News of the week

Second round of GRIP program funding opens; MMUA and collaborative partners re-applying

This week, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced the opening of the second round of funding through the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) program.

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, program “enhances grid flexibility and resilience against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change while supporting meaningful community and labor engagement, investing in the American workforce, and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,” DOE said. This second round of funding is part of a five-year plan to provide $10.5 billion across three programs to ensure grid reliability. 

As was announced in October, MMUA was part of an unsuccessful bid to secure first-round funding, collaborating with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA), and dozens of municipal utilities to propose $500 million in projects to enhance the resilience of the electrical grid in Minnesota. This coalition is planning to reapply, and more information on how to get involved will be available soon. 

The American Public Power Association (APPA) released a helpful overview on the specific funding programs available under the GRIP program. Learn more about the scope of the program and details on specific projects by visiting here. APPA is also hosting a webinar at 2:00 pm on Monday, November 20 to provide additional information.

T&O online registration closes on Friday, November 17

We want to see you at the Technical and Operations Conference! This is the last opportunity make it easy on yourself and your pocketbook by registering online. Join us from December 5-7 at the Holiday Inn in St. Cloud to talk and learn about leadership, industry advancements, and more.

For the best rate, register by this Friday, November 17. Online registration closes this week, and the price will increase for walk-up registration at the event. Please reach out to Theresa Neddermeyer with any questions.

MMUA supports gas associations' comments on proposed PHMSA rule

Last week, the American Gas Association (AGA) and the American Public Gas Association (APGA) submitted joint comments on a new rule proposed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). MMUA signed a letter in support of the organizations' comments.

In their filing, AGA and APGA address concerns regarding PHMSA's suggested guidelines on the safety of gas distribution pipelines. While the organizations support the Leonel Rondon Pipeline Safety Act and the aim of the rule, they express significant reservations about several aspects, including PHMSA's perceived overreach beyond congressional mandates.

Key concerns include inconsistencies in the Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP), broadened "Management of Change" requirements, unrealistic timeframes, and the perceived lack of accurate cost-benefit analysis. The organizations emphasize the need for PHMSA to adhere to congressional mandates and provide more flexibility and time for implementing changes.

To read the letter, click here.

Duke Energy pilots green hydrogen production at Florida plant

Duke Energy is embarking on a pilot project to generate, store, and use green hydrogen at its DeBary power plant in Volusia County, Florida. Using an existing solar farm, the project will employ electrolyzers to produce hydrogen, storing it for peak electrical demand.

This initiative aligns with Duke Energy's long-term vision to convert natural gas plants to hydrogen fuel by the 2040s. The DeBary Hydrogen Project, expected to complete in 2024, aims to refine details for future scalable hydrogen integration and seasonal energy storage. Green hydrogen, produced through renewable sources, is gaining traction for its potential in decarbonizing industries and serving as a versatile, low-carbon energy carrier, contributing to Duke Energy's fuel diversity objectives.

To read more, click here.

Funding opportunities

Apply now for state competitiveness fund matching grant program for energy-related IIJA and IRA federal funding programs

State funds are now available to assist qualifying local units of government by covering some or all the matching requirements needed to access federal discretionary grant funding for energy projects.

During the 2023 legislative session, the Legislature approved $100 million in general funds for the Minnesota Department of Commerce to award grants of up to $15 million to eligible entities, including cities, to enhance their chances of receiving federal funds under the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for energy-related projects.

The Department of Commerce will open two concurrent application periods. The quick response round is for applications that have already submitted a federal funding proposal but wish to seek assistance for covering the required matching funds. The standard response round is for applicants who have not yet submitted a federal funding proposal.

The deadline for the quick response round is November 27, 2023, and the deadline for the standard response round is January 15, 2024.

Learn more about the program and apply for funding through the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s webpage.

Looking ahead

Transformer School

Registration is open for Transformer School, which will be held from January 23-26. This school has been rescheduled from December due to instructor availability.

Transformer School will cover three-phase transformer connections. Click here for more information and registration. The Pre-Conference will cover basic single-phase transformer connections and theory. Please note: separate registration is required for the pre-conference. Register by December 21 for the best rate.

Meter School

Meter School registration is open. The school, held from February 6-9 at the MMUA Training Center in Marshall, is your once-a-year opportunity to obtain electric metering instruction and hands-on application, installation, and troubleshooting. Participants select from two course options, dependent upon skill/work experience: Basic/intermediate or Advanced.

• Basic/intermediate: ideal for those with little metering experience. This track builds on the concepts covered in the Pre-Conference.
• Advanced: intended for those who steadily work with meters and wiring meter installations.

This course will cover a wide range of topics including why we have electric meters and the core principles behind single and three-phase metering, mounting and wiring meter sockets on a variety of set ups, voltage transformers, testing procedures, metering hazards, safety procedures and precautions, and more.

A pre-conference learning session is also held in conjunction with the school. The pre-conference is an ideal introductory course for those with little metering experience or as a "refresher" on basic metering. Separate registration is required for the pre-conference.

Register before January 5 for the best rate.

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!

Christian Glanville

Marketing and Member Relations Manager

Direct: 763.746.0727 / Cell: 612.655.0598

Fax: 763.551.0459

cglanville@mmua.org | www.mmua.org

To download a copy of this email, click here.