News of the week

Missouri River Energy Services boosts incentives for member-owned generation

The Board of Directors for MMUA affiliate member Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) has increased incentives for behind-the-meter generation, such as diesel generators, through reserved capacity agreements (RCAs).

The lump-sum bonus, which provides $4 per kilowatt monthly for ten years starting June 2025, aims to incentivize the installation of new generation capacity. MRES has RCAs with 19 members, covering 156 megawatts of member-owned generation through 2052. This initiative is part of MRES's efforts to enhance grid reliability, align with regional transmission organization rules, and address the rising costs of installing new generation in response to inflation and evolving market conditions.

To read more, click here.

MMUA now accepting topic proposals for the 2024 Summer Conference

MMUA seeks proposals for 2024 Summer Conference in Fargo/Moorhead. The theme of this year's conference is "Stronger Together." We will focus on topics involving communication, collaboration, and strengthening the municipal model. Members are encouraged to submit proposals for speakers and topics that fit within this framework.

To submit a proposal, please fill out this form. The form will be open until April 1, and multiple submissions are permissible. Registration for the conference will open in May, but the hotel block is already open. Make your reservation through this link. We look forward to seeing you in Fargo/Moorhead!

Quality concerns in battery energy storage systems revealed by audits

Factory quality audits conducted over six years by Clean Energy Associates indicate potential defects and deviations from industry best practices in battery energy storage systems. The data, covering 64 percent of tier one lithium-ion battery energy storage system manufacturers, revealed more than 1,300 manufacturing defects.

Notably, 26 percent of the inspected systems had fire suppression system defects, while 18 percent had thermal management system defects. The audits highlighted faulty actuators, incorrect wiring in sensors, and unresponsive fire alarm abort buttons. System-level defects related to improper integration procedures accounted for more than half of the issues, emphasizing the significance of industry-wide quality control measures.

To read more, click here.

APPA offers 4-part overview course on the electric industry

The American Public Power Association (APPA) is offering a four part on-demand training outlining the essential facts about how the electric industry functions and the role of municipal utilities within it. The program is ideal for industry newcomers and for those seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the electric utility landscape, where public power fits in, the unique benefits of the public power business model, and an overview of the different governance structures.

The course is free to APPA members. Participants learn on their own schedules through four lessons (10-15 minutes each) led by an expert instructor with decades of experience working in and around public power. To learn more, click here.

MNOSHA hosting webinar on mobile elevating work platforms

The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) is hosting upcoming webinar on mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Jay Tyrrell, Northern Safety LLC, will cover MEWP-related training, inspections, the American National Standards Institute, and challenges with new equipment. The webinar will be held Tuesday, March 19 at 7 am. There is no cost for the session.

To learn more, click here.

Cybersecurity seminars offered by League of Minnesota Cities

The League of Minnesota Cities is hosting two upcoming seminars in St. Paul on cybersecurity and protecting critical infrastructure. They will be offered on February 29 and March 1.

Presenters from Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI) will lead the training courses on detecting and mitigating cybersecurity threats against utilities. The first seminar covers the common compromises and protective measures around the Internet of Things (or smart devices). The second seminar looks at Industrial Control Systems and best practices in cyberattack response.

Participants should have a basic understanding of computer security concepts and networking skills. No prior programming experience is required. To read more and register, click here.

Funding opportunities

MN Dept. of Commerce opens EV Rebate Program

The Minnesota Department of Commerce Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program is open for applications. The program provides rebates to Minnesota residents for EV purchases on or after May 25, 2023. There is no income requirement for the rebate, and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

MMUA strongly recommends that members share this information with their communities, as the state has limited funds for the rebate program. More information, including the link to the application and a toolkit for social media posts, is available here.

Looking ahead

Legislative Conference

March 26–27

DoubleTree by Hilton (St. Paul)

MMUA’s Legislative Conference is an excellent opportunity to come together as an association and use our collective voice to inform and influence state lawmakers. This year’s event will occur just before the legislature takes the first of three short spring breaks to recognize Easter, Eid, and Passover. This will make it prime time to push for final committee action and to lobby hard for a bonding bill adequate to meet utility infrastructure needs. 

The conference offers engaging presentations from a diverse array of industry and legal experts. Topics will include building resiliency in local government, renewable energy credits, grant procurement and administration, the role and importance of the Municipal Utilities Action Fund (MUAF), MMUA’s administrative and legislative priorities, and more. 

On Tuesday afternoon, attendees will head to the Capitol to meet with their representatives. The Government Relations team encourages you to start making appointments now to meet with your local Senators and House members. We will cap off the day with a legislative reception at the DoubleTree, providing attendees the opportunity for further conversations with lawmakers and connections with fellow members.

For registration details and more event information, click here. Register by February 23 for the best rate. You are encouraged to book a room as part of the MMUA hotel block using this link. The block closes on March 9. For any questions, please reach out to Rita Kelly. We look forward to seeing you in St. Paul!

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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