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News of the week
June 18, 2024
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MMUA launches new website and association management system
After over a decade since the last refresh, MMUA's new website has officially launched. We have transitioned to a new association management system, including a fresh website and a new online membership platform, both designed to better meet your needs. We are excited for you to see it!
What's new
When you visit the new mmua.org, you will notice an immediate difference in the look and feel of the website. It’s been completely overhauled to be fresher, more consistent with association best practices, and more easily navigable for regular use. You will find an improved directory function, more robust library and archival tools, and clearer depictions of the services and products offered by MMUA.
The new look is exciting, but we are even more eager for you to use the new member platform behind the login. Your Member Compass will be a hub for all your MMUA engagement activities. You will notice a simpler process for registering for events, improved invoicing capabilities, and more customizable profile information. In the fall, we will launch a “communities” service connecting you to peers across the industry by role, interest group, region, and more. These groups will be ideal spaces for sharing resources and experiences with the people who understand your challenges and abilities best.
How to get access
To get the most from your member experience, you will need to create a new login. Your previous username and password will not work on the new website. The process to create a new account is simple. To do so, visit mmua.org/login. Enter your email and follow the prompts. If the email entered is connected to your profile, you'll be prompted to set your new password. If we do not have the email on file in our new system, you'll be prompted to create a new account. Once you've logged in, you'll be taken to your Member Compass for you to update your profile, see events for which you are registered, pay invoices, and more. Be sure to update your profile!
Our goal is to provide you with a better online member experience through this new platform. We encourage you to explore the website and set up your Member Compass soon, as we are confident you will appreciate the streamlined navigation and intuitive processes. We’ll ask you for feedback on the changes in the coming months. If you have any immediate questions and comments, you’re welcome to reach out to Christian Glanville.
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Summer Conference registration is open
MMUA is happy to announce that registration is open for the 2024 MMUA Summer Conference at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Fargo, North Dakota!
The Summer Conference is designed to offer must-have information for municipal utility leaders. Commissioners, superintendents, managers, supervisors, and crew leaders all come together to learn how to tackle the challenges facing utilities at MMUA’s Summer Conference. There's something for everyone.
The theme of this year's event is "Stronger Together." Sessions will focus on communication, collaboration, and strengthening the municipal model. Keynote speakers include APPA CEO Scott Corwin, communications expert Mark Weaver, and leadership expert Jon Colby, in addition to excellent sessions on a wide range of topics from emergency response to system resilience to the pursuit of federal funding. You will be able to choose from four unique conference tracks (governance, leadership, electric, and water/wastewater) to maximize your learning. As always, the conference will include the state's largest trade show for municipal utilities on Tuesday evening.
The conference will be held on August 20–21 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo. There is plenty of activity on Monday, August 19 as well! Join us for either of two pre-conference sessions in the morning, and then spend the afternoon on a hike with Mike Willetts or playing a round on the beautiful greens at The Meadows Golf Course in Moorhead.
No matter what you do, we can't wait to see you! Visit our website to learn more about the conference and to register today.
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US summer electricity bills to rise slightly amid warmer temperatures and regional price variations
This summer, US residential electricity bills are expected to average $173 per month, slightly up from last year's $168. Warmer temperatures are projected to increase electricity consumption by 3 percent, despite lower prices in many areas. Southern states will see higher usage due to hot weather, while cooler regions will use less.
The average retail electricity price is forecasted to remain at 16 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). Although generation costs are falling, transmission and distribution costs are rising, impacting prices. The Pacific Coast will see the highest price increase of 7 percent, reaching 25 cents per kWh, while New England prices will drop by 7 percent to 26 cents per kWh. Middle Atlantic states may face a $14 increase in monthly bills, and Pacific region bills could rise by $11.
To read more, click here.
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Survey: majority of US small and medium-sized businesses interested in demand response and electrification programs
A new survey from the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative reveals that roughly three-quarters of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the US are interested in participating in demand response programs or electrifying their operations.
The report, “Understanding the SMB Landscape: New Needs and Concerns,” is based on an online survey of 750 energy decision-makers at businesses with fewer than 500 employees. It explores SMB characteristics, priorities, and complexities, offering insights for electricity providers and industry stakeholders to develop effective engagement strategies. The study identifies four personas—Energized Enterprises, Opportunistic Organizations, Small and Satisfied, and Entrenched Businesses—highlighting diverse needs and priorities. The Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative will host a webinar on June 18 to discuss the report’s key findings.
To read more, click here.
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MMUA hosting free June 27 webinar on Pregnancy Workers Fairness Act
MMUA invites all members to participate in a free webinar on Thursday, June 27 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. The webinar will cover the final regulations set by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on required accommodations for employees with limitations affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical conditions, presented by Organizational Development and Human Resources Manager Shelly Dau.
Following the human resources portion of the meeting, we will take time to demonstrate elements of the new MMUA Member Compass and website. Learn how to save time, enhance your benefits, and get the most out of the dynamic new system.
Registration is not required for this meeting. For questions about the webinar, reach out to events@mmua.org. To access the meeting, click here.
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Call for MMUA nominations
MMUA has seats on the Board of Directors to be filled at the annual membership meeting in August, and our Nominations and Awards Committee is accepting nominations for these positions.
We want to hear from you! Nominations can be sent via email to our CEO, Karleen Kos. All nominations will be considered, though note we are seeking experienced leaders who are committed to MMUA’s mission of unifying, supporting, and serving as a common voice for hometown utilities. The deadline for submissions is June 30.
We also remind you that MMUA's Nominations and Awards Committee is accepting nominations for MMUA's 2024 industry awards. This is a great way to recognize a municipal utility colleague, a public official, or a municipal utility system for showing leadership, innovation and providing an example for others to follow.
Nomination forms for the various awards can be downloaded from our website by clicking here. All nominations will be considered. The deadline for 2024 submissions is also June 30. The awards will be presented at the MMUA Summer Conference in Fargo/Moorhead on August 21.
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$1.3 billion in funding announced for EV charging infrastructure
The Biden-Harris Administration has launched a $1.3 billion funding opportunity for electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure. This investment, the largest of its kind to date, aims to enhance clean transportation in urban and rural areas as well as along major highways and interstates.
Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, the initiative supports state, regional, Tribal, and local government entities. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administers the CFI program with guidance from the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.
The funding aims to deploy Level 2 and DC fast EV chargers nationwide, focusing on multi-family housing and disadvantaged communities. It supports the National Zero-Emission Freight Strategy and aligns with President Biden's goal of establishing 500,000 public EV charging stations by 2030.
Eligible applicants can apply by August 28, 2024. Additionally, previously unselected applicants can request reconsideration by July 1, 2024. For more information and to attend upcoming webinars, visit FHWA’s CFI Discretionary Grant Program website.
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Cross Training School
August 6–8
MMUA Training Center (Marshall, MN)
Cross Training School was developed for the purpose of providing a basic yet thorough skills training for anyone seeking to become a competent ground person. This course is intended for non-lineworker utility employees who may at times be called into service to work alongside qualified lineworkers. The program will help you recognize tools, equipment, and hazards to help keep everyone safe.
Instructors Cody Raveling and Jay Reading of MMUA will incorporate safety and best practices into the hands-on-training, which simulates commonly experienced situations.
Please click here for full details on this worthwhile training opportunity. Register by July 15 for best rate!
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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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Hometown services. Hometown strengths. Hometown solutions. | | | | |
