May 15 is the Elective/Direct Pay filing and extension deadline

Minnesota's utilities are eligible for elective pay reimbursements for clean energy projects. The deadline to either apply for these credits or apply for a 6-month extension to file is May 15. Projects completed in 2024 or planned for 2025 are eligible.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is offering free training to help utility personnel navigate the process.

• Register for the June 17–18 workshop in Minneapolis: Local Power: Building Community-Owned Clean Energy with Direct Pay  
• Reference this short guide produced by the State of Minnesota, which includes how to determine eligibility, steps for filing, and links to a variety of resources and organizations to provide information and assistance on Direct Pay.  

Minnesota House approves budget cuts for Pollution Control Agency, sparking concerns

The Minnesota House of Representatives recently approved a budget bill reducing funding for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), raising questions about the Agency’s capacity to enforce environmental regulations. The bill includes significant cuts, totaling $3 million for the MPCA, alongside reductions of $5 million for the Department of Natural Resources and $2 million for the Board of Water and Soil Resources.

The MPCA, committed to its mission of ensuring clean air, land, and water, expressed concerns over the potential long-term effects of reduced funding. MPCA Supervisor Dan Ruiter noted the agency's dedication to environmental protection despite the budget constraints.

Learn more here.

Minnesota's local government omnibus bill would augment utility oversight

On May 1, 2025, the Minnesota House of Representatives unanimously passed the local government omnibus bill, HF 2098, with a 132–0 vote. Sponsored by Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL–Golden Valley), the legislation introduces several key reforms aimed at enhancing the operational flexibility of local governments, particularly in the utility management arena.



The bill allows cities to establish public utilities commissions comprised of three, five, or seven members. The provision seeks to streamline oversight and decision-making processes for local utilities, enhancing responsiveness to community needs. Furthermore, the bill permits municipalities to post mandatory public notices on their websites if their designated newspapers cease publication, ensuring continued transparency in governance.

Learn more here.

Breathe easier, Minneapolis

As National Air Quality Awareness Week unfolds, the Minneapolis Health Department has taken significant strides to improve urban air quality. The Department is deploying air quality sensors throughout the city, aiming to place at least one in every neighborhood. This initiative, rooted in community concerns raised in 2021, targets low-income and communities of color experiencing the harshest air pollution conditions.

The Health Department also calls for community involvement. Residents can help by minimizing recreational fires, which contribute significantly to local air pollution, and by reducing vehicle idling. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency notes that residential wood burning is a major source of particulate matter emissions.

Learn more here.

Apply for MMUA Utility Workforce Scholarship this week

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 Thursday, May 15, 2025.

MMUA open house June 6

Join MMUA for a tour of our new offices 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.

Please click the link below to register for the open house. We would love to spend some time with you!

MNOSHA Workplace Safety Consultation: Safety Grant Program

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's Safety Grant Program awards funds up to $10,000 to qualifying employers for projects designed to reduce the risk of injury and illness to their workers.

Applications may be submitted any time. However, submitted applications are compiled and reviewed in two-month intervals, with upcoming submission deadline dates of June 15, August 15, October 15, and December 15.

Learn more here.

Crookston chosen for T-Mobile hometown grant program

T-Mobile has chosen 25 new towns across the US for its grant program. Crookston, Minnesota, has been awarded to help repair the steps of its 100-year-old historical Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, now used to hold community events and gatherings.

The T-Mobile program funds shovel-ready projects that foster local connections, like technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, the arts, and community centers and can be completed within 12 months of the award cycle. Applications are reviewed quarterly.

Learn more here.

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 municipal utilities and cities.

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.

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.

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 the best rate. Advanced registration ends July 25, 2025.

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 participants to select the topic(s) that best align with their career goals, and areas of interest.

These courses are conducted virtually, with each session lasting 90 minutes. Please click here 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.)

MMUA events 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.