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News of the week
July 24, 2024
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US Commerce Department awards $2.4 million grant to Granite Falls for grid upgrades
US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced a $2.4 million grant from the Economic Development Administration to the city of Granite Falls for electrical grid upgrades.
The project will replace two substation transformers and one substation's switchgear to provide reliable utility infrastructure for local businesses during natural disasters. Matched with $1.9 million in local funds, the grant is expected to create or retain 275 jobs and generate $1 million in private investment. This investment aims to build economic resilience and support future business growth.
“A modernized power grid enables rural communities to keep pace with investment into local businesses,” said US Senator Amy Klobuchar. “This federal funding will enable Granite Falls to upgrade its electric utility infrastructure to make it more resilient against future natural disasters.” The funding is part of the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023.
To learn more, click here.
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Minnesota promotes SolarAPP+ to streamline solar permitting and boost clean energy
Minnesota is pushing for the broader adoption of Solar Automated Permitting Plus (SolarAPP+) software to streamline solar panel permitting. Developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) with industry and government collaboration, SolarAPP+ automates much of the permitting process for small solar installations, reducing approval times from days to minutes. Minnesota lawmakers have allocated $2 million to promote the software and provide training to local agencies, contractors, and inspectors.
The software aims to standardize the permitting process, which can currently vary significantly between cities, potentially lowering costs. While SolarAPP+ covers about 80% of eligible installations, some challenges remain, such as compatibility with certain roof types and integration with state permits. Nonetheless, the initiative supports state climate goals and the federally funded Solar for All program, which aims to serve low-income households.
To read more, click here.
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DOE unveils vision for integrating electric vehicles with the grid
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled "The Future of Vehicle Grid Integration (VGI): Harnessing the Flexibility of EV Charging" on July 16. This document outlines a vision for integrating electric vehicles (EVs) with the electric grid, ensuring they are safely and reliably connected.
Released under DOE's EVGrid Assist initiative, the document provides guidance for developing products, standardization, and new policies. It emphasizes aligning the grid's infrastructure with customer charging behaviors, creating mutual benefits for all, including non-EV owners.
The vision is supported by five pillars: universal value, right-sized infrastructure, innovation standards, customer-centered options, and secure coordination. DOE plans to develop a VGI strategy and continues to support stakeholders through various initiatives, including demonstrations, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement.
To read more, click here.
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Xcel Energy's Sherco Solar 3 project approved by MPUC
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has approved a site permit for Xcel Energy's Sherco Solar 3 project, a 250 megawatt (MW) solar facility in Becker, Minnesota.
This project is part of a larger initiative expected to reach a 710 MW capacity, replacing much of the electricity from the coal-fired Sherco Generating Plant Unit 2, which closed last year. MPUC chair Katie Sieben highlighted the project's benefits for reliability, affordability, and environmental impact. Construction is set to begin in the fall and complete by 2026. Additionally, a 10 MW iron-air battery pilot project with a 100-hour storage capacity was previously approved at the site.
To read more, click here.
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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. For more information, visit FHWA’s CFI Discretionary Grant Program website.
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Second round of Solar for Schools opens; first step due by July 31
The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC), Division of Energy Resources requests proposals from qualified schools throughout Minnesota for the Solar for Schools Grant Program. Public schools, K-12, state colleges and universities, tribal contract and cooperative districts are eligible to apply for grants up to $500,000 to use towards the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic systems up to 1,000 KW(ac) in size.
The application process is comprised of a School Readiness Assessment, and if selected, a full grant application. This is the second of two funding rounds in 2024. The Request for Proposals (RFP) will have detailed information and application questions as well as required forms and reference materials. It is available for download on the Department’s RFP website (look for Reference Number COMM-SFS06-20240701) through the deadline of Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
Applications must be submitted through DOC’s grant interface website no later than Friday, November 29, 2024. The link to the DOC's online grant interface is provided in the Request for Proposals/Grant Application section on the Department’s Solar for Schools program webpage.
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Summer Conference
August 19–21
Holiday Inn and Conference Center
Fargo, ND
The Summer Conference is designed to offer must-have information for municipal utility leaders. Commissioners, superintendents, managers, supervisors, and crew leaders all come together to learn how to tackle the challenges facing utilities at MMUA’s Summer Conference. There's something for everyone.
The theme of this year's event is "Stronger Together." Sessions will focus on communication, collaboration, and strengthening the municipal model. Keynote speakers include APPA CEO Scott Corwin, communications expert Mark Weaver, and leadership expert Jon Colby, in addition to excellent sessions on a wide range of topics from emergency response to system resilience to the pursuit of federal funding. You will be able to choose from four unique conference tracks (governance, leadership, electric, and water/wastewater) to maximize your learning. As always, the conference will include the state's largest trade show for municipal utilities on Tuesday evening.
The conference will be held on August 20–21 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo. There is plenty of activity on Monday, August 19 as well! Join us for either of two pre-conference sessions in the morning, and then spend the afternoon on a hike with Mike Willetts or playing a round on the beautiful greens at The Meadows Golf Course in Moorhead.
No matter what you do, we can't wait to see you! Visit our website to learn more about the conference and to register today.
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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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