Direct Pay and Sustainable Energy for all in Minnesota briefing

Tax-exempt entities like public utilities can use Direct Pay tax credits to reimburse 30–70% of the costs of sustainable energy projects such as solar, wind, or electric vehicle charging stations.

It is important to understand that these Direct Pay tax credits are still available, and the IRS continues to issue payments. The webinar will cover Direct Pay, discuss how eligible entities can take advantage of this historic program, address the current federal landscape, share new, free tools to navigate building clean energy projects, and answer questions. Read the CPC Center's flyer for more information.

Please register and join us on March 28th at 2 PM CT for the Sustainable Energy for All in Minnesota briefing, hosted by the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center, Take Action Minnesota, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, and Lawyers for Good Government.

New interactive map shares results of lead testing in drinking water at Minnesota schools and childcare centers

A new interactive map tool created by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) shows how much lead is detected in drinking water at public and charter schools and licensed childcare centers.

As of July 1, 2024, a new law required licensed childcare centers to begin testing drinking water for lead and report their test results to MDH. The map fulfills the new law's reporting requirement. However, it is not yet fully populated with test data because sites are at different points in their testing cycles.

More information and a link to the map can be found on Results and Metrics for Early Care and Education Settings.

City council considering land purchase for new utilities headquarters

The Willmar City Council will take 30 days to consider a proposal from Willmar Municipal Utilities to purchase land on the city's southeast side for a new utility headquarters. On February 24, the Willmar Municipal Utilities Commission approved a purchase agreement to buy over 27 acres of land for $600,000 east of the intersection of Willmar Avenue and the Highway 23 bypass. Learn more here.

MPCA has $820,000 available to support waste reduction and reuse projects across the Minnesota

Does your business or organization have a project that is working to expand waste reduction, reuse, rental, and/or repair efforts in Minnesota? Apply now to receive funding from our statewide waste reduction and reuse grant program from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

These strategies have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, reduce the demand for resource extraction, and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. By extending the useful life of existing materials and strengthening trained skill sets in repair, reuse also supports the local economy and increases access to products and services.

Information to help applicants submit proposals can be found here. Applications are due Thursday, March 27.

Generation School

April 15–17

Classroom: Hutchinson, MN

Hands-on training: Glencoe, MN and Litchfield, MN

With a mix of classroom and hands-on instruction, Generation School appeals to all learning styles and all levels of experience.

Topics to be covered include inspections, testing, maintenance, reporting, and more.

Attendees will work with equipment in the plant, seeing and feeling what the seasoned instructors explain in real time. Plus, you will go behind the scenes and tour Zephyr Wind Services.

Please click the link below for more information on this valuable training opportunity and to register. Register by March 14 for the best rate. Advance registration ends March 28.

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.