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News of the week
August 7, 2024
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MMUA members receive implementation grant awards; second round of funding is now open
The US Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (DOE) has awarded 115 small and medium-sized manufacturers across 34 states with up to $300,000 each from the Industrial Research and Assessment Center Implementation Grant to implement DOE recommendations and qualified assessments. A total of 19 additional energy assessment providers have been selected for qualification as “Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) equivalent.”
Among those receiving grants were MMUA members Frontier Energy and the City of Le Sueur. Frontier, based in Chanhassen, was awarded as an IAC equivalent energy assessment provider. The City of Le Sueur received a $201,500 federal cost share (round 2) for LEDs, process optimization, and other upgrades.
DOE has announced that the IAC Implementation Grant is open for additional applications, ensuring manufacturers can continue to apply for grants throughout the next year. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2024, with an initial funding total of $80 million.
For more information on the next round of funding, click here.
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Fitch affirms AA- rating for WMMPA’s bonds
Fitch Ratings has affirmed the AA- rating for Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency’s (WMMPA) power supply revenue and refunding bonds, with a stable outlook. These bonds are secured by revenues from an agreement with Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), serving 61 municipal electric systems in the region.
Fitch's rating acknowledges WMMPA's strong financial policies, consistent liquidity, and debt service coverage. It also highlights the diversity and credit quality of the utility members, and WMMPA's strong operating profile with access to organized power markets.
“We are pleased with Fitch’s review,” said MRES Vice President and CFO Chris Olson, emphasizing the importance of their financial strength and diverse membership in maintaining this rating.
To learn more, click here.
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Webinar to help utilities boost electric vehicle program participation
Drive Electric Minnesota and the Clean Energy Resource Teams will host a webinar, “Powering Up Electric Vehicle Utility Program Participation in Minnesota,” on August 12 from 1:00–3:00 pm. Targeted at electric utilities, the event aims to enhance customer education about electric vehicles (EVs) and boost participation in EV programs like time of use rates and EV charging rebates.
The webinar will feature the launch of Drive Electric Minnesota’s Utility Website Toolkit, a resource with EV messaging and examples of utility web pages. Topics include EV trends and challenges in Minnesota, an overview of MNCharging.org, successful marketing strategies, effective utility partnerships, and the toolkit overview.
To learn more and register, click here.
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Report recommends improvements for NEVI program based on stakeholder feedback
Atlas Public Policy recently conducted interviews with electric vehicle service providers (EVSPs), site hosts, state program administrators, and experts to evaluate the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The resulting report provides key recommendations for improving NEVI state program leads' engagement, coordination with utilities, and clarity around geographic siting and application processes. These suggestions aim to enhance stakeholder engagement, streamline application reviews, and accelerate the deployment of EV charging stations. The full report offers a comprehensive analysis and actionable guidance for future NEVI solicitations.
To read the report, click here.
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Minnesota Department of Commerce hosting webinar on 40101(d) grant
Many members have participated in the series of webinars MMUA has hosted over the past month on the 40101(d) Grid Resilience Grants Program. While those webinars will continue later on August 13, members may be interested to hear directly from the Department of Commerce (DOC) on the program.
The Department is hosting a Microsoft Teams webinar on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 10:00–11:00 am about the request for proposals for the first round of the program.
DOC will go over the request for proposals (RFP) and welcomes questions about the RFP, the program timeline, and technical assistance needs. This webinar will be recorded and slides will be posted online following the webinar. Questions will be compiled and responses will be posted on the 40101(d) program website.
Register for the webinar here. If you would like to be included on MMUA's communications list for future grant information, please reach out to Christian Glanville.
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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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Summer Conference
August 19–21
Holiday Inn and Conference Center Fargo, ND
Last chance to register for MMUA's flagship event, as registration closes on Friday, August 9!
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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