Preventing cyber attacks and mitigating their impact

This week at the MMUA Cyber and Fiscal Security Threats and Preparation workshop, attendees learned how to protect the vital systems, infrastructure, and reputation of their municipal utility. Industry experts, including a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, discussed recent cyber-attacks in Minnesota and actions to help deter them.

OSHA to offer recordkeeping webinar January 24

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is offering a free webinar on January 24 on the topic of OSHA recordkeeping basics.



Maintaining current and accurate records in an OSHA log helps utilities learn about safety weak spots and enables employees and management to keep an eye on the greater safety culture. The logs are also useful for organizational documentation purposes, and certain logs are required by law.

The event will be held via Microsoft Teams. To sign up, click here.

Monticello Nuclear Power Plant receives NRC approval to stay open through 2050; still needs Minnesota approval

In late December, the Monticello Nuclear Power Plant received authorization from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to continue operating through 2050. Now, the plant needs authorization from Minnesota regulators to continue operating until this date.



The Monticello plant began operations in 1971. If the extension is approved, the plant will operate approximately 80 years, far beyond the original plans of Northern States Power, the predecessor to Xcel Energy.

Learn more here.

Community sustainability

Do you have an idea for promoting sustainability in your community? Ideas can be submitted to University of Minnesota Extension any time of the year.

Funding decisions are made between March and May each year. Areas of focus include environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

To learn more, click here.

Geothermal Planning Grant program

In 2024, the Minnesota Legislature established the Geothermal Planning Grant program. The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants to examine the technical and economic feasibility of installing geothermal energy systems.  

The Department of Commerce will administer $1.08 million in grants to local governments across Minnesota. Eligible applicants for this grant program include counties, cities, townships or the Metropolitan Council. Grants will be awarded for up to $150,000 for the planning of a geothermal energy system that heats and cools one or more buildings. Eligible systems include a bored geothermal heat exchanger, a groundwater thermal exchange device, and submerged closed loop heat exchanger systems.  

The request for proposals (RFP) for the Geothermal Planning Grant program are due March 10, 2025. Learn more here.

Emergency Preparedness and Restoration Conference

February 19–20

St. Cloud, MN

Make plans to join other municipal utility professionals at this interactive conference. If your utility is ever in need of receiving mutual aid or interested in traveling, in-state or out-of-state, to assist with mutual aid, this conference can help prepare you and your team to be successful. Leadership and crew personnel will gain valuable insight into the process and help MMUA improve its coordination efforts.

Topics to be covered include:

• Review Hurricane Milton efforts
• Hands-on tabletop exercise
• Mutual aid coordination and strategies
• Florida's new F-ROC billing form

Please click below to register for this valuable training opportunity. Advanced registration closes on February 1, 2025.