Minnesota gas utilities represented at APGA Legislative Summit

Austin Utilities General Manager Mark Nibaur attended the American Public Gas Association (APGA) Legislative Summit held at the end of January. During this event, APGA members and staff gathered to discuss industry matters, receive updates on energy policy, and meet with congressional leaders and staff.

Mark had discussions with staff from the offices of Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, as well as Representatives Brad Finstad, Angie Craig, Pete Stauber, and Michelle Fischbach regarding timely issues related to natural gas. These included continued access to gas for natural gas appliances, the importance of municipal financing, and support of low-income home energy assistance.

Pictured above are (left) Michael Nolan, MMUA's Government Relations Liaison in Washington and (right) Mark Nibaur, Austin Utilities, together with a staffer from Representative Pete Stauber's office.

Federal lead pipe rules may be rolled back

A Republican member of Congress has filed a proposed joint resolution to eliminate rules put forward by the Biden Administration aimed at replacing the nation's lead pipes by 2037.

Many legislators view the cost of replacing the nation’s lead pipes as too expensive, while advocates for the requirement note the impacts lead has on the health of children and adults.



If the rules are revoked, they will be rolled back using the Congressional Review Act which allows the body to review new federal regulations and roll them back during a 60-legislative calendar day period after a rule has been submitted to Congress. Read the resolution here.

Minneapolis City Council committee approves new franchise agreements with Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy

On February 6, a Minneapolis City Council committee approved new 10-year franchise agreements with Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy.

For the first time, both utility companies agreed to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets for the services they offer to Minneapolis customers. Under the agreements, Xcel committed to lowering Minneapolis' electricity emissions 91 percent by 2030, using 2006 as a baseline. CenterPoint committed to cutting emissions between 20 and 30 percent by 2035.



The franchise agreements will go before the Minneapolis City Council on February 13. To learn more, click here.

PUC asks for more information regarding Xcel's Sherco land sale

On January 31, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) sent a memo to Xcel Energy requesting more information about Xcel's April 2024 sale of land to a developer near the Sherco Power Plant in Becker, Minnesota.

Xcel sold 348 acres of land at the Sherco site to a private developer in April of 2024 for $7.7 million. This developer then resold the land for $73.5 million to Amazon in November of 2024. The PUC has questions for Xcel because ratepayers won't see the proceeds from the higher sale price. Learn more here.

FEMA offers Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program supports local governments and Tribal Nations, among others, as they strive to reduce their hazard risks, and as they build capability and capacity. BRIC also encourages and aids innovation.

Some $750 million in funding is available to help communities work to mitigate risks from natural disasters, increase community resilience, and reduce disaster suffering. Learn more here.

DOE provides funding for Energy Improvements in Rural and Remote Areas (ERA)

Rural and remote areas often have higher energy costs, less resilient energy systems, and fewer alternatives for accessing clean energy compared with their urban counterparts.

Furthermore, small communities do not always have the available time, money, or other resources to pursue clean energy options. This program serves communities of 10,000 people or fewer.

Applicants must propose projects that support at least one of these eligible activities:

• Improving overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems
• Siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation in rural or remote areas
• Providing or modernizing electric generation facilities
• Developing microgrids and
• Increasing energy efficiency



Applications may include any technology that meets these eligible activities, as long as those technologies are commercially available. Learn more here.

Immediate request: seeking projects for (possible) Midwest Revolving Loan Fund

Philanthropic partners are currently exploring the possibility of building a low-interest Midwest Revolving Loan Fund to offer additional capital for climate and clean energy projects in our region and would like to learn first from projects in Minnesota. Because MMUA works closely to support these kinds of community projects, we've been asked to reach out to our members for feedback.

These partners have asked to help compile a database of 50 Minnesota climate and clean energy projects (any budget size or project stage) by submitting this Midwest Climate and Clean Energy Project Form. 

Please take the time to provide feedback which will be used in the development of a possible low-interest Midwest Revolving Loan Fund.

Substation School

March 11–13

Otsego, MN

Make plans to join us for the 2025 Substation School.

Having the best distribution system in the world doesn't matter if your substation aren't operating properly. This is your once-a-year opportunity to learn about current trends and best practices for managing this critical nexus in your electrical infrastructure.

In addition to expert-led classroom instruction on a variety of topics, participants will tour a substation and a solar farm with battery storage and enjoy camaraderie and sharing ideas with other utility professionals.

Topics to be covered include:

• Substation maintenance and inspection
• Key components and systems
• Case study review and discussion
• Proper switching techniques
• Benefits of protective relays 

Please click below to register for this valuable training opportunity. Register by February 14, 2025, for the best rate.

Electrical Skills Training for Water/Wastewater Operators

March 19–20

MMUA Training Center

This course is offered as supplemental training for non–electrician water/wastewater operators and support staff.

This year’s workshop will be led by Mike Miller,

safety director with the Electric Association who will

cover topics that can benefit non-electricians to

further develop skills and increase confidence and

competency to work safely in a water/wastewater environment.

 The workshop will feature a blend of classroom and in-plant instruction to provide opportunities for participants to apply new concepts in real time.

Please click below to register for this valuable training opportunity. Register by

February 20, 2025, for the best rate.

Generation School

April 15–17

Classroom: Hutchinson, MN

Hands-on training: Glencoe, MN, and Litchfield, MN

“Hands-on portion is always my favorite as that's what we do most days at work. Enjoyed the classroom as well. Relevant topics discussed.”

With a mix of classroom and hands-on instruction, Generation School appeals to all learning styles and all levels of experience.

Topics to be covered include:

• Inspections
• Testing
• Maintenance
• Reporting

Attendees will work with equipment in the plant, seeing and feeling what the seasoned instructors explain in real time. Plus, you will go behind the scenes and tour Zephyr Wind Services, a wind generator repair facility, wind turbine parts distributor, and turbine repower provider located in Hutchinson.

Please click the link below to register or for more information on this valuable training opportunity. Register by March 14 for the best rate.