Mutual aid network called into action

Last week, Owatonna Public Utilities (OPU) called for mutual aid when severe storms swept across southern Minnesota on July 28. Crews were dispatched the next morning to help restore power to Owatonna. Line crews from Austin, Chaska, New Prague, and Shakopee assisted with storm restoration for Owatonna Public Utilities.

MMUA’s Director of Safety and Training, Mike Willetts, received a call from Roger Warehime and Christian Fenstermacher at OPU around 11:30 pm, indicating they might need mutual aid assistance. At 3:30 am, they called back, requesting four crews to help restore power to OPU’s electrical system. These crews helped their neighboring utility affected by severe rain and windstorms overnight. They worked in hot conditions, clearing storm debris and following safety protocols throughout.

Coordinated by Willetts, the surrounding utilities received aid from their fellow public power partners. Mutual aid is a vital service provided by MMUA through member dues and is used by many communities each year.

Public works truck involved in crash

On July 31 in Moorhead, a nine-year-old boy was fatally struck by a Moorhead Public Works truck. The accident occurred shortly after 11:30 am at the intersection of 40th Avenue and 14th Street South. The truck driver, a 64-year-old man from West Fargo, ND, hit the boy as he was crossing the street on his bicycle. An ambulance arrived at the scene and left shortly after the incident. The Minnesota State Patrol is conducting the investigation.  

Read more here.

Minnesota is working toward clean water

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is inviting public comment on the 2025 Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS). This report evaluates updated strategies and the state’s progress in lowering nutrients and ways to achieve Minnesota’s clean water goals. It highlights a decade of progress in reducing phosphorus in the state’s waters, shows mixed results for nitrogen, and further identifies areas where efforts should be increased.

The MPCA first published its NRS in 2014, followed by a five-year progress report in 2020. The latest edition incorporates current science and research to optimize water treatment. It also explains how voluntary measures and regulatory actions can work together to achieve long-term water quality objectives.

Public comments accepted through August 28.

Make a comment and view the report here.

Damaged substation in Rochester

On June 2, Rochester Public Utilities' Cascade Creek substation went up in flames. The incident caused minor structural damage, but the internal components must be replaced. The RPU Board met with a consultant and estimated that replacing the 30MW power plant will cost around $60 million. Some of this expense is likely to be covered by insurance.

Due to high demand for gas turbine generators, replacing the turbine will take time, with the consultant projecting the new setup to be operational by 2029.

Read more here.

Take this short survey to help improve residential electrical service work 

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is conducting a brief survey to gather information related to electrical panels, home breaker boxes, and electric meters in homes. They are looking for responses from:

• Utility staff with knowledge of electrical service requirements, extensions, and loads
• Contractors who do electrical work, electrical load calculations, and electrical service work
• Engineers who design or inspect residential electrical systems
• Building department staff who review plans, issue permits, perform inspections, or otherwise interact with electrical upgrades occurring in residential buildings

Survey details:

• The survey should take approximately 20 minutes to complete
• Participation is voluntary, and you can opt out at any time
• You will receive a $25 eGift card if you are one of the first 200 respondents to complete all study requirements
• Your responses to the survey questions will remain anonymous

If you'd like to contribute, please complete the survey by August 31 using this link.

Email Survey-Electric-Panels@lbl.gov with any questions.

MNOSHA Workplace Safety Consultation: Safety Grant Program

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's Safety Grant Program awards funds up to $10,000 to qualifying employers for projects designed to reduce the risk of injury and illness to their workers.

Applications may be submitted at any time. However, submitted applications are compiled and reviewed in two-month intervals, with upcoming submission deadlines on August 15, October 15, and December 15.

Learn more here.

Fall 2025 DEED grant applications due August 15

DEED’s fall 2025 grant cycle is now open! Apply by August 15 for up to $125,000 in funding per application to support projects that increase efficiency, reduce costs, enhance services, or streamline operations at your utility.

