News of the week

MMUA members meet with MN Congressional staff

Dozens of Minnesota mayors, council members, utility leaders, and MMUA staff members visited with Congressional staff members last week in Washington DC in conjunction with the 2024 APPA Legislative Rally. A group of 64 utility experts went to encourage Minnesota's senators and representatives to consider MMUA's positions on several issues of concerns to hometown utilities. MMUA thanks those who traveled, and we are grateful to the congressional staffers who took time to meet with our group. All of their bosses were in Burnsville that day, paying tribute to the fallen officers and EMT killed in the line of duty earlier in February.

Finally, Senator Amy Klobuchar provided a six-minute video explaining some of the efforts she is making to stand up for municipal utilities. To view the video, click here.

You can read more about the event in the upcoming issue of The Resource. We also want to provide you with the brochure that MMUA representatives used and shared with congressional staff. The brochure outlines the federal legislative priorities for MMUA in 2024. Click here to download the handout.

US Dept. of Treasury and IRS release final regulations on elective payment of energy tax credits

This week, the US Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released final regulations related to the implementation of elective payment of energy tax credits. These regulations provide clarity for owners seeking elective payment for their share of co-owned energy projects. Notably, the final regulations address the issue faced by public power utilities operating on a fiscal year that placed energy property, including commercial electric vehicles, into service early in 2023.

The final regulations allow entities that had not previously filed an income tax return to choose whether to file their first Form 990-T based on either a calendar or a fiscal year. This flexibility enables affected public power utilities to file Form 990-T based on a calendar year and make an elective payment election for applicable energy credit property. While the final regulations focus on the process and timeline for claiming and receiving an elective payment of energy tax credits, they do not provide guidance on meeting domestic content requirements or exceptions to those requirements.

To read more, click here.

US government reaches agreement with bitcoin mining companies over data collection

The US Government has reportedly reached an agreement with bitcoin mining companies concerning the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) plan to collect energy usage and other data from the sector.

The EIA had planned to begin collecting data in February but was sued by the Texas Blockchain Council (TBC) and mining company Riot Platforms. The TBC argued that the expedited survey approval violated the Paperwork Reduction Act, and some of the data requested was proprietary. A federal district judge canceled a preliminary hearing on the matter, stating that the parties indicated that an agreement-in-principle was reached. The details of the agreement are not disclosed, and the court ordered the parties to file details and a proposed order. The EIA had estimated cryptocurrency mining represents 0.6 percent to 2.3 percent of U.S. electricity consumption, raising concerns about impacts on electricity costs, grid reliability, and emissions.

To read more, click here.

GIS conference opportunity in St. Cloud

The Midwest ESRI Utility Users Group (MWEUUG) offers the 2024 MWEUUG Conference, which will be held April 3-5 at the Best Western Kelly Inn in St. Cloud, MN. MWEUUG was founded in 2006 to provide a forum where utility companies can collaborate and get information on the latest ESRI technology and how it applies to the utility industry. The group is completely volunteer-owned and operated and membership is free.

The conference is an affordable opportunity to discuss best practices and innovations in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). MWEUUG is still seeking presenters for the conference, and admission is free for presenters. If you would like to present, please contact Mike Siedschlag. You can learn more about the organization and the conference by visiting MWEUUGA's website.

Funding opportunities

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 accepting 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 percent 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.

Looking ahead

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!

Minnesota Public Power Walleye Tournament

June 1

Bladow Beach Resort (Ottertail)

Registration deadline: May 17

We are excited to announce registration is now open for the Minnesota Public Power Walleye Tournament. Last year's tournament raised $3,300 for post-secondary line work programs in Minnesota. We hope you can join and help us have another record-breaking year: the more we fish, the more we give!

"Public power" is inclusive of all Minnesota electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and industry affiliates and suppliers. All are welcome to participate in this event, whether you have worked in the industry or not. This fun, friendly competition offers cash prizes for top-placing teams and the largest walleye. 

For complete details about the event and to register, please click here.

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.

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