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News of the week
July 3, 2024
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Happy Fourth of July! As we celebrate our nation's independence, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated municipal utility workers. Your hard work and commitment ensure that our communities run smoothly and safely every day.
Thank you for all you do!
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US electricity demand set to surge by 2030
Total US electricity demand has remained stable at around 4,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) since 2010. However, Rystad Energy predicts a significant rise due to the growth of data centers and electric vehicles (EVs). By 2030, these sectors are expected to add 290 TWh of demand. Data centers, particularly those focused on artificial intelligence, could contribute 177 TWh, increasing their consumption to 307 TWh. EVs could boost transportation sector demand from 18.3 TWh in 2023 to 131 TWh by 2030.
Overall, US power demand is forecasted to reach nearly 4,500 TWh, driven by residential, commercial, and industrial growth. Experts think renewable energy, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, will expand to meet this demand, with solar capacity increasing by 237 gigawatts (GW) and wind by 78 GW. In this scenario, natural gas and renewable energy will increasingly dominate the power mix, reducing coal reliance.
To read more, click here.
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Grants for smaller utilities available for grid resiliency; MMUA offering webinar
The Minnesota Department of Commerce (MNDOC) seeks proposals from eligible utilities throughout Minnesota for the BIL-40101(d) Strengthening the Reliability and Resiliency of Minnesota’s Electrical Grid Grant Program. MMUA has worked closely with MNDOC and the Minnesota Rural Electric Association to provide input on this opportunity.
This competitive grant program seeks proposals for projects which will:
- increase the resilience of Minnesota’s electric grid against disruptive events,
- advance grid modernization and the deployment of clean energy resources, and
- reduce the impacts of climate-driven extreme weather and natural disasters.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) is available for download on the department’s RFP website. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on Monday, August 26, 2024. Instructions and links for submitting proposals are detailed in the RFP and attachments..
As this opportunity is primed for municipal utility participation, MMUA will host a webinar to discuss the program on Tuesday, July 9 from 1:00-2:00 pm. Registration is not required for this meeting. For questions about the webinar, reach out to Karleen Kos. To access the meeting, click here.
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North Dakota challenges Minnesota's carbon-free energy mandate
North Dakota officials have formally challenged Minnesota's new carbon-free energy mandate, claiming it may be unconstitutional. The North Dakota Industrial Commission, comprising Gov. Doug Burgum, Attorney General Drew Wrigley, and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, argues the policy endangers North Dakota’s coal and gas industries, which supply significant energy to Minnesota.
In a recent letter to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the Industrial Commission outlined three main legal objections: the policy violates the federal Commerce Clause by regulating interstate commerce, it conflicts with the Federal Power Act by restricting wholesale electricity sales, and it improperly regulates carbon dioxide emissions, a power reserved for the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act. The Commission also reserves the right to pursue legal action.
North Dakota previously won a similar legal battle against Minnesota's 2007 energy policy. The current challenge asserts that Minnesota’s new mandate unfairly imposes its energy policies on neighboring states. The letter suggests that electricity produced with carbon capture technology be considered compliant to protect North Dakota’s energy interests.
To read more, click here.
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Supreme Court overturns Chevron Doctrine in landmark decision
The US Supreme Court overturned the Chevron doctrine in a 6-3 decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce. This decision reverses the 1984 Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council ruling, which required courts to defer to federal agencies’ reasonable interpretations of ambiguous statutes.
The Court emphasized that the Administrative Procedure Act mandates courts to independently judge whether an agency has acted within its authority, regardless of statutory ambiguity. This ruling significantly impacts regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Labor. Legal experts predict increased judicial scrutiny of agency actions and more opportunities for regulated communities to challenge agency rules.
Justice Elena Kagan, dissenting, argued the decision undermines a key principle of administrative law and shifts decision-making from agencies to the courts, which she views as detrimental to effective regulation.
To read more, click here.
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$1.3 billion in funding announced for EV charging infrastructure
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a $1.3 billion funding opportunity for electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure. This investment, the largest of its kind to date, aims to enhance clean transportation in urban and rural areas as well as along major highways and interstates.
Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, the initiative supports state, regional, Tribal, and local government entities. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administers the CFI program with guidance from the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.
The funding aims to deploy Level 2 and DC fast EV chargers nationwide, focusing on multi-family housing and disadvantaged communities. It supports the National Zero-Emission Freight Strategy and aligns with President Biden's goal of establishing 500,000 public EV charging stations by 2030.
Eligible applicants can apply by August 28, 2024. For more information and to attend upcoming webinars, visit FHWA’s CFI Discretionary Grant Program website.
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Second round of Solar for Schools opens; first step due by July 31
The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources requests proposals from qualified schools throughout Minnesota for the Solar for Schools Grant Program. Public schools, K-12, state colleges and universities, tribal contract and cooperative districts are eligible to apply for grants up to $500,000 to use towards the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic systems up to 1,000 KW(ac) in size.
The application process is comprised of a School Readiness Assessment, and if selected, a full grant application. This is the second of two funding rounds in 2024. The Request for Proposals (RFP) will have detailed information and application questions as well as required forms and reference materials. It is available for download on the Department’s RFP website through the deadline of Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
Applications must be submitted through the Department’s grant interface website no later than Friday, November 29, 2024. The link to the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s online grant interface is provided in the Request for Proposals/Grant Application section on the Department’s Solar for Schools program webpage.
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Summer Conference
August 19–21
Holiday Inn and Conference Center
Fargo, ND
The Summer Conference is designed to offer must-have information for municipal utility leaders. Commissioners, superintendents, managers, supervisors, and crew leaders all come together to learn how to tackle the challenges facing utilities at MMUA’s Summer Conference. There's something for everyone.
The theme of this year's event is "Stronger Together." Sessions will focus on communication, collaboration, and strengthening the municipal model. Keynote speakers include APPA CEO Scott Corwin, communications expert Mark Weaver, and leadership expert Jon Colby, in addition to excellent sessions on a wide range of topics from emergency response to system resilience to the pursuit of federal funding. You will be able to choose from four unique conference tracks (governance, leadership, electric, and water/wastewater) to maximize your learning. As always, the conference will include the state's largest trade show for municipal utilities on Tuesday evening.
The conference will be held on August 20–21 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo. There is plenty of activity on Monday, August 19 as well! Join us for either of two pre-conference sessions in the morning, and then spend the afternoon on a hike with Mike Willetts or playing a round on the beautiful greens at The Meadows Golf Course in Moorhead.
No matter what you do, we can't wait to see you! Visit our website to learn more about the conference and to register today.
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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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