News of the week

Despite delays, U.S. storage industry records historic Q3 installations

The U.S. storage industry achieved a record-high installation of 7,322 MWh in Q3 2023, according to the American Clean Power Association and Wood Mackenzie’s U.S. Energy Storage Monitor report. Delays impacted around 80% of expected Q3 projects, and they can be attributed to various factors such as commissioning, testing, construction issues, procurement challenges, interconnection delays, and permitting problems.

Despite the setbacks, grid-scale storage installations surged 27% quarter-over-quarter, totaling 6,848 MWh. Between Q1 and Q3 2023, total installed energy storage reached 13,518 MWh, surpassing the 2022 total. Industry leaders emphasize the critical role of energy storage in modernizing the grid, underscoring the need for a robust domestic supply chain, streamlined permitting, and evolving market rules to accelerate deployment. California and Texas remain pivotal markets, with aggressive policies driving growth in California and market volatility favoring efficient battery dispatch in Texas.

To read more, click here.

Minnesota Department of Commerce expands staff for clean energy transition

The Minnesota Department of Commerce's Division of Energy Resources is significantly expanding its team, adding 64 positions to its existing 90 employees. This surge is fueled by new state and federal funding opportunities, reflecting the department's pivotal role in Minnesota's clean energy transition. With 42 positions already filled and 22 in the hiring process, the initiative anticipates forthcoming programs, including rebate efforts, a $100 million state competitiveness fund, and a green bank, all set to be managed by the division. These hires have already secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding under the Inflation Reduction Act.

This surge in employees, the largest in the department's history, covers diverse roles such as program developers, attorneys, and engineers, attracting talent from various sectors. The expansion is seen as crucial for the swift and effective implementation of new clean energy programs.

To read more, click here.

Deloitte releases 2024 energy outlook report

The Deloitte Research Center for Energy & Industries released their annual "Power and Utilities Industry Outlook" report last week. The report provides a comprehensive view of the sector's trajectory, and it includes interesting projections on emerging trends in the field.

One notable trend highlighted is the anticipation of accelerated electrification, as the power industry prepares for a surge in electricity demand across diverse sectors. The report underscores a significant expansion in renewable energy, projecting a record-breaking 24 gigawatts of utility-scale solar installations in 2023 and an additional 36 gigawatts in 2024. Another key insight emphasizes the growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, within power and utilities companies.

To read more of the report, click here

MNOSHA offering free excavation seminar on January 16

The Minnesota Office of Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) is offering a free seminar covering excavation standards on Tuesday, January 16. Excavations can be dangerous, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities involving workers across the country. MNOSHA is committed to continuing its efforts to ensure employers and employees throughout Minnesota take safety precautions when working in or around excavations.

Attend this free MNOSHA Compliance Construction Seminar in person or virtually for a discussion about the OSHA excavation standard and how to comply. Fatality and serious-injury statistics for federal-fiscal-year 2023 will also be discussed.

To learn more and register, click here.

Looking ahead

Transformer School

Last chance to register for Transformer School, which will be held January 23-26.

The school will cover three-phase transformer connections. Click here for more information and registration. The pre-conference session will cover basic single-phase transformer connections and theory. Please note: separate registration is required for the pre-conference session. Register by tomorrow, January 4.

Security Threats and Preparation Workshops

These workshops will be led by Michael Coe, Vice President for Security, Resilience, and Energy Solutions for the American Public Power Association (APPA), and Mike Willetts, MMUA's Director of Training and Safety. They will cover:

• Analyzing real case studies
• Discussing physical security essentials
• Performing a comprehensive threat assessment
• Reviewing cybersecurity trends
• Engaging with local law enforcement

Register by January 9, 2024 for the best rate. Registration closes on January 16. You can learn more and register by clicking on the links below.

January 30—New Ulm

January 31—Brainerd

February1—Plymouth

Meter School

Meter School registration is open. The school, held February 6-9 at the MMUA Training Center in Marshall, is your once-a-year opportunity to obtain electric metering instruction and hands-on application, installation, and troubleshooting.

A pre-conference learning session is also held in conjunction with the school. The pre-conference event is an ideal introductory course for those with little metering experience or as a "refresher" on basic metering. Separate registration is required for the pre-conference session.

For the best rate, register before January 5. Registration closes January 15.

2024 Emergency Preparedness and Restoration Conference

Join other municipal utility and city professionals at the 2024 Emergency Preparedness and Restoration Conference in St. Cloud from February 21-22, 2024. This interactive conference will include a tabletop exercise to increase your understanding of the mutual aid process that is activated during a national event. Please click here to register or to learn more about this ever-evolving annual session. For best rate, register before January 23; the deadline to register online is January 31, 2024.

Electric Skills Training for Water/Wastewater Operators

If you work in the water/wastewater department, you don't want to miss this once-a-year opportunity for training to further develop your skills and increase your competency. The Electric Skills Training for Water/Wastewater Operators workshop will be held March 13-14 at the MMUA Training Center in Marshall. Topics will include a review of safety basics, electrical testing and troubleshooting, lockout tagout, voltage checks, testing and sizing fuses, and an overview of electrical prints. Registration is open to members and is limited to the first 35 attendees. Click here for more information.

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

To download a copy of this email, click here.

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