Minnesota’s 2025 energy report card highlights clean energy success

Minnesota’s latest energy report shows clean energy is not just an aspiration; it is a working reality. According to the newly released 2025 Minnesota Energy Factsheet, the state continues to lead the Midwest in providing reliable, affordable, and resilient electricity while steadily reducing its carbon emissions.

For the fifth consecutive year, more than half of Minnesota’s electricity came from zero-carbon sources, including renewables and nuclear power. In 2024, zero-carbon generation accounted for 53 percent of the state’s energy mix, surpassing the national average of 42 percent. Coal use fell to an all-time low of 20 percent. Natural gas and renewable energy sources replaced it.

As electricity demand surges nationwide, Minnesota’s steady investments in renewable energy, energy storage, and efficiency position it as a model for meeting future needs without compromising reliability or affordability. Learn more here.

Full steam ahead for the Northland Reliability Project

The Northland Reliability Project (NRP) is set to transform power transmission across central Minnesota, with a new 180-mile line slated for completion by 2026. This ambitious initiative stretches from Grand Rapids to Becker and includes a new station in the Riverton area. Zach Golkowski of Minnesota Power recently updated the Crow Wing County Board, highlighting significant changes that enhance the project’s efficiency and reduce its land impact. Learn more here.

St. Paul foundry's future hangs in the balance

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued a stern warning to Northern Iron, a St. Paul metal foundry, regarding its operating permit. The agency has set a deadline of May 8, 2025, for the company to comply with environmental regulations or face the potential revocation of its permit. Concerns have arisen regarding Northern Iron's emissions and its compliance with air quality standards, prompting scrutiny from residents and environmental advocates.

As the deadline approaches, the foundry must implement necessary environmental controls and engage with the community to alleviate fears surrounding its operations. Learn more here.

Envisioning tomorrow: the revamped "Imagine the Future" gallery opens

On April 26, 2025, the Bell Museum unveiled its reimagined “Imagine the Future” gallery, inviting visitors to confront the pressing realities of climate change. This interactive space showcases inspiring stories of resilience from community members, scientists, and climate activists, emphasizing the collective power we hold to combat the climate crisis.

The gallery offers a platform for real-life climate action stories, spotlighting collaborations with organizations such as the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership and COPAL (Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina). Learn more here.

MMUA open house and Twins game: Game registration closes Monday, May 5

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! Don't delay, registration for the Twins game closes on May 5.

Minnesota's push for sustainable jet fuel crops

Researchers at the University of Minnesota are intensifying their efforts to cultivate crops for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), thanks to recent state funding.

During an Earth Day event, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced a $75,000 grant to support research on crops such as camelina and pennycress, which can be converted into jet fuel. MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler highlighted SAF's potential to reduce emissions from the aviation sector, a significant contributor to Minnesota’s pollution. Learn more here.

Apply for MMUA Utility Workforce Scholarship by May 15

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 information with their communities. The application deadline is May 15, 2025.

Utility Leaders' Legislative Debrief: Interacting on the issues

June 12: Owatonna

June 17: Halstad

June 18: Grand Rapids

June 26: Glencoe



The Minnesota legislature gavels down on May 19. What impact will their decisions this year have on municipal utilities? Join the MMUA government relations team to learn about the legislative session, dive deeper into the sound bites you hear on the news, and gain insight into the little-noticed provisions that will affect your utility.

There is no fee for these sessions, but advance registration is needed for planning purposes.

Registration is now open for virtual leadership development courses

Did you know MMUA offers a diverse range of elective courses that are open to anyone, not just DUEL^(TM) participants?

These courses cover a wide range of topics relevant to municipal utility leadership, allowing DUEL participants to select the topic(s) that best align with their career goals, and others to attend just a few courses in their areas of interest.

These courses are conducted virtually, with each session lasting 90 minutes. Please click on the brochure to view the full list of course details and register below. (Psst! If you decide to enroll for DUEL within the next two years, we'll credit you for the electives you have already taken.)

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

Advanced registration ends May 9.

MMUA Q2 Human Resources Webinar

Drug testing policy compliance: A guide for leaders

May 22

Webinar

10:00–11:00 am

Join us for an informative session exploring drug testing policies and how they apply to Minnesota’s municipals.

This webinar will cover state and federal compliance requirements, best practices for implementing and updating testing programs, and practical guidance for city and utility employers and HR professionals.

Whether you are reviewing your current policy or developing a new one, this session will provide key insights to help ensure your practices are legally sound and effectively managed.

Cross Training



August 5–7

MMUA Training Center

Marshall, MN

The goal of our Cross Training School is to create a competent ground person who will be able to recognize tools, equipment and hazards to help keep the lineworker safe and efficient. The program was developed for the purpose of providing a basic, yet thorough skills training, so that everyone who participates will leave with a solid foundation from which to build upon.

Register by July 11, 2025 for best rate. Advanced registration ends July 25, 2025.

MMUA event calendar

The calendar lists current enrichment and training opportunities that can help individuals enhance their skills and knowledge in the utility industry. Watch for emails with event specific information. Download the calendar here.