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News of the week
June 5, 2024
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MNDOT seeks utility participants for EV focus groups
When the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) rolled out the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula (NEVI) program, input from utilities was important in selecting the first round of locations along I-94 and I-35.
Now, MNDOT is developing the Minnesota EV Infrastructure Needs Assessment (MNEVINA) study to guide investment for NEVI formula funds after the initial build-out of the state’s alternative fuels corridors. Participation from utilities is needed to make this a successful effort.
MNDOT is hosting focus group meetings in July to gather input. Utilities are invited to attend either meeting, which will focus on project details, existing and possible future conditions for vehicles and chargers, and how the work might fit into utility planning and processes. The two meeting dates and times are: Monday July 15th from 3:00-4:00 pm and Wednesday July 17th from 9:00-10:00 am.
Please share this information with any staff or municipal utility members who might wish to attend. Registration is requested no later than July 8th. If you would like to attend the focus group but cannot make it, please email Beth Croteau-Kallestad.
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Welcome to MMUA's newest staff member: Scott Stillwell
We're glad to introduce the newest member of the MMUA Safety Team: Scott Stillwell. Scott started last week as the new Regional Safety Coordinator for Austin, Owatonna, and Rochester.
Scott comes to MMUA after more than 10 years with MidAmerican Energy in Hampton, IA. He served as a regional safety coordinator there, providing expert consultation, conducting site inspections, and educating on workplace safety. Scott’s background in safety goes back decades to his military service. He has deep experience in OSHA compliance, accident investigation, and safety audits, and he enjoys researching OSHA exception letters.
Scott lives in Iowa with his wife, Traci, with whom he has four adult children and seven grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, although he acknowledges he "isn't winning any blue ribbons any time soon." Welcome to the team, Scott!
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Public power positioned for future success, Says APPA CEO Scott Corwin
Scott Corwin, President and CEO of the American Public Power Association (APPA), highlighted the pivotal role of public power in the evolving electric utility industry during the APPA’s National Conference in San Diego on June 10. Corwin emphasized the sector's leadership in energy innovation, including offshore wind, solar arrays with battery storage, and small modular nuclear projects.
Corwin pointed out that municipal utilities, whether small and nimble or large and well-resourced, are accountable to their communities. This local accountability, he noted, drives strategies that prioritize reliability and affordability.
Highlighting progress, Corwin mentioned that the new Minnesota Energy Infrastructure Permitting Act could serve as a model for reducing permitting times for clean energy projects. Additionally, he stressed the importance of grid security and APPA’s efforts in cyber and physical security, including partnerships with the Department of Energy.
Corwin also introduced APPA's new online platform, "Engage," designed to enhance member interaction and resource sharing. He concluded by underscoring the generational opportunity for public power to innovate and lead the energy transition, shaping a sustainable and reliable future for the sector.
Corwin will be one of the keynote speakers at the MMUA Summer Conference in Fargo/Moorhead on August 21-22. Conference registration opens next week. To read more, click here.
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NREL report identifies barriers and solutions for interregional transmission
A new report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) identifies barriers limiting the effectiveness of interregional transmission and suggests solutions.
Key issues include a lack of resource adequacy frameworks, limited operational awareness, and insufficient regional transmission planning. In nonmarket regions, inconsistent scheduling and uncoordinated trading reduce efficiency. Market areas face problems with transaction fees, interface pricing, and outdated flow limits.
The report offers tailored solutions like enhanced coordination for resource adequacy and improved scheduling practices. Broader reforms, such as national transmission planning and multi-region optimization, could significantly reduce energy costs and enhance grid reliability.
To read more, click here.
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MMUA hosting free June 27 webinar on Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act
MMUA invites all members to participate in a free webinar on Thursday, June 27 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. The webinar will cover the final regulations set by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on required accommodations for employees with limitations affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical conditions, presented by Organizational Development and Human Resources Manager Shelly Dau.
Following the human resources portion of the meeting, we will take time to demonstrate elements of the new MMUA member portal and website that will be released in mid-June. Learn how to save time, enhance your benefits, and get the most out of the dynamic new system.
Registration is not required for this meeting. For questions about the webinar, reach out to events@mmua.org. To access the meeting, click here.
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Call for MMUA award nominations
We remind you that MMUA's Nominations and Awards Committee is accepting nominations for MMUA's 2024 industry awards. This is a great way to recognize a municipal utility colleague, a public official, or a municipal utility system for showing leadership, innovation and providing an example for others to follow.
Nomination forms for the various awards can be downloaded from our website by clicking here. All nominations will be considered. The deadline for 2024 submissions is June 30. The awards will be presented at the MMUA Summer Conference in Fargo/Moorhead on August 21
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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. Additionally, previously unselected applicants can request reconsideration by July 1, 2024. For more information and to attend upcoming webinars, visit FHWA’s CFI Discretionary Grant Program website.
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Interacting on the Issues
Last year, we had excellent meetings with commissioners and utility leaders about the outcome of the 2023 legislative session and its impact on local utilities. We also discussed regulatory issues, MMUA efforts to support municipal efforts, and we sought feedback on priorities for the coming year.
By popular demand, we are going back on the road this June. Join us for a session at one of four locations around the state.
The MMUA government relations team and peers from your region will discuss the implications of new laws, explore opportunities, and network with others committed to protecting, promoting, and strengthening hometown utilities.
There is no cost to attend, however registration is required for planning purposes. Encourage your whole council and commission to join us, learn how MMUA is advocating for your utility, and give us your perspective so we can continue to evolve how MMUA represents and supports you. We are especially eager to discuss ways MMUA can help commissioners champion hometown utilities. Learn more and register by clicking on the links below.
June 26—Blue Earth
June 27—Alexandria
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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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Hometown services. Hometown strengths. Hometown solutions. | | | | |
