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MN-SD transmission plan filed with PUC
Upper Midwest energy firms jointly filed plans with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for the Big Stone South-Alexandria-Big Oaks transmission project. This 345-kilovolt system has two key segments:
- Western: from Big Stone City, South Dakota, to Alexandria, Minnesota
- Eastern: linking Alexandria to Becker, Minnesota
Broad changes in the Midwest's generation fleet and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events have created the need for new transmission infrastructure across the region. To address the future need for continued reliable and resilient operations, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. collaborated with energy companies and other stakeholders to develop the Long-Range Transmission Planning process that resulted in the identification and recommendation of 18 new transmission projects across the Upper Midwest region.
The South Dakota-Minnesota project aims to boost capacity, improve electric system reliability, ease grid congestion, and facilitate wind power distribution from western Minnesota and the Dakotas. Companies involved include MMUA members Great River Energy and Missouri River Energy Services. The project's plans are under review by the PUC, with input from stakeholders. Decision-making typically takes about a year.
To read more, click here.
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MMUA releases 2023 Membership Directory
This week, your utility, city, or company will receive a copy of the 2023 MMUA Membership Directory in the mail. We are excited to offer this service once again, the first of its kind since 2013. In the directory, you will find selected staff contact information, utility and company profiles, information on MMUA programs and services, and statistics on electrical and gas usage of members. We hope you find the content useful and informative!
The reintroduction of the directory is not a one-off event for MMUA. Indeed, we will publish an annual edition of the book for years to come, and the content will grow to include more information you need at your fingertips.
If your organization missed the opportunity to provide updated information for the 2023 edition, you can contact Christian Glanville to make immediate adjustments to your listing on the MMUA website. If there is additional information you would like to see included in the directory, please let us know about that as well. We will solicit for corrections to organizational listings for the 2024 edition this winter, and next year's version will be released in June.
Additional print copies of the directory will be made available for purchase. We will also be releasing an interactive electronic version within the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more information!
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Scientists earn Nobel Prize in Physics for work on electrons
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier for groundbreaking experiments enabling the study of electrons within atoms and molecules.
The Laureates developed a method to generate ultra-short light pulses, measured in attoseconds, allowing the observation of rapid electron movements. Anne L’Huillier's discovery in 1987 involved transmitting infrared laser light through a noble gas, producing various overtones of light. Pierre Agostini and Ferenc Krausz further advanced the technology, creating pulses as short as 250 and 650 attoseconds, respectively. This breakthrough enables investigation of electron-driven processes, with potential applications in electronics and medical diagnostics.
While the discoveries are not directly related to the utility world, the recognition of this project is an effective reminder that groundbreaking electron research is happening around the globe that could have downstream implications for electric utilities.
To read more, click here.
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MMUA announces hire of new Field Safety Services Coordinator
MMUA is pleased to announce the hiring of Jake Kuntz as its Field Safety Services Coordinator. Jake fills the new position which is intended to eliminate gaps in safety management coverage while we expand our programming to meet members' needs.
Jake comes to MMUA from the city of Elk River, where he served in the public works department. He worked previously for the cities of Brooklyn Park and Eagle Lake. He has a special interest in horticulture and arboreal care. Jake is a licensed Minnesota tree inspector.
Jake lives in Big Lake with his wife, Brittany, and two children, Norah and Graham. In his free time, Jake is an accomplished jazz guitarist. "I am excited to meet utility staff and eager to emphasize the value of safety and care in the workplace," said Jake. "We all have something we are headed home to; let's make sure we get there."
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Scholarship funds available until October 15 through DEED program
Members of APPA's DEED program have access to scholarship funds to boost the workforce through continuing education. DEED members are encouraged to apply for up to $4,000 to help introduce students to public power and energy-related careers.
DEED offers three types of funding for students:
- Lineworker and technical education scholarships (up to $2,000 per application)
- Student educational scholarships (up to $2,000 per application)
- Student internships (up to $4,000 per application with an additional $1,000 eligible to attend APPA-approved conferences)
To qualify, student applicants must be attending or planning to attend an accredited vocational institution, lineworker school, community college or university within the U.S. and must not be graduating within 12 months of the application deadline. Learn more about the application process here. The fall 2023 scholarship application cycle closes on October 15.
The online application process is easy so that small utilities with limited staff and resources can apply. To gain access to the application or for questions, email DEED@PublicPower.org or call 202-467-2942.
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Commerce issues state competitiveness fund: Local Grant Development Assistance Program
The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources will be issuing a competitive grant funding opportunity for grant development assistance to support eligible entities in preparing grant applications for federal funds specified in statute 216C.391 Sec. 2, subdivision 2.
The goal of the program is to ensure the state’s economy is strong and growing by increasing the competitiveness across Minnesota in accessing federal funding by providing grant development assistance statewide. Awarded organizations will provide services to eligible entities, especially those designated as Disadvantaged Communities, with support to access and utilize federal funding opportunities.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) is available for download on the Department’s website through the deadline of November 13, 2023.
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Letters of Support from MN Department of Commerce
The Minnesota Department of Commerce will gladly consider supplying a letter of support for funding proposals. Please send any requests for Commerce letters of support via email to fedquestions.commerce@state.mn.us, allowing at least 3 weeks for processing, if at all possible. Please include information on what funding opportunity is being applied to, and a short recap of the proposal project being submitted, the total project cost, and how much federal funding is being sought. In the Subject line of the email, please include “Letter of Support request for XXXXX, due date YYYYY” (where XXXXX is the title or section number of the funding request, and YYYYY is when the proposal is due).
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Register for the 2023 Technical and Operations Conference
Registration for the Technical & Operations Conference (T&O) is now open! The event will be held from December 5-7 at the Holiday Inn in St. Cloud.
The T&O Conference is designed to offer useful information to superintendents, general managers, supervisors, and crew leads about industry trends, workforce challenges, and fostering a culture of safety. The conference theme is "Lead to Succeed," focusing on helping your utility develop leaders from the frontline through all levels of the organization.
For best rates, register by November 10. The deadline for online registration is November 17. Associate members should consider becoming an exhibitor at the T&O trade show as well as sponsoring an event at the conference. Please reach out to Christian Glanville with any questions. We hope to see you in St. Cloud!
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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!
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
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"To unify, support and serve as a common voice for municipal utilities." | | | | |
