, the utility is forced to buy excessive amounts of surplus power at its retail rate. HF 845 would have credit for the excess power roll over month-to-month at the utility’s retail rate, and then whatever surplus exists at the end of the year would be paid at the utility’s avoided cost—that is, its wholesale rate.

At the end of the hearing, the bill passed out of the Committe on a party-line vote of 8-7 and was sent to the General Register (the House floor). Learn more here.

MMUA signs open letter supporting LIHEAP

MMUA recently signed the open letter to Congress in support of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for 2026. This letter urges Congress to protect and maximize LIHEAP funding, ensuring energy security for vulnerable households. Learn more here.

Federal broadband funding will connect nearly 89,000 Minnesotans

On February 19, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that 88,700 locations will receive high-speed broadband service thanks to $652 million in federal funding via a Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) allocation.



In a statement, DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek said, “Our state’s BEAD funding will help us connect 89,000 more Minnesota homes and businesses to broadband—a huge figure that shows the impact of DEED’s partnership with the federal government and broadband providers in our state.” Learn more here.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Paint the Town Grant

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community murals, community welcome sign, historic structure, or public art projects or to refresh public spaces in preparation for significant community milestone celebrations through its Paint the Town Grant program.

This grant opportunity is available to communities with a population under 10,000 throughout SMIF’s 20-county region. Applications are due to SMIF by March 31, 2025.

DOE provides funding for Energy Improvements in Rural and Remote Areas (ERA)

Rural and remote areas often have higher energy costs, less resilient energy systems, and fewer alternatives for accessing clean energy compared with their urban counterparts.

Furthermore, small communities do not always have the available time, money, or other resources to pursue clean energy options. This program serves communities of 10,000 people or fewer.

Applicants must propose projects that support at least one of these eligible activities:

• Improving overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems
• Siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation in rural or remote areas
• Providing or modernizing electric generation facilities
• Developing microgrids and
• Increasing energy efficiency



Applications may include any technology that meets these eligible activities, as long as those technologies are commercially available. The closing date for this application is August 28, 2025. Learn more here.

Electrical Skills Training for Water/Wastewater Operators

March 19–20

MMUA Training Center

This course is offered as supplemental training for non–electrician water/wastewater operators and support staff.

This year’s workshop will be led by Mike Miller,

safety director with the Electric Association and will feature a blend of classroom and in-plant instruction to provide opportunities for participants to apply new concepts in real time.

This training qualifies as:

• 10.5 direct training hours through the Minnesota Department of Health
• 10.5 indirect training hours through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Advanced registration closes this Friday, February 28. Please the link click below to register for this valuable training opportunity.



Generation School

April 15–17

Classroom: Hutchinson, MN

Hands-on training: Glencoe, MN, and Litchfield, MN



With a mix of classroom and hands-on instruction, Generation School appeals to all learning styles and all levels of experience.

Topics to be covered include:

• Inspections
• Testing
• Maintenance
• Reporting

Attendees will work with equipment in the plant, seeing and feeling what the seasoned instructors explain in real time. Plus, you will go behind the scenes and tour Zephyr Wind Services, a wind generator repair facility, wind turbine parts distributor, and turbine repower provider located in Hutchinson.

Please click the link below for more information on this valuable training opportunity and to register. Register by March 14 for the best rate.

Underground School

May 6–9

MMUA Training Center

We hope you can take advantage of this opportunity to engage in training activities that safely simulate real-world scenarios. New for 2025 is the option to take either a multi-session class or an advanced class.

Please click the link below for more information and to register. Register by April 11 for best rate. Advance registration ends April 25, 2025.