News of the week

DOE finds transmission needs greatest in MISO, ERCOT, and SPP regions

A recent Department of Energy report has shed light on the critical necessity for a substantial increase in the United States' regional and interregional transmission systems. Notably, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) regions require significant attention, with projections indicating a staggering 140% increase in transmission needs by 2035. Similarly, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) area also anticipates a 140% surge, while the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) footprint is expected to necessitate a 119% rise in transmission capabilities.

Acknowledging the potential of grid-enhancing technologies and energy storage as valuable complements, the report underscores the indispensability of additional infrastructure. These findings have significant implications for industry stakeholders, with the report poised to serve as a guiding framework for future transmission initiatives and investment strategies.

In light of these developments, the Department of Energy is scheduled to host a webinar on November 8, facilitating further discussion and exploration of the study's implications for the nation's energy landscape.

To read more, click here.

Hotel block closes this week for 2023 Technical and Operations Conference

Registration for the Technical & Operations Conference (T&O) is open. The event will be held from December 5-7 at the Holiday Inn in St. Cloud.

We are eager to share with you the excellent presentations and sessions many have worked hard to develop on behalf of MMUA. One presenter that we are very excited to introduce you to is Kim Becking, who will be delivering the opening keynote address followed by a workshop on leadership development. Kim has prepared a video inviting you to engage on getting the most out of your team at the T&O. Click here to view the video.

For the best rate, register by November 10. The deadline for online registration is November 17. Associate members should consider becoming an exhibitor at the T&O trade show. There are a few sponsorship opportunities remaining as well. Please reach out to Christian Glanville with any questions. Don't delay! The hotel block closes on November 4.

MNOPS seeks feedback on 2023 One-Call Law revision

The Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (MNOPS) is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the state's One-Call Law (MS216D).

MNOPS began working with Minnesota Management and Budget’s, Management Analysis and Development (MAD) group in early 2023 to research current stakeholder concerns with the MS216D. Through 2023, MAD and MNOPS have worked to conduct a series of interviews as well as conducting a number of advisory group meetings to further this work. As a result of these interviews and advisory group feedback, MNOPS has drafted the proposed changes to MS216D.

MMUA strongly encourages each municipal utility to have an individual complete the survey to provide feedback on these potential revisions.

If you have any comments specific to the changes please provide them in the comments section at the end of the survey. Please contact MNOPS at 651-201-7230 or dps.mnops.response@state.mn.us with questions.

CERTs offers IRA information and resource kit for federal funding

We frequently hear from members asking for more information about the broad scope of federal funding available for municipal utilities. While we continuously highlight relevant opportunities for funding through the Digest, you may want more information about the vast array of programs offered by the government.

Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) has a robust and simple-to-use website dedicated to explaining the complexities of federal funding. The website is designed to be informative for official employees and civilians alike, and it even features a toolkit for promoting "IRA ambassadors." Feel free to use and share these resources within your community to generate momentum for obtaining federal funding.

Drive Electric Minnesota requesting information on EV resources

Drive Electric Minnesota is asking utilities and others to add any resources to their online Electric Vehicle Resource Database. The database is designed to help you find out how organizations, including municipal utilities, are educating people about electric vehicles. Resources on the website currently include charging equipment rebate and rate programs, primers on MNDOT's EV planning, and much more.

To make a submission to the database, please fill out this form.

Funding opportunities

Apply now for state competitiveness fund matching grant program for energy-related IIJA and IRA federal funding programs

State funds are now available to assist qualifying local units of government by covering some or all the matching requirements needed to access federal discretionary grant funding for energy projects.

During the 2023 legislative session, the Legislature approved $100 million in general funds for the Minnesota Department of Commerce to award grants of up to $15 million to eligible entities, including cities, to enhance their chances of receiving federal funds under the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for energy-related projects.

The Department of Commerce will open two concurrent application periods. The quick response round is for applications that have already submitted a federal funding proposal but wish to seek assistance for covering the required matching funds. The standard response round is for applicants who have not yet submitted a federal funding proposal.

The deadline for the quick response round is November 27, 2023, and the deadline for the standard response round is January 15, 2024.

Learn more about the program and apply for funding through the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s webpage.

Looking ahead

Transformer School

Registration is now open for Transformer School, which will be held from January 23-26. Lineworkers and other electric utility personnel involved with transformer installation and operation can benefit from this well-rounded program. This school has been rescheduled from December due to instructor availability.

Transformer School will cover three-phase transformer connections. In addition to classroom instruction, participants will troubleshoot and make repairs on miniature transformer banks. Click here for more information and registration. The Pre-Conference will cover basic single-phase transformer connections and theory. This optional course is ideal as a "refresher" on the basics. Please note: separate registration is required for the pre-conference. Register by December 21 for the best rate.

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

To download a copy of this email, click here.