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IEA warns electric grids key to clean energy transition
A recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasizes the critical role of electric grids in global clean energy commitments. The IEA projects a requirement for about 50 million miles of new or upgraded power lines by 2040 to support international climate goals. Insufficient grid investment, the report cautions, could impede the progress of clean energy transitions.
Delayed grid infrastructure development, according to the report's Grid Delay Case scenario, may result in a substantial increase in global carbon dioxide emissions, potentially jeopardizing the Paris climate agreement objectives. The IEA advocates for comprehensive transmission projects, digital solutions, and flexible grid management to accommodate the rising demand for renewable energy sources and mitigate environmental concerns.
The report highlights the urgency for immediate grid investment to ensure a smooth transition towards sustainable energy systems.
To read more, click here.
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EIA predicts lower heating bills this winter
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that over half of U.S. households will likely experience reduced heating expenses this winter.
Anticipated lower wholesale natural gas prices, driven by increased production and ample inventories, are expected to lead to a significant drop in retail natural gas prices for households. Consequently, electricity prices are projected to decrease as well, reflecting the influence of reduced natural gas costs on electricity rates. However, households in the Northeast, relying primarily on heating oil, may face slightly higher expenses due to increased heating demand offsetting lower heating oil prices.
The EIA's Winter Fuels Outlook considers variations in regional weather patterns and possible side cases to account for uncertainties arising from weather fluctuations.
To read more, click here.
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Carba wins MN Cup with carbon conversion technology
Carba, a clean-energy startup, emerged victorious in the MN Cup last month, securing $85,000 for its reactor technology that converts carbon dioxide into a solid, charcoal-like substance.
The company's process involves extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequestering it beneath the earth's surface to counteract the adverse effects of carbon emissions, mining activities, and landfills.
Addressing the urgency of combating climate change, Carba's CEO, Andrew Jones, emphasized the critical need for effective carbon dioxide removal technologies. The company plans to utilize the prize money for scaling up its operations and expanding research and development efforts to transition from a one-ton to a 45-ton per day carbon capture facility.
MN Cup, the prestigious statewide innovation competition, awarded Carba not only the grand prize but also the energy/clean tech division award and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Green Chemistry prize, recognizing the company's commitment to sustainable technology and environmental stewardship.
To read more from the Star Tribune, click here.
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MMUA releases 2023 Membership Directory
Last week, your utility, city, or company should have received a copy of the 2023 MMUA Membership Directory in the mail. We are excited to offer this service once again, after a hiatus 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 is slated for a June release.
Additional print copies of the directory are available for purchase for $35 each. To purchase, please contact Christian Glanville.
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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. There are a few sponsorship opportunities remaining as well. 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." | | | | |
