Minnesota-based research finds good things happening at utility-scale solar farms

Research conducted by the United States Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) studied three utility-scale solar projects in Minnesota and found the ground underneath the panels can be as rich a habitat as dedicated conservation land.

When prairie vegetation was established at solar farms, pollinators such as bees and birds were seen using the site as much as they use protected lands. Other insects also rebounded quickly when grasslands were restored. The research shows utility-scale solar farms can truly be a community resource beyond their power-generating capabilities.

To learn more, click here.

Xcel’s Minnesota/Dakotas president says the company may need gas contracts to get through 2030s, especially with data center growth

During comments at a Minnesota Public Utilities Commission conference earlier in 2024, President of Xcel Energy- Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota Ryan Long said that the growth of data centers in the Upper Midwest may require the utility to change its plans regarding retiring gas plants by 2030.

“As we take all of that coal off the system—even if you didn’t add data centers into the mix—I think we may have been looking to extend some gas (contracts) on our system to get us through a portion of the 2030s,” said Long.

The degree of data center expansion, as well as the growth of renewables, will ultimately determine Xcel’s need to keep its natural gas power plants open longer than previously planned.

To learn more, click here.

CenterPoint’s settled gas rate case decreases customer payments to CenterPoint’s trade association

On November 26, CenterPoint Energy’s settled gas rate case with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) said that consumers would only have to pay about 50 percent of the company’s membership dues in their trade association compared to CenterPoint’s initial proposal.

CenterPoint has long passed through the costs of its membership dues in the American Gas Association. Membership dues to the Minnesota Blue Flame Gas Association, a pro-gas trade group, will be completely removed from consumers’ bills per the agreement.

To learn more, click here.

Reminder to take the MMUA industry survey by January 2

Whether you are someone who spends their days working in or supporting municipal utilities, or your work supports municipal utilities, your voice is important to MMUA. Please share your feedback with us. We will use the information to help MMUA evolve, improve, and further position itself to continue meeting the needs of municipal utilities well into the future. Don't forget to complete the survey by Thursday, January 2, 2025. All members of your utility team—employees, commissioners, and city officials—are encouraged to complete the survey.

Please begin the survey by clicking here.

Small community planning grants for stormwater, wastewater, and community resilience

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is distributing community planning grants for small communities with a population of fewer than 10,000 people. This funding opportunity will allow selected communities to assess issues affecting their communities as a result of climate change. The issues that the grant is looking at addressing include:

• increased resilience to stormwater and reduce localized flood risk
• improved the resilience of wastewater systems
• reduced human health effects and adapt community services, ordinances, and public spaces to the changing climate

The application deadline for the grant is January 17, 2025. Learn more here.

Cyber and Fiscal Security Threats and Preparation regional workshop

 January 21—St. Louis Park, MMUA Office

 January 22—New Ulm

 January 23—Brainerd 

Join MMUA and a host of experts that will offer valuable insights that can help you identify and mitigate these imposing threats. You will learn how to protect your vital systems, infrastructure, and reputation.

Please click below to register or for additional details on this valuable training opportunity. Register by December 26 for best rate.

Meter School and pre-conference workshop

February 4–7

MMUA Training Center, Marshall

Meter School is a once-a-year opportunity to obtain hands-on technical electric metering training. Participants select from two course options:



• Beginner/intermediate: This track is ideal for those with little metering experience. It builds on the concepts covered in the pre-conference workshop and advances your skills within a few days.
• Advanced: This track is intended for those who steadily work with meters and wiring meter installations.