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Thank you for coming!
From the pre-conference sessions on Monday morning to the closing keynote from Chuck Gallagher on Wednesday, from the roundtables to the trade show floor, we had a blast in Duluth.
MMUA thanks the vendors and presenters for providing content that we all will ponder for weeks and months to come. We thank the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, the Holiday Inn & Suites, Enger Park Golf Course, Hartley Nature Center, and Hoops Brewing for graciously hosting our events. Most importantly, we thank the attendees for choosing to connect and dig into the most pressing issues and exciting opportunities facing our organizations as we work towards resiliency together. We hope you enjoyed the 2023 Summer Conference as much as we did.
Please take five minutes to provide feedback on your experience in Duluth. We want to know what you loved and what you'd like to see change in 2024. To fill out the survey, click here.
Thank you to all those who joined us in Duluth. We can't wait to see you again next year!
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APPA responds to IRS on elective payment of energy tax credits
APPA responded to the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) temporary and proposed regulations on elective payment of energy tax credits. APPA's comments, submitted on August 14, raised concerns about the lack of clarity in the proposed rule regarding the timing and process for the IRS to act on an election for elective payment. The organization highlighted that uncertainty in payment timing hampers financial planning for public power utilities, impacting project financing and cost projections. APPA urged that finalized regulations include a clear timeline for Treasury and IRS to make elective payments.
APPA also emphasized the need for flexibility in taxable years for governmental entities that aren't required to file returns. They suggested transitional measures to accommodate entities that placed credit properties into service between certain dates, avoiding unintended consequences. Additionally, the organization highlighted the importance of streamlining the elective payment process to ensure certainty and efficiency.
To read more, click here.
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NERC releases report on evolving risks
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has released a report outlining five evolving and interconnected risks in the energy sector.
These risks include energy policy, grid transformation, resilience to extreme events, security risks, and critical infrastructure interdependencies. The report emphasizes the significant impact of energy policy, which can swiftly catalyze changes across various risk profiles, affecting reliability and resilience. Grid transformation, crucial for keeping up with industry changes, requires integrating energy sufficiency approaches into planning and operations.
The report also stresses the importance of resilience to extreme events and recommends conducting assessments, creating simulation models, and establishing recovery protocols. NERC advocates for addressing security risks arising from cloud adoption and AI technologies and suggests a study on available generation with fuel capacity. The report underscores collaboration as fundamental to reliability and highlights the growing interdependence between energy reliability and other industries.
To read more, click here.
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Survey on the PUC's strategic plan; due by August 27
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is seeking citizen input for the development of their strategic plan, which will help direct the strategic priorities of the PUC for the next four years.
Management Analysis and Development (MAD), a consulting group within state government, is conducting this survey on behalf of the PUC. Only MAD will see your individual answers, but consultants may share your written comments with the PUC. Your email, IP address, location, or other identifiable data is not being collected.
To access the survey, click here. The survey is available until the Sunday, August 27.
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MMUA announces additional "Interacting on the Issues" sessions
In June, we had excellent meetings with commissioners and utility leaders about the benefits of local control of municipal utilities and the challenges facing the industry. We also took a look at the outcome of the 2023 legislative session, discussed implications, and sought feedback on priorities for the coming year.
By popular demand, we are going back on the road this fall! Please consider joining us for a session at one of our four locations around the state. We can't wait to hear from you and learn how we can help to enhance and promote the great work you do.
Join the MMUA government relations team and peers from your region to discuss the implications of new laws, explore solution 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 commission to attend and learn about how commissioners can help champion hometown utilities. You can learn more and register by clicking on the links below.
September 18—New Ulm
September 27—Grand Rapids
October 3—Detroit Lakes
October 4—Marshall
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MN Department of Commerce announces revamped website for funding opportunities
Information on funding for energy related projects is now being shared online by the Division of Energy Resources at the Minnesota Department of Commerce (MNDOC).
The New Energy Programs page joins with the existing Federal Funding opportunities page to provide additional insight for Minnesotans on new state funding for energy opportunities and programs. Details on the new rebates, grants, and other programs will be added to the site as the programs are developed by MNDOC to make those funds accessible to all Minnesotans.
You are encouraged to bookmark this new page for future reference: New Energy Programs / Minnesota Department of Commerce - Energy (mn.gov); updates are currently included for the EV Rebate Program and Heat Pump Rebate Program. Please plan to check back frequently for future updates; you can also stay current by signing up for MNDOC's newsletter at this link.
2023 Energy Future Grants (EFG) Creating a Community-Led Energy Future
- DE-FOA-0002870
- Deadline: Full Application due 9.30.2023.
DOE's State and Community Energy Program issued a funding opportunity with $27 million in financial and technical assistance to support local, state, and tribal government-led partnership efforts advancing clean energy program innovation. Community-led EFG projects foster integrated clean energy solutions in and across the power, transportation, and building sectors. Approximately 50 multi-jurisdictional teams, with ideally 3-4 (or more) state, local, and tribal government partners on the team, are expected to receive awards of $500,000. Teams will also partner with community benefit organizations to turn innovative, novel or early action ideas into solutions that address barriers to clean energy deployment and provide measurable benefits to disadvantaged communities.
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Regional Safety Workshops—Following the popularity of the summer sessions, MMUA is going back on the road with more regional workshops. You can learn more and register by clicking on the links below.
September 18—New Ulm
September 19—Brookings, SD
Stepping Into Leadership—Designed for those who are new to a supervisory role or current supervisors and leaders who wish to improve their leadership skills. Participants will have 56 hours of instruction delivered in a mix of in-person and virtual settings over a 14-month period. The new cohort will begin on October 4. You can learn more and register by visiting the program's webpage.
Cross Training School—Learn how to safely assist in electrical work. Register by September 15 for the best rate. The school will be held at the MMUA Training Center in Marshall from October 10-12. Please click here to learn more and to register.
Tree Trimming Workshop—Registration is open. This workshop is intended for any municipal employee responsible for tree work; it’s not just for lineworkers. It will be held at Brainerd Public Utilities from October 17-19. Please click here to learn more and register.
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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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"To unify, support and serve as a common voice for municipal utilities." | | | | |
