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News of the week
July 10, 2024
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Minnesota to appoint ombudsperson for solar project disputes
Minnesota will soon have an interconnection ombudsperson to assist solar developers with connecting projects of 10 megawatts or less to the grid. State lawmakers passed legislation for the Public Utilities Commission to fill this role, following years of complaints from solar companies about delays, particularly with Xcel Energy.
The ombudsperson will provide information, guidance, and mediation, with the goal being to streamline dispute resolution. Logan O’Grady, executive director of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association, expressed hope that this role will help manage disagreements efficiently. The position will also track disputes, review policies, and suggest improvements.
State Rep. Patty Acomb emphasized the role's independence, while solar industry leaders Bobby King and Michael Allen supported the move, expecting it to centralize information and reduce litigation. The position, with an initial $150,000 budget, is expected to be filled later this year.
To read more, click here.
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New MPCA grant for PFAS research
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking proposals from municipal utilities for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Source Identification and Reduction Grants.
The Legislature has put aside funds to identify sources of PFAS entering municipal wastewater treatment and/or waste management facilities. The funds will also help develop and implement pollution prevention and reduction initiatives.
This rolling request for proposals dedicates $2,000,000 towards activities related to planning, development and implementation of PFAS source identification and reduction plans, product substitutions, and system improvements.
Projects must be located in or benefit an underserved community or an area that has been identified as a location of environmental justice concern. Proposed projects must meet one of the following:
- Preparation and execution of PFAS Pollutant Management Plans;
- Source identification work, including waste stream sampling to identify sources of PFAS entering wastewater treatment systems or solid waste management facilities;
- Identification of PFAS-containing products and the implementation/use of products which are PFAS free;
- Identification of process equipment that may need to be replaced in the future due to historic PFAS use and/or PFAS contamination; and/or
- Industrial stormwater-related projects that include source identification and reduction of PFAS at auto shredders, metal finishers, and/or airports.
This RFP will remain open, and applications will be accepted on a rolling, first come, first serve basis until all dedicated funds have been awarded or by Wednesday, April 2, 2025, whichever occurs first. The maximum award is $125,000 per applicant/organization.
To learn more, click here.
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BofA: US electricity prices rise amid increasing demand from AI and onshoring
The US year-over-year inflation rate for electricity prices reached 5.9 percent in May, up from 3.8 percent in January, according to the Bank of America (BofA) Institute.
Early 2024 saw a 1.4 percent decline in utility payments, but rising demand from artificial intelligence (AI) and industrial onshoring is expected to push prices higher. BofA analysts predict AI computing alone will require an additional 18 to 28 gigawatts of generation capacity by 2026. Data centers, driven by AI, could consume 9 percent of US electricity by 2030.
Despite some relief on utility bills earlier this year, continued investment in generation and distribution infrastructure is necessary to meet growing demand, ensuring sustained pressure on electricity prices.
To read more, click here.
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MMUA welcomes new Grant Coordinator Blaine Chaulklin
We are pleased to announce the hiring of Blaine Chaulklin as our new Grant Development and Technical Support Coordinator. In the role, Blaine will assist members in the grant application process and will also seek and administer grants on behalf of MMUA.
Blaine joins MMUA after two years as a grant and contract officer within the Sponsored Projects Administration at the University of Minnesota. In addition to his experience in grant procurement, Blaine has experience as a paralegal where he gained skills in contract management and rules compliance. Blaine has also been a Reservist in the United States Army and Air Force for the past eleven years. He is currently a Staff Sergeant.
Blaine lives in Anoka with his wife, Joanna, and their three year-old daughter. In his free time, he enjoys reading and gardening. Welcome to to the team, Blaine!
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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, 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 (DOC), 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 (look for Reference Number COMM-SFS06-20240701) through the deadline of Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
Applications must be submitted through DOC’s grant interface website no later than Friday, November 29, 2024. The link to the DOC'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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