Warehime legacy lives on in Owatonna community room

Owatonna Public Utilities (OPU) renamed its community room on October 8 to honor former General Manager Roger Warehime. At the time of his death in April 2026, Roger also served as MMUA’s Secretary/Treasurer and chaired the Government Relations Advisory Council. Roger firmly believed in community engagement with the utility; he often emphasized the importance of making the room now named for him an inviting space for everyone in Owatonna.

Employees, community and utility leaders, family, and friends attended the ceremony. Pictured at the plaque unveiling are Roger’s wife, Kristin, and OPU welder Byron “Buzz” Brady, who crafted its frame from iron repurposed from OPU facilities. The plaque features Roger’s image and his own reflections on legacy and personal growth, including his mission: “Help others become the best version of themselves by becoming the best version of myself.”

Cold Weather Rule guidance revised

Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule went into effect on October 1. The rule covers natural gas and electric service, but not delivered fuels such as propane, fuel oil, or wood. State law requires propane distributors to offer budget payment plans; customers using delivered fuels should contact providers about other options.

Homeowners and renters who need help paying utility bills may qualify for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Commerce. If they have concerns about how the Cold Weather Rule is being implemented, the next steps vary depending on their utility provider.

• The PUC’s Consumer Affairs Office (CAO) handles complaints from customers of the PUC-regulated utilities.
• Since municipal utilities are governed by local councils or commissions, customers of municipals should contact their municipal utilities and follow their processes.

When municipal customers contact the CAO, the CAO generally refers them to their local utility. However, CAO operators have sometimes given these customers confusing advice. That is why it is best to make sure you are communicating with your customers early and often about the steps to take if they may experience trouble paying their bills.

If your municipal utility has questions about handling Cold Weather Rule issues, see MMUA's resources on the Cold Weather Rule (login required). You can also call or email MMUA for guidance.

RPU experiences an outage from an ACR explosion overnight

Nearly 7,000 Rochester residents were without power in the middle of the night on Monday after Rochester Public Utilities' (RPU) Cascade Creek substation experienced equipment failure. RPU said insulation on a current transformer failed, creating an electrical arc that produced loud noises and damaged nearby equipment.

RPU crews responded and worked to restore service until around 4:30 am Tuesday, when power was restored.



Read RPU's release.

NMPA celebrates 50th anniversary

Lucas Spaeth, general manager of Halstad Municipal Utilities and president of the Northern Municipal Power Agency (NMPA) Board, welcomed attendees to the power agency’s 50th anniversary meeting in Newfolden last week. NMPA was Minnesota's first municipal power agency, with an official start date of December 1976.

Watch for more coverage of the event and some great power agency history in the December/January issue of The Resource.

Minnesota Power to disperse bill credits

Minnesota Power will provide customers with $122 million in bill credits beginning in January 2027. The company will fund $72 million through land sales around several of its hydroelectric reservoirs, while its two owners will contribute the remaining $50 million. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the plan on Thursday.

The $50 million in credits funded by the owners’ contribution will be distributed to customers over the next five years. The first credit, totaling $15 for the average residential customer, will be issued in March 2027. The company will issue four additional credits of $15 each every January through 2031.

Community Connect Grant program

USDA’s Community Connect Grant program is offering funding to help expand high-speed broadband access in rural communities lacking reliable service. The program supports the construction, acquisition, or improvement of broadband infrastructure, with a focus on connecting homes, businesses, and critical community facilities such as schools, health care providers, and public safety offices.

Eligible applicants include local governments, utilities, nonprofits, and Tribal entities serving rural areas without sufficient internet access. In addition to infrastructure, projects may include equipment, digital literacy training, and free community access points.

This funding opportunity aims to strengthen economic development, improve access to essential services, and enhance quality of life in underserved communities. Utilities and local partners interested in broadband expansion are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and consider applying.

View this PDF for more information.

Crisis communication and media relations for utility leaders
November 19, 2026

10:00 am–12:00 pm

Webinar

In today's fast-paced media environment, utility leaders must be prepared to communicate clearly, confidently, and strategically—especially during times of crisis. This course equips participants with the tools and techniques to manage public messaging, engage with media outlets, and maintain stakeholder trust when the stakes are high.

MMUA’s online DUEL elective courses are open to anyone looking to strengthen their leadership skills and add valuable tools to their professional toolkit.

This is a virtual course taught by a live instructor and takes just two hours—practical learning that fits your schedule. Not a DUEL participant? No worries! You can register too. If you decide to join a DUEL cohort within two years, we'll count these courses towards your elective requirements.

2026 T&O Conference

December 8–10

Holiday Inn & Suites, Saint Cloud

Registration now open!

The Technical & Operations Conference (or "T&O") is a not-to-be-missed event for managers, crew leads, lineworkers, and others who get things done for utilities and municipalities. This is the perfect venue to join fellow hometown professionals to hear interesting speakers on timely topics, participate in discussions, share ideas, and connect with friends old and new.

Check out the great lineup of speakers, presentations, and topics that will be covered during this year's T&O Conference! Plus, learn about new products and services and speak with supplier representatives during the trade show.

MMUA's hotel block is available here. Our room block closes on November 7. We suggest you make your reservation as soon as possible as availability cannot be guaranteed.

Early bird rates end on November 8. Advance registration closes November 25.

2026 Transformer School and

Pre-conference Workshop

December 14–17

MMUA Training Center

Make plans to join us in Marshall, Minnesota, for essential transformer skills training!

Transformer School covers three-phase transformer connections. In addition to classroom instruction, participants will troubleshoot problems and make repairs on miniature transformer banks.

We also offer an optional Pre-conference Workshop, covering basic single-phase transformer connections and theory. This session is ideal for those new to transformers or anyone looking for a refresher on the fundamentals.

Note that training takes place Monday–Thursday this year. For more information or to register, please click the links below to register. Register by November 19, 2026, for best rate. Advance registration closes on November 30, 2026.

The Resource

Did you know that you can read our newsletter online? Access the latest edition of The Resource to read news related to water, gas, and electricity matters in Minnesota. Our newsletter covers the activities of members, as well as local, regional, national, and international utility news.

MMUA Events Calendar for 2026

The 2026 calendar lists enrichment and training opportunities that can help individuals enhance their skills and knowledge in the utility industry. Watch for emails with event-specific information. Download the calendar here.