MMUA's annual Electrical Skills Training for Water/wastewater Operators workshop led by Mike Miller, safety director with the Electric Association, provided topics to further develop skills and increase confidence to work safely

Eighteen workshop attendees representing 11 utilities in three states toured the Marshall Municipal Utilities’ water treatment plant, benefited from the small class size, and the instructor’s extensive knowledge. The course was designed to help equip municipal utilities water employees safely assist with common electrical assessment and maintenance tasks, thus making the team more flexible and proactive. The course is approved approved for contact hours by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Register for the direct pay kick off call

Still feeling confused about getting direct pay reimbursement? Help is available.

The State of Minnesota, through Minnesota's office of Management and Budget, has engaged Deloitte tax to provide targeted assistance for the municipalities with their Clean Energy Tax Credits and 990-T available through the Inflation Reduction Act Direct Pay. Find out more information and register here.

Relay, Florida magazine, features 2024 mutual aid support

In the wake of devastating hurricanes Helene and Milton, teams from Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota and Massachusetts, Alabama, and Louisiana stepped up to provide crucial support to Florida. Mutual aid initiatives like this highlight the importance of interstate cooperation during natural disasters, ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary resources and expertise to rebuild and recovery. Learn more here.

2025 Summer Conference: Let us know what you would like to learn about

We encourage you to consider submitting a topic and/or speaker proposal for the conference. Whether there is something you really want to learn about or a person whose expertise you think would benefit the Association, let us know by April 10!

Community Energy Innovation Prize Round 2

The American-Made Community Energy Innovation Prize Round 2 is a multimillion-dollar prize competition designed to support energy innovation, entrepreneurship, capacity building, and economic development in communities working toward affordable, reliable, and secure energy resources. Through three phases, teams can win part of $8.42 million in prizes to help them advance in the competition and accelerate local solutions in clean energy, energy efficiency, manufacturing, materials, and transportation. Successful competitors will demonstrate a strong track record of building trust and strengthening community relationships and partnerships. For more information, click here.

MMUA is excited to announce the launch of the Developing Utility Expertise and Leadership™ (DUEL™) program

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 in April – secure your spot today!

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. Register by April 11 for best rate. 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.