MMUA completes first free community training session

Tommy Flores, MMUA safety coordinator, facilitated the first 2025 chemical hazard safety training sessions last week. The sessions occurred in western Wisconsin communities where MMUA also provides safety services to electric utilities.

The Susan Harwood grant program, funded by OSHA, made the community training sessions possible. During the sessions, participants were instructed on identifying hazardous chemicals and their potential impacts on their lives. Demonstrations and participant interaction assisted with developing best practices for the control and prevention of exposure to chemical hazards.

Hazard communication and employee right-to-know are two OSHA standards employers must comply with. Inspectors frequently cite these standards when they are called to worksites due to potentially dangerous working conditions. The MMUA-led training sessions are designed to assist community employers and their team members with maintaining compliance with these standards. During the training, interactive participation helps ensure the content discussed can be used both at work and at home for personal protection.

If you are interested in hosting this training in your community, MMUA would love to partner with you! Please reach out to your safety coordinator or contact us at info@mmua.org. 

Citizens voice concerns on the impacts of Blackrock’s potential buyout of ALLETE/Minnesota Power

Last week, at a Duluth meeting co-hosted by the Sierra Club, the Citizens Utility Board, and other community groups, attendees had plenty to say about Blackrock's proposed buyout of ALLETE/Minnesota Power. Of particular note were concerns the buyout would reduce local control. Attendees were also worried the buyout would negatively impact the company's ability to comply with Minnesota's carbon-free goals.

"It's further privatization of an existing monopoly investor-owned utility. A transaction could impact rate payers with pretty big risks, decreasing transparency from the public and from public decision-makers who are supposed to hold our investor-owned utilities accountable," said Sierra Club Campaign Manager Jenna Yeakle. Learn more here.

EPA to allow higher-ethanol fuel to be sold all year

President Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring a national energy emergency on January 20, 2025. The executive order directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider issuing emergency fuel waivers for year-round E15 gasoline sales.

On February 21, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it would allow the sale of E15 fuel all year in the Midwest. This follows the filing of a bipartisan bill on February 13 to allow year-round sales nationwide. Learn more here and here.

Minnesota SolarAPP+ Solar Permitting Software Incentive

The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) Division of Energy Resources invites applications for the SolarAPP+ Solar Permitting Software Incentive Program.

This program aims to provide technical support and financial incentives to local government units that issue permits for residential solar projects and solar energy storage systems. The goal is to encourage permitting authorities to adopt the SolarAPP+ software, which standardizes, automates, and streamlines the review and permitting process.

The DOC will distribute $2 million in incentives to eligible jurisdictions throughout Minnesota, with individual incentives ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Eligible applicants are local government units authorized to issue permits for residential solar projects and solar energy storage systems.

Applications must be submitted through the DOC's online grant interface. The Request for Proposals (RFP) will provide detailed information, application questions, required forms, and reference materials. It is available for download and will remain available until June 30, 2028, or until funds are fully expended. The RFP includes detailed instructions for submitting applications.

Learn more and apply for the SolarAPP+ Solar Permitting Incentive Program.

Underground School

May 6–9

MMUA Training Center

Marshall, MN

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.

Competent Person and Excavation Safety Workshop

May 20–21

MMUA Training Center

Marshall, MN

This course is intended for public works personnel, water/wastewater personnel, lineworkers, engineering personnel, contract workers, and others involved with underground utility or infrastructure work.

In this workshop, participants engage in classroom discussion and hands-on activity to:

• increase your understanding of the "competent person" role on the job site
• demonstrate correct soil-testing procedures
• identify hazards associated with trenching and excavating
• increase knowledge of different types of protective systems
• further develop proper "pot holing" practices for gas and powerline excavation

Please click the link below for more information and to register.

Register by April 24 for best rate. Advance registration ends May 9, 2025.

Minnesota Public Power Walley Tournament

May 31

Bladow Beach Resort & Campground

Ottertail, MN

This annual event brings together employees, retirees, suppliers, and friends of Minnesota's municipal utilities and electric cooperatives—many of whom return year after year to enjoy the friendly competition and the comradery.

All proceeds are donated to the three post-secondary electrical line work programs in Minnesota.

Please click below for more information or to register. Deadline to register is May 15.