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MN Dept. of Commerce offers new energy storage program
The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) is looking for feedback on its new energy storage program. The On-Site Energy Storage Grants are for storage up to 50 kilowatts per hour paired with solar energy systems outside Xcel Energy territory. Upcoming online stakeholder meetings will include a brief presentation on the statute language, other storage programs, and ideas for Minnesota. Stakeholder meetings are targeting specific stakeholder groups, but you are welcome to attend any meeting. There will be questions for attendees and discussion regarding how to make the program effective. DOC will also accept written comments. Click on a date below to register to attend.
You can also submit written feedback on this form by the end of the day on March 8, 2024. At the completion of stakeholder engagement, DOC staff will create a report of stakeholder feedback to inform the development of the program. DOC anticipates launching the program later this year. Learn more about this program and Xcel Energy’s Solar-Powered Storage program on the DOC website.
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Jeremy Sutton Appointed Director of Operations and COO at SMMPA
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) has announced the appointment of Jeremy Sutton as Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer, effective March 1.
Sutton, who previously held positions at Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), including Director of Power Resources and Chief Energy Supply Officer, will succeed Mark Mitchell, who is retiring on March 29. Sutton played a key role in developing RPU's Westside Energy Station and 10-megawatt solar farm. His expertise extends to long-term resource planning, contributing to RPU's target of achieving 100% renewable energy supply by 2030.
To read more, click here.
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Seminar on Minnesota stormwater and regulations
There are many challenges to regulating stormwater runoff. On Thursday, February 22 from 10 am to noon, Dr. Seth Brown of the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance will present Performance of Stormwater Products and Practices: Why it Matters. This presentation will provide an update on federal policies and national trends driving the stormwater sector today as well as share information on national-level initiatives for evaluating the efficacy of stormwater control measures.
This seminar series is a partnership between the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory and Water Resources Center, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and it is made possible through the Minnesota Stormwater Research and Technology Transfer Program in collaboration with the Minnesota Stormwater Research Council. This seminar is being offered in-person at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory and online.
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MN Dept. of Commerce opens EV Rebate Program
The Minnesota Department of Commerce Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program is open for applications. The program provides rebates to Minnesota residents for EV purchases on or after May 25, 2023. There is no income requirement for the rebate, and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
MMUA strongly recommends that members share this information with their communities, as the state has limited funds for the rebate program. More information, including the link to the application and a toolkit for social media posts, is available here.
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Minnesota Power issues RFP for 400 MW of wind energy
Minnesota Power has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for up to 400 megawatts (MW) of wind energy to come online by the end of 2027. The RFP is part of the company's EnergyForward vision for 100% carbon-free energy.
The 400 MW of wind, along with an additional 300 MW of solar energy being evaluated in a separate RFP, will help Minnesota Power meet its clean energy goals. The RFP seeks cost-effective wind resources in the MISO Local Resource Zone 1 with direct interconnections to the transmission system and the ability to enter commercial production in 2026 or 2027.
To read more, click here.
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MMUA now accepting topic proposals for the 2024 Summer Conference
MMUA seeks proposals for 2024 Summer Conference in Fargo/Moorhead. The theme of this year's conference is "Stronger Together." We will focus on topics involving communication, collaboration, and strengthening the municipal model. Members are encouraged to submit proposals for speakers and topics that fit within this framework. This request for proposals includes both those who wish to present (“I can share”) and those who would like to request certain topics (“I want to hear about [this]”).
To submit a proposal, please fill out this form. The form will be open until April 1, and multiple submissions are permissible. Registration for the conference will open in May, and the hotel block is already open. Make your reservation through this link. We look forward to seeing you in Fargo/Moorhead!
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Conservation Partners Legacy grant program accepting applications The third round of Expedited Conservation Projects (ECP) grants recently closed, and a special fourth round is opening. The Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) is accpeting applications for approximately $1,000,000 in available funds for special short-term projects. The application window is open until March 18, 2024.
This special round will be accepting applications for short-term projects only. Projects must have a project end date of June 30th, 2026 or earlier. The ECP grant cycle funds eligible activities that restore or enhance forests, wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game, and wildlife on public lands/waters in Minnesota.
Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $50,000, with a maximum total project cost of $1,000,000. Nonprofit organizations and government entities are eligible to apply, and a 10% match of non-state funds is required. Apply online by 3:30 PM on March 18, 2024. Funding for the CPL program comes from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Questions? Please email lscplgrants.dnr@state.mn.us for more information.
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Legislative Conference
March 26–27
DoubleTree by Hilton (St. Paul)
MMUA’s Legislative Conference is an excellent opportunity to come together as an association and use our collective voice to inform and influence state lawmakers. This year’s event will occur just before the legislature takes the first of three short spring breaks to recognize Easter, Eid, and Passover. This will make it prime time to push for final committee action and to lobby hard for a bonding bill adequate to meet utility infrastructure needs.
The conference offers engaging presentations from a diverse array of industry and legal experts. Topics will include building resiliency in local government, renewable energy credits, grant procurement and administration, the role and importance of the Municipal Utilities Action Fund (MUAF), MMUA’s administrative and legislative priorities, and more.
On Tuesday afternoon, attendees will head to the Capitol to meet with their representatives. The Government Relations team encourages you to start making appointments now to meet with your local Senators and House members. We will cap off the day with a legislative reception at the DoubleTree, providing attendees the opportunity for further conversations with lawmakers and connections with fellow members.
For registration details and more event information, click here. Register by February 23 for the best rate. You are encouraged to book a room as part of the MMUA hotel block using this link. The block closes on March 9. For any questions, please reach out to Rita Kelly. We look forward to seeing you in St. Paul!
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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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