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News of the week
June 26, 2024
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Grants for smaller utilities available for grid resiliency; MMUA offering webinar
The Minnesota Department of Commerce (MNDOC) seeks proposals from eligible utilities throughout Minnesota for the BIL-40101(d) Strengthening the Reliability and Resiliency of Minnesota’s Electrical Grid Grant Program. MMUA has worked closely with MNDOC and the Minnesota Rural Electric Association to provide input on this opportunity.
This competitive grant program seeks proposals for projects which will:
- increase the resilience of Minnesota’s electric grid against disruptive events,
- advance grid modernization and the deployment of clean energy resources, and
- reduce the impacts of climate-driven extreme weather and natural disasters.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) is available for download on the department’s RFP website. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on Monday, August 26, 2024. Instructions and links for submitting proposals are detailed in the RFP and attachments..
As this opportunity is primed for municipal utility participation, MMUA will host a webinar to discuss the program on Tuesday, July 9 from 1:00-2:00 pm. Registration is not required for this meeting. For questions about the webinar, reach out to Karleen Kos. To access the meeting, click here.
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Last call for MMUA 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.
We also remind you that MMUA's Nominations and Awards Committee is accepting nominations for MMUA's 2024 industry awards. This is a great way to recognize a municipal utility colleague, a public official, or a municipal utility system for showing leadership, innovation and providing an example for others to follow.
Nomination forms for the various awards can be downloaded from our website by clicking here. All nominations will be considered. The deadline for 2024 submissions is also June 30. The awards will be presented at the MMUA Summer Conference in Fargo/Moorhead on August 21.
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Update on PFAS settlements
On May 20, 2024, BASF Corporation (BASF), the North American affiliate of BASF SE, agreed to a settlement with a nationwide class of public water systems that detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their drinking water sources.
If your utility has stayed in the class action and has detected PFAS in your water supply, the MMUA Government Relations team reminds you the Phase One Public Water System Settlement Claims Forms are due by July 12th for the DuPont and 3M settlements. More information about the claim process is available here. You may also have received notice regarding settlements with Tyco and BASF. Information about these settlements is also available on the same webpage linked above.
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Cyberattack disrupts US auto dealers; MMUA holding cybersecurity workshop at Summer Conference
A cyberattack on CDK Global, a technology provider for auto dealers, has caused a major software outage, affecting over 15,000 retail locations. This disruption has forced dealers to revert to manual processes, significantly slowing down operations and complicating tasks like completing deals and generating necessary paperwork. The attack, reportedly carried out by the hacking group BlackSuit, has led to widespread operational impacts across the industry. CDK is working on restoring systems, but full recovery may take significant time.
The threat of cyberattacks is ever-present and constantly evolving; cities and utilities also need to be prepared to ward off intruders and bad actors. At the 2024 Summer Conference, MMUA has partnered with the Minnesota Department of Commerce Office of Energy Reliability and Security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, MN Information Technology Services, and the Minnesota Department of Homeland Security to offer a comprehensive cybersecurity tabletop exercise. Participating in this interactive activity will prepare you to better understand cyberattacks, make informed decisions, and take proactive measures to protect your city/utility services and your customers’ personal information.
This pre-conference session will be offered on Monday morning, August 19. To learn more and to register for the workshop, click here.
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MISO and OMS survey projects growing capacity deficit starting in 2025-26
The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and the Organization of MISO States (OMS) released their annual survey results on June 20, highlighting a growing capacity deficit starting in the 2025-26 planning year.
MISO may experience resource sufficiency ranging from a 2.7 gigawatt (GW) shortfall to a 1.1 GW surplus next summer, emphasizing the need for accelerated resource additions, monitoring of large load additions, and delaying resource retirements. The survey includes new considerations for potential large load additions, such as data centers. It also underscores the importance of collaboration among developers, utilities, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure resource adequacy and to manage the increasing electricity demand within the MISO footprint.
To read more, click here.
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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. The event will be presented by MMUA 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 Compass and website. Learn how to save time, enhance your benefits, and get the most out of the dynamic new system.
Registration is not required for this meeting. For questions about the webinar, reach out to events@mmua.org. To access the meeting, 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. 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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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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Hometown services. Hometown strengths. Hometown solutions. | | | | |
