MMUA Digest: Water system security, tax credits, new MMUA staff, and more

News of the week

Urgent federal push for water system cybersecurity heightens state response efforts

Following heightened concern over cybersecurity threats to the nation's water systems, the White House, National Security Council, and Environmental Protection Agency have encouraged utilities to enhance cybersecurity practices.

In response, Minnesota's IT Services, Department of Health, and Pollution Control Agency, along with other partners, are urging local water systems to assess vulnerabilities and implement basic cybersecurity measures. The State of Minnesota has already taken proactive steps, including issuing Executive Order 22-20 and publishing a Whole-of-State Cybersecurity Plan. The state is using resources from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to strengthen cyber resilience, with the Cyber Navigator team assisting water system providers in securing their infrastructure. TAKE ACTION: All water providers are reminded to complete the Minnesota Water and Wastewater Cybersecurity Survey by April 5.

Up to $4 billion in tax credits announced for clean Energy manufacturing projects across 35 states

The US Departments of Energy and Treasury, along with the IRS, revealed a $4 billion allocation for over 100 clean energy manufacturing projects spanning 35 states. The funding, part of the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit (48C) under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, aims to spur domestic clean energy production and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Projects, ranging from large businesses to local governments, will receive a 30 percent investment tax credit after meeting wage and apprenticeship criteria. Notably, $1.5 billion targets projects in historic energy communities. The program, managed by DOE's Office of Manufacturing & Energy Supply Chains, seeks to bolster clean energy infrastructure and support job creation nationwide.

To read more, click here.

MMUA welcomes two staff members

MMUA is happy to announce two additions to the office staff in new positions.

Warren Wortham joined the team recently as the Grant Development and Technical Support Coordinator. A Waterloo, Iowa resident, Warren brings a wealth of experience in non-profit management and grant administration to MMUA. In his new role, Warren will assist members in the grant application process and will also seek and administer grants on behalf of MMUA. In his free time, Warren is an accomplished music producer and the father of four.

Shelly Dau joins MMUA as our new Organizational Development and Human Resources Manager. Shelly will lead the organization's efforts to assist members in areas related to human resources, and she will also coordinate MMUA's leadership education services. Shelly's background is in non-profit and corporate human resources, as well as in the development of leadership programs. Shelly lives in Wayzata with her husband, with whom she shares two grown children, and she enjoys gardening and crafting floral arrangements in her free time.

Welcome to Warren and Shelly; we are glad to have them aboard!

PUC approves Xcel Energy EV initiatives

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved multiple proposals from Xcel Energy aimed at advancing electric vehicle (EV) adoption and facilitating usage. These include transitioning an existing pilot program into a permanent EV subscription service, merging it with EV Accelerated at Home to streamline off-peak charging costs.

Additionally, funding has been allocated for a new EV school bus vehicle-to-grid demonstration at two sites to explore battery storage benefits for the electric grid. Bridge funding for fleet services and public charging pilots has been approved to support up to 91 additional projects, and the residential advisory services will expand to provide more educational resources. Commission Chair Katie Sieben emphasized the importance of these initiatives in advancing statewide environmental and energy objectives, with Xcel mandated to submit its next transportation electrification plan by November 1, 2025.

To read more, click here.

Looking ahead

MMUA announces "Interacting on the Issues" sessions

Last year, we had excellent meetings with commissioners and utility leaders about the outcome of the 2023 legislative session and its impact on local utilities. We also discussed regulatory issues, MMUA efforts to support municipal efforts, and we sought feedback on priorities for the coming year.

By popular demand, we are going back on the road this June. Please consider joining us for a session at one of four locations around the state. We can't wait to hear from you and learn how we can help 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 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 join us, learn how MMUA is advocating for your utility, and give us your perspective so we can do better next year. We are especially eager to discuss ways MMUA can help commissioners champion hometown utilities. Learn more and register by clicking on the links below.

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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