The MMUA team wishes you and your family a joyous holiday season. We are grateful for your service, your membership, and your friendship. As a reminder, the MMUA office will be closed Monday, December 25.

News of the week

NERC's 2023 assessment warns of rising reliability concerns

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has released its 2023 Long-Term Reliability Assessment, highlighting growing apprehensions over electric reliability in the coming decade. The report reveals a sharp reversal in the trend of falling or stagnant growth rates in forecasted peak demand and energy, driven primarily by the surge in electrification, expanding data centers, and the proliferation of electric vehicles.

The electrification of heating systems is reshaping seasonal demand patterns, with summer-peaking regions anticipating shifts to winter or even dual-season peaks. NERC's report also underscores the looming threat posed by more than 83 gigawatts of anticipated fossil-fired and nuclear generator retirements by 2033.

Particularly concerning is the potential 4.7 GW shortfall projected for the Midcontinent Independent System Operator region starting in 2028 if anticipated generator retirements materialize. NERC's call for urgent action includes expanding the transmission network, adapting bulk power system planning to the evolving landscape, and reinforcing relationships among reliability stakeholders. The report also emphasizes the critical interdependence between the electric and gas sectors, citing the risks associated with the reliance on just-in-time delivery of natural gas fuel to generators.

To read more, click here.

Report highlights challenges in achieving operational net-zero buildings

A new report from the World Business Council for Sustainable development (WBCSD) says attaining genuine net-zero operational status for buildings is easier said than done. The purchase of 100% renewable energy is the beginning, but the utilization of operational performance data is required too – and this information often doesn’t exist. The report underscores the necessary shift from reactive to proactive maintenance for facilities managers pursuing net-zero operational buildings.

Challenges arise from the lack of standardized emissions measurements and the absence of a globally consistent definition for net-zero buildings. The WBCSD argues in the report that clarity in definition is essential to attract investments, stimulate market growth, and facilitate the adoption of sustainable building practices. Industry experts, including Frank Cuomo from Consolidated Edison, highlight the need for clear metrics in measuring carbon compliance and reduction, questioning the criteria for declaring a building as net-zero. The report emphasizes a dual transition involving demand-side reductions and supply-side procurement of renewable energy for achieving net-zero operational emissions.

The impending release of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's climate disclosure rules in April 2024 adds complexity for building engineers and property managers. Meanwhile, the Biden Administration's proposed definition of a zero-emissions building aligns with a broader push for clean energy and stringent efficiency guidelines. As the industry addresses these challenges, the WBCSD's report recommends securing facilities management contracts that explicitly mandate proactive monitoring, paving the way for a sustainable future in building operations.

To read more, click here.

Clean energy advocates challenge Xcel Energy's solar expansion constraints

Hydrogen is emerging as a game-changer for Minnesota's Iron Range, where traditional steelmaking methods face scrutiny for their environmental impact. Unlike conventional practices that rely on fossil fuels, the Heartland Hydrogen Hub employs innovative approaches utilizing renewable energy to produce hydrogen. The process involves electrolysis, separating hydrogen from water through an electric current. When this is done according to a specific procedure, it creates an eco-friendly solution with zero byproducts or emissions, except for oxygen and hydrogen.

This shift towards hydrogen not only aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints but also positions Minnesota as a pioneer in implementing cutting-edge technologies for sustainable and greener steel production. The Iron Range, a key supplier of the country's iron ore for steel production, faces mounting pressure from various stakeholders to curb climate emissions. Amid the challenge of decarbonizing heavy industry, hydrogen emerges as a promising alternative. Major steelmakers like Cleveland-Cliffs, the owner of mining operations on the Iron Range, are actively exploring hydrogen-powered initiatives. Cleveland-Cliffs is part of a federally funded hydrogen hub, and the company aims to replace a substantial portion of natural gas consumption with hydrogen.

To read more, click here.

MNOPS releases report on 2023 Minnesota one-call law revision survey

The Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (MNOPS) has finalized a report summarizing responses to the most recent survey regarding a number of proposed MS216D revisions. A copy of the report can be found here.

If you were not able to respond to the survey, MNOPS has kept the survey open for those that wish to participate. The survey can be found here. Please contact MNOPS at 651-201-7230 or dps.mnops.response@state.mn.us with questions.

Training opportunity announced for water/wastewater operators

If you work in the water/wastewater department, you don't want to miss this once-a-year opportunity for training to further develop your skills and increase your competency. The Electric Skills Training for Water/Wastewater Operators workshop will be held March 13-14 at the MMUA Training Center in Marshall. Topics will include a review of safety basics, electrical testing and troubleshooting, lockout tagout, voltage checks, testing and sizing fuses, and an overview of electrical prints. Registration is now open and is limited to the first 35 attendees. Click here for more information.

Looking ahead

Security Threats and Preparation Workshops

These workshops will be led by Michael Coe, Vice President for Security, Resilience, and Energy Solutions for the American Public Power Association (APPA), and Mike Willetts, MMUA's Director of Training and Safety. They will cover:

• Analyzing real case studies
• Discussing physical security essentials
• Performing a comprehensive threat assessment
• Reviewing cybersecurity trends
• Engaging with local law enforcement

Register by January 9, 2024 for the best rate. You can learn more and register by clicking on the links below.

January 30—New Ulm

January 31—Brainerd

February1—Plymouth

Transformer School

Registration is open for Transformer School, which will be held 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 session will cover basic single-phase transformer connections and theory. Please note: separate registration is required for the pre-conference session. Register by tomorrow, December 21, for the best rate.

Meter School

Meter School registration is open. The school, held 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. 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 event 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 session.

Register before January 5 for the best rate.

2024 Emergency Preparedness and Restoration Conference

Join other municipal utility and city professionals at the 2024 Emergency Preparedness and Restoration Conference in St. Cloud from February 21-22, 2024. This interactive conference will include a tabletop exercise to increase your understanding of the mutual aid process that is activated during a national event. Please click here to register or to learn more about this ever-evolving annual session. For best rate, register before January 23; the deadline to register online is January 31, 2024.

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.

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