Northwest Lineman College Graduates

Class of 2024

More than 20 Northwest Lineman College graduates were recognized at the MMUA Technical & Operations Conference last week in St. Cloud.

Northwest Lineman College is an industry-leading educational institute, providing training and consultation services globally. Congratulations to all of the graduates on your significant achievement!

Grid North Partners announce MISO approval of new transmission lines

On December 12, Grid North Partners, a consortium of ten investor-owned and not-for-profit cooperative and municipal electricity providers, announced the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has approved a set of high voltage transmission projects that will support reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric service in Minnesota. The projects are included in MISO's Long Range Transmission Plan, commonly known as Tranche 2.1.

Included in the plan are 765-kilovolt (KV) transmission system that will connect substations across South Dakota, Southern Minnesota, and Wisconsin, a new 345-KV line running from south of Rochester, Minnesota to north of the city, and another 345-KV line running from Hampton to north Rochester.

Learn more here.

Minnesota Public Utilities Commision approves Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline

On December 12, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced its approval of the Summit Carbon Solutions carbon capture and storage pipeline.

This 28-mile pipeline will transport captured carbon dioxide from the Green Plains Ethanol Plant near Fergus Falls to Breckenridge, Minnesota. Once it reaches that point, the CO2 will be sequestered underground in North Dakota.



The project will still require several permit conditions as part of the process. The PUC selected the southern route option for the pipeline to make local impacts smaller.

Learn more here.

Rice Lake, Minnesota receives $3.3 million federal grant for water and wastewater improvements

The United States Department of Commerce announced on December 5 the City of Rice Lake, near Duluth, will receive $3.3 million for improvements to their water and wastewater infrastructure.

The grant will be matched with $3.3 million in local funds, and the resources will be used to construct a new service center for Minnesota Power. The investment will help strengthen the regional economy and make the community healthier.

To learn more, click here.

Remember to take the MMUA industry survey by January 2

Whether you are someone who spends their days working in 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 from our triennial industry survey 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.

APPA Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments (DEED) grants

This APPA grant opportunity awards up to $50,000 to promote energy innovation and support the development and demonstration of new, innovative technologies and the creation of useful products and tools for the betterment of public power utilities and their customers.

The grants typically support helpful pilot projects and work on best practices. Applications for these grants are due on February 15 and August 15 of each year. Previously funded projects have included work on cybersecurity, multi-family housing energy efficiency, and automatic feeder restoration.

To learn more, click here.

Cyber and Fiscal Security Threats and Preparation regional workshop

St. Louis Park—January 21

New Ulm—January 22

Brainerd— January 23 

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.