Tomorrow, we celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day. At MMUA, we are thankful for the brave men and women who keep our lights on across the country. We are proud to salute the lineworkers who represent hometown utilities in Minnesota!

News of the week

New transmission line to boost renewable energy in Southern Minnesota

Rochester Public Utilities, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Xcel Energy, and Dairyland Power Cooperative have announced plans to construct a new transmission line in southern Minnesota.

Stretching 100 miles between Mankato and the Wisconsin border, the project aims to enhance renewable energy delivery, improve system reliability, and reduce carbon emissions. The initiative involves collaboration among the energy providers to address transmission system congestion and facilitate the transition away from coal plants. Pending approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, construction is expected to commence in late 2026 or early 2027, with completion slated for 2030.

To read more, click here.

Xcel Energy ends appeal, accepts rate decision

Xcel Energy has decided to drop its appeal against a state utility regulator's decision that limited its profit measure, known as return on equity (ROE), in Minnesota. The move marks the end of a contentious legal battle and ensures cheaper electric rates for consumers.

While still challenging certain aspects of the ruling, including executive pay limits, Xcel will no longer contest the ROE increase from 9.06 percent to 9.25 percent. The decision comes after the Public Utilities Commission's decision to grant the 9.06 percent rate increase fell short of Xcel's requested 10.2 percent. Despite the withdrawal, Xcel plans to address ROE levels in future rate-case filings.

To read more, click here.

APPA offers free webinars on RP3 applications

If you are thinking about applying for the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation, join the American Public Power Association (APPA) for Strengthening Your RP3 Application, a four-part webinar series from May 8-29, 2024. Participation is free.

Each webinar will review the critical areas of utility operation that are captured in the four main sections of the RP3 application: reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. Participants will gain insights from industry experts on the RP3 Review Panel on how to strengthen their applications. Each webinar includes time for Q&A with the Panel members that will help participants gain further clarity on your application process.

Each hour-long webinar in the series will begin at 1:00 pm central daylight time. Registration is for the entire series, and participants are encouraged to attend each session.

Series schedule:

• Strengthening Your RP3 Application: Reliability (5/8)
• Strengthening Your RP3 Application: Safety (5/15)
• Strengthening Your RP3 Application: System Improvement (5/23)
• Strengthening Your RP3 Application: Workforce Development (5/29)

This webinar series is recommended for public power utilities interested in obtaining an RP3 designation, as well as for current RP3 designees and others interested in measuring and benchmarking their utility’s performance.

With questions, please contact RP3@PublicPower.org.

Please complete the 2024 salary survey

Yesterday, MMUA sent an invitation to complete the 2024 salary survey to those listed as survey respondents at each member utility. Annually, MMUA conducts a survey of salaries being paid within the municipal utilities space in Minnesota. Both members and nonmembers are encouraged to respond. Once the data has been gathered, all participating communities will have access to the results. Thank you in advance for providing information on your town's salary practices!

If you have any questions or believe the survey was sent to the wrong person within your utility, please contact MMUA Organizational Development and Human Resources Manager Shelly Dau. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, May 24.

MMUA hiring Regional Safety Coordinator

The Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) is accepting applications for Regional Safety Coordinator. This position will serve as safety coordinator for a group of cities and hometown utilities located in/around Rochester, Minnesota.

Duties include identifying, developing, and delivering training and ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards. Applicants must possess a comprehensive background in OSHA regulations/safety compliance and have solid instructional skills. The application deadline is this Friday, April 19.

Click here for the full job description and application instructions.

Looking ahead

Interacting on the Issues

Last year, we had excellent meetings with commissioners and utility leaders about the outcome of the 2023 legislative session and its impact on local utilities. We also discussed regulatory issues, MMUA efforts to support municipal efforts, and we sought feedback on priorities for the coming year.

By popular demand, we are going back on the road this June. Please consider joining us for a session at one of four locations around the state. We can't wait to hear from you and learn how we can help enhance and promote the great work you do.

Join the MMUA government relations team and peers from your region to discuss the implications of new laws, explore opportunities, and network with others committed to protecting, promoting, and strengthening hometown utilities.

There is no cost to attend, however registration is required for planning purposes. Encourage your whole commission to join us, learn how MMUA is advocating for your utility, and give us your perspective so we can do better next year. We are especially eager to discuss ways MMUA can help commissioners champion hometown utilities. Learn more and register by clicking on the links below.

June 6—Hutchinson

June 13—Brainerd

June 26—Blue Earth

June 27—Alexandria

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.

Hometown services. Hometown strengths. Hometown solutions.