Minnesota’s small cities are grappling with the new 100 percent carbon-free standard

The 2023 law establishing a 100 percent carbon-free standard for electrical utilities in Minnesota by 2040 is posing unique challenges for small municipal utilities. Kent Sulem, Director of Government Relations and Senior Counsel for the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA), testified at a Senate hearing recently, saying the organization and its members are not opposed to the concept of the bill. He went on to emphasize that municipal utilities have “serious concerns” about the feasibility of reaching 100 percent carbon-free energy by the target date. The dilemma and how it is playing out around Minnesota was featured in a recent MINNPOST article here.

Inflation Reduction Act lessons learned webinar

Elective (or Direct) Pay allows tax-exempt and governmental entities to receive a payment equal to the full value of tax credits for qualifying clean energy projects. A Deloitte webinar on March 20 will cover key lessons learned in the first year of compliance. Learn more and register here. 

Office hours for elective pay and transferability of clean energy credits

Elective pay—also known as direct pay—can be an important way for municipal utilities to keep costs down for ratepayers when the utilities undertake eligible capital projects. As provided for in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, qualifying businesses, tax-exempt organizations, or entities such as state, local, and tribal governments can take advantage of these business tax credits even if they don't have taxable income to which the credits can be applied.

To make it easier for municipals to navigate the process of applying for the funds, the Internal Revenue Service is hosting twice-monthly office hours through July to assist in applying for and receiving elective pay reimbursements. Sign up to participate in office hours on March 26 here.



MPCA has $820,000 available to support waste reduction and reuse projects across Minnesota

Does your business or organization have a project that is working to expand waste reduction, reuse, rental, and/or repair efforts in Minnesota? Apply now to receive funding from our statewide waste reduction and reuse grant program from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

These strategies have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, reduce the demand for resource extraction, and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. By extending the useful life of existing materials and strengthening trained skill sets in repair, reuse also supports the local economy and increases access to products and services.

Information to help applicants submit proposals can be found here. Applications are due Thursday, March 27.

Generation School

April 15–17

Classroom: Hutchinson, MN

Hands-on training: Glencoe, MN and Litchfield, MN

With a mix of classroom and hands-on instruction, Generation School appeals to all learning styles and all levels of experience.

Topics to be covered include inspections, testing, maintenance, reporting, and more.

Attendees will work with equipment in the plant, seeing and feeling what the seasoned instructors explain in real time. Plus, you will go behind the scenes and tour Zephyr Wind Services.

Please click the link below for more information on this valuable training opportunity and to register. Advance registration ends March 28.

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.

• Multi-session class: participants will rotate through six different sessions, covering a variety of topics and activities to develop new skills and enrich proficiency.
• Advanced class: participants in this class will delve deep into Equipotential Grounding and the Isolation Method through classroom discussion and activities in the field.

Please click the link below for more information and to register. Register by April 11 for the best rate. Advance registration ends April 25.

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 the best rate. Advance registration ends May 9.

Minnesota Public Power Walley Tournament

May 31

Bladow Beach Resort and 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. The deadline is May 15.