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News of the week
June 5, 2024
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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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Results are in for 2024 MN Public Power Fishing Tourney
Last weekend, MMUA and several sponsors hosted the annual Minnesota Public Power Walleye Fishing Tournament at the Bladow Beach Resort and Campground in Ottertail. The tournament is a celebrated tradition that provides funding for line work education.
Congratulations to the 2024 Minnesota Public Power Walleye Tournament top three teams:
- 1st place—Todd Treichler (Crow Wing Power) and Connor Kerr (Elbow Lake Municipal Power)
- 2nd place—Easton Dale (City of North Saint Paul) and Travis Pederson (City of Anoka)
- 3rd place—Colden Helberg and Casey Kulsrud (both with Lake Region Electric Cooperative)
Thank you to the 24 teams that participated this year. Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the three post-secondary electric line work training programs in Minnesota.
To view full results and pictures from the event, click here.
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APPA podcast features MMUA member
The latest episode of APPA's podcast Public Power Now features Keith Butcher, General Manager of Princeton Public Utilities and member of the MMUA Board of Directors.
Keith provides an update on the utility’s electric capital improvements plan and details how the utility has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last five years by placing a strong emphasis on operational efficiency, transparency, and community outreach.
To listen, click here.
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PUC approves Otter Tail Power’s resource plan
On Thursday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved Otter Tail Power’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which guides investments between 2022 and 2036. The approved IRP keeps costs low for residential customers and businesses and reduces carbon emissions.
The approved IRP addresses several long-term planning issues, including Coyote Station, the Astoria natural gas facility, renewable energy and how the company considers bids. The PUC wanted greater transparency into Otter Tail’s resource selection process. The company is required to provide a full description and financial analysis in its renewable resource eligibility filings, demonstrating that the projects selected are competitively superior to other alternatives.
The approved plan includes a provision for the company to acquire or build no less than 375 megawatts (MW), and up to 575 MW of renewable generation (solar, wind, and storage) by 2030. The PUC also determined that Otter Tail will no longer use Coyote Station to serve Minnesota customers beyond December 31, 2031. They also required the company to add on-site liquified natural gas storage at Astoria Station by 2027.
Ottertail Power will file its next IRP in 2026.
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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 portal and website that will be released in mid-June. Learn how to save time, enhance your benefits, and get the most out of the dynamic new system.
For questions about the webinar, reach out to events@mmua.org. To access the meeting, click here.
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Call for MMUA Board 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.
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Solar for Schools Grant Program
The Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources requests proposals from qualified schools throughout Minnesota for the Solar for Schools Grant Program (reference number: COMM_SFS05_20240110). The program, created by the State Legislature (Minn. Stat. 216C.375), is designed to provide grants to stimulate the installation of solar energy systems while using the opportunity to integrate renewable energy use into the school’s curriculum. Public schools, K-12 as well as Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Tribal Contract and Cooperative Districts are eligible for funding based on financial need.
The full application is due Friday, June 7, 2024. For more information, click here.
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Interacting on the Issues
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. Join us for a session at one of four locations around the state.
The MMUA government relations team and peers from your region will 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 council and commission to join us, learn how MMUA is advocating for your utility, and give us your perspective so we can continue to evolve how MMUA represents and supports you. We are especially eager to discuss ways MMUA can help commissioners champion hometown utilities. Learn more and register by clicking on the links below.
June 13—Brainerd
June 26—Blue Earth
June 27—Alexandria
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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. | | | | |
