Technical & Operations Conference

The 2024 T&O Conference in December was filled with powerful and immediately applicable content, a chance to check out vendors’ wares, and time for much-needed networking with peers. In a learning track session for field professionals, Jon Spencer (shown above) from Utility Solutions used computerized boards to teach about equipotential grounding.

Save the date: we’ll be back in St. Cloud December 9–11, 2025.

Marshall Municipal Utilities planning for a new electric generator plant

The Marshall Municipal Utilites Commission (MMUC) is reviewing plans for a new facility to house four 3-megawatt generators. MMUC's goal is to go to for project bids in January 2025. The estimated total cost of the project is $17 million. General Manager Dave Schelkoph has indicated costs will not be passed along to customers. Instead, the project will be funded through a Missouri River Energy Services incentive program that encourages member utilities to build up reserve generating capacity.



To learn more, click here.

Minnesota Public Utilities Commision approves interim rates for Xcel Energy

In late December, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a $192 million interim rate for Xcel Energy, less than the $223.7 million rate requested by the utility. The rates will take effect on the first of the year.



To learn more, click here.

Walmart and Nexamp to develop solar project in Minnesota

Retailer Walmart and community solar developer Nexamp are joining forces to build thirty-one community solar projects across five states, including one in Minnesota. The other solar installations will be located in Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York.

The installations will bring clean energy to the grid and will support economic development and jobs creation in the communities where they are built. The total output of the project is estimated at 120 megawatts.

To learn more, click here.

New Minnesota laws go into effect on January 1, 2025

Pay and benefits in job postings

Employers with thirty or more employees in the state of Minnesota will be required to include, in all job postings, a pay range and a general description of any benefits and other compensation offered.

Job postings are defined broadly and include anything that contains applicant qualifications and are intended to recruit job applicants for a specific available position. This includes postings made electronically or in print and all forms of recruitment (whether directly by the employer or indirectly by a third party on the employer’s behalf).

Pay ranges must include a minimum and maximum annual salary or hourly range, and must be provided in good faith, meaning they should be a reasonable estimation of what that open position will actually pay. If an employer plans to offer an exact rate or salary for a position, that should be listed rather than a range.

Action Item: Amend job postings to include the required information by January 1, 2025.

Minimum wage increase

Statewide

The state minimum wage for all employers will be $11.13 per hour as of January 1, 2025. The lower minimum wage rates previously applicable to small employers and certain workers (e.g., most youth) are being eliminated as of that date.

Minneapolis

The minimum wage in Minneapolis for all employers will be $15.97 per hour.

St. Paul

The minimum wage for employers with 101 or more employees will be $15.97 per hour.

Cyber and Fiscal Security Threats and Preparation regional workshop

St. Louis Park—January 21

New Ulm—January 22

Brainerd— January 23 

Join MMUA and a host of experts that will offer valuable insights that can help you identify and mitigate these imposing threats. You will learn how to protect your vital systems, infrastructure, and reputation.

Please click below to register or for additional details on this valuable training opportunity. Register by December 26 for best rate.

Meter School and pre-conference workshop

February 4–7

MMUA Training Center, Marshall

Meter School is a once-a-year opportunity to obtain hands-on technical electric metering training. Participants select from two course options:



• Beginner/intermediate: This track is ideal for those with little metering experience. It builds on the concepts covered in the pre-conference workshop and advances your skills within a few days.
• Advanced: This track is intended for those who steadily work with meters and wiring meter installations.