DEED grants advance energy innovation for public power utilities, supporting pilot projects, technology demonstrations, commercialization efforts, and development of best practices. Available exclusively to DEED members, these grants help strengthen reliability, safety, sustainability, and customer service.

Visit the DEED Idea Exchange for inspiration and connect with potential partners. Explore completed and active projects in the DEED Project Library.

To get started on your application or to ask questions, contact DEED@publicpower.org or call 202-467-2942.

Developing Utility Expertise and Leadership™ (DUEL™) program

DUEL focuses on enhancing both technical expertise and leadership capabilities, empowering participants to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and navigate complex challenges.

Whether you’re looking to grow within your current role or prepare for the next step in your career, DUEL offers invaluable resources and opportunities for professional development.

The second cohort begins in October—secure your spot by September 12 for the best rate!

It's not too late to register for MMUA's Summer Conference

MMUA’s Summer Conference is the place to be from August 18 to 20. For the first time, this year's conference is being held in Rochester, and we will be taking full advantage of the location.

Over the three-day event, you can enjoy a full program of engaging sessions and activities. New this year is a learning track for HR and administrative leaders, which will complement the existing learning tracks for electrical and water/wastewater professionals, as well as leadership and governance sessions. On Monday, you'll have time to play in the golf tournament or take a hike like the handsome group shown above did last year. Tuesday brings MMUA's awards ceremony and a trade show, where more than 60 vendors will be waiting to meet you. Kicking off the third day, the annual business meeting will be more important than ever, as members consider an updated dues structure and changes to the MMUA bylaws. We'll wrap up with a keynote session on how to gain and retain skilled workers in municipal utilities.

Your registration includes access to the awards luncheon and trade show. Register by August 8 for no late fee.

Minnesota Lineworker's Rodeo

September 9

MMUA Training Center

Marshall, MN

The Minnesota Lineworker’s Rodeo is your opportunity to step out of your comfort zone as you challenge yourself to compete in three events safely, accurately, and proficiently:

• Hurtman rescue
• Obstacle course
• Arrester change out

Rodeo events are individual, and any apprentice or journeyman lineworker can participate. Plaques will be awarded to the top three apprentices and top three journeymen in each event. Plus, the top three overall winners in the apprentice and journeyman categories will be awarded a trophy and significant bragging rights.

All rodeo participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, and everyone is invited to join us for our awards reception in the evening.

Registration deadline is August 15.

Overhead School

September 9–12

MMUA Training Center

Marshall, MN

Overhead School offers valuable technical training on topics specific to overhead electrical, taught by experienced instructors.

Working in small groups, attendees enjoy an engaging space for exchanging ideas and learning from one another. Participants collaborate as they work together, sharing tips and techniques, to successfully complete tasks.

This year's attendees will rotate through the following hands-on training sessions:

• House services
• Wire stringing
• Reconstructing a double circuit
• Capacitor bank and maintenance

Overhead School takes place following the Rodeo. Please click below for more information or to register for this valuable training opportunity.

Advance registration ends August 15!

Gas School

October 7–9

MMUA Training Center

Marshall, MN

MMUA is pleased to offer technical training for natural gas personnel once again

This school offers hands-on instruction on key topics that benefit operators, technicians, and other personnel.

Topics to be covered include:

• Hands-on locating and leak field investigation
• 2025 inspections review; 2026 expectations led by Joseph Hauger, Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety
• Case study, procedures, and documentation during emergency response led by David Zak, AEGIS Insurance Services

For more information or to register for this valuable training opportunity, click the link below. Register by September 12, 2025, for the best rate.

Registration is open for virtual leadership development courses

Did you know MMUA offers a diverse range of elective courses that are open to anyone, not just DUEL^TM participants?

These courses cover a wide range of topics relevant to municipal utility leadership, allowing participants to select the topic(s) that best align with their career goals, and areas of interest.

These courses are conducted virtually, with each session lasting 90 minutes. Please click here to view the full list of course details and register below. (Psst! If you decide to enroll for DUEL within the next two years, we'll credit you for the electives you have already taken.)

MMUA events calendar

The calendar lists current 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.