Minnesota’s wastewater warriors: MPCA honors 236 facilities

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has celebrated 236 wastewater treatment facilities for their exceptional operational standards in 2024. The facilities of many MMUA members are included on the list. Congratulations!

To earn this prestigious recognition, facilities demonstrated rigorous compliance with monitoring, maintenance, and reporting requirements, as well as employing MPCA-certified staff.

Nicole Blasing, director of the MPCA's Municipal Division, emphasized the critical role wastewater operators play in safeguarding public health and preserving water quality: “Communities across Minnesota rely on wastewater treatment facilities to protect their health and our rivers and streams.”

Approximately 1,600 municipal and industrial wastewater facilities operate across the state. For a complete list of award winners, visit MPCA News.

Xcel Energy's new transmission line approved

Xcel Energy has secured approval to construct the Minnesota Energy Connection Transmission Line. Spanning approximately 175 miles, the line will transport electricity from southwest Minnesota to the Sherco site in Becker by 2028. The project aims to deliver enough power for more than one million homes in the upper Midwest, enhancing local energy access and supporting community growth, according to Sandra Johnson, Xcel Energy's senior vice president of transmission. Learn more here.

Apply now for MMUA Utility Workforce Scholarship 

The MMUA Utility Workforce Scholarship supports individuals interested in pursuing careers in the utility sector. Up to five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students of any age who enroll in a utility-related career program at an eligible institution. The MMUA Utility Workforce Scholarship is open to students seeking credentials as a powerline/lineworker, gas operator, water and wastewater operator, telecommunications/broadband technician, GIS specialist, or other utility-specific programs. 

MMUA members are encouraged to share this scholarship information with their communities. The application deadline is May 15, 2025.

Willmar Municipal Utilities faces setbacks in facility search

Willmar Municipal Utilities (WMU) continues to grapple with finding a suitable site for its new facility after the city council voted to overrule the Utilities Commission's approval of a land purchase. The council rejected a purchase agreement for 27 acres adjacent to the city limits in Kandiyohi County.

WMU Commissioner Bruce DeBlieck urged the council to reconsider, emphasizing the necessity for the new site. General Manager Jeron Smith highlighted the need for the purchase agreement to allow further evaluation of the land’s suitability before finalizing the transaction. This site represents the sixth attempt by WMU to secure a property since its search began in 2023, with previous options near Civic Center Drive falling through for various reasons. Learn more here.

MMUA open house and Twins game: you are invited

Join MMUA for a tour of our new offices and then hop on our chartered bus for a Twins game on Friday, June 6, 2025.

MMUA will host an open house at the new office location in St. Louis Park from 3:00–5:00 pm. Join us for refreshments, tours, and networking with other members. For those interested, a little after 5:00 pm, we'll ride comfortably on a chartered bus and head toward Target Field. If you prefer, you can drive yourself and meet us at the game. We've secured great seats, and it will be a fun way to connect with the MMUA family. Bring your better half and your kids too!

Please click the link below to register for the open house (free), ballgame, and bus (offered at MMUA's group cost). Not interested in baseball? No worries. Come to the open house anyway. We would love to spend some time with you! Registration for the Twins game closes May 5.

Tensions rise over energy policy in the upper Midwest

Recent shifts in U.S. energy policy under President Donald Trump have intensified disputes between states in the upper Midwest over renewable energy reliability and the balance of federal versus state authority.

This deregulation has raised concerns in Minnesota, where a law mandates electric utilities achieve carbon-free energy by 2040, contrasting sharply with South Dakota’s approach, which favors coal. Xcel Energy, serving customers across both states, plans to retire its coal plants by 2030—despite warnings from South Dakota officials about potential reliability issues during peak demand periods.

As legal battles unfold over these regulatory changes, the differing energy strategies of South Dakota and Minnesota highlight the complexities of managing energy policy amid fluctuating governmental directives. Learn more here.

Federal Funding Opportunity for Deploying Advanced Technologies

In an effort to bolster grid resilience and reliability, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Deployment Office (GDO) is providing up to $35 million to utilities to engage with consulting firms, or technology companies. The funding received is intended to deploy advanced technologies and incorporate modeling to identify and mitigate grid vulnerabilities, enabling greater integration across diverse energy portfolios. Expected awards will be up to $1 million per recipient.

Applications for the first JARVIS cohort are due April 19, 2025, at 5:00 pm ET.

For more information on the funding opportunity, please click here.

MMUA Developing Utility Expertise and Leadership™ (DUEL™) program: Secure your spot

DUEL focuses on enhancing both technical expertise and leadership capabilities, empowering participants to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and navigate complex challenges.

Whether you’re looking to grow within your current role or prepare for the next step in your career, DUEL offers invaluable resources and opportunities for professional development.

The first cohort begins this month – secure your spot by Friday! The deadline to register is April 18. Our second cohort will begin in October.

Underground School

May 6–9

MMUA Training Center

Marshall, MN

We hope you can take advantage of this opportunity to engage in training activities that safely simulate real-world scenarios.

New for 2025 is the option to take either a multi-session class or an advanced class.

• Multi-session class: participants will rotate through six different sessions, covering a variety of topics and activities to develop new skills and enrich proficiency.
• Advanced class: participants in this class will delve deep into Equipotential Grounding and the Isolation Method through classroom discussion and activities in the field.

Please click the link below for more information and to register. Advance registration ends April 25.

Competent Person and Excavation Safety Workshop

May 20–21

MMUA Training Center

Marshall, MN

This course is intended for public works personnel, water/wastewater personnel, lineworkers, engineering personnel, contract workers, and others involved with underground utility or infrastructure work.

In this workshop, participants engage in classroom discussion and hands-on activity to:

• increase your understanding of the "competent person" role on the job site
• demonstrate correct soil-testing procedures
• identify hazards associated with trenching and excavating
• increase knowledge of different types of protective systems
• further develop proper "pot holing" practices for gas and powerline excavation

Please click the link below for more information and to register. Register by April 24 for best rate. Advance registration ends May 9.

Minnesota Public Power Walley Tournament

May 31

Bladow Beach Resort & Campground

Ottertail, MN

This annual event brings together employees, retirees, suppliers, and friends of Minnesota's municipal utilities and electric cooperatives—many of whom return year after year to enjoy the friendly competition and the comradery.

All proceeds are donated to the three post-secondary electrical line work programs in Minnesota.

Please click below for more information or to register. Deadline to register is May 15.