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PUC approves Xcel Energy's Sherco Solar Project
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has given approval for Xcel Energy's Sherco Solar Project, set to become the state's largest solar power plant. The proposed project, expected to generate 460 megawatts of electricity, will be located near Xcel's Sherburne County Generating Station in Becker.
As part of Xcel's plan to retire its Minnesota coal-powered plants by 2030, the Sherco Solar Project aims to offset the capacity lost through these closures. The project is expected to be fully operational by 2025. The Sherco project is projected to create 900 construction jobs and reduce carbon emissions by 300,000 tons annually.
To read more, click here.
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MMUA Legislative Conference keynote speaker announced
MMUA’s Legislative Conference is an excellent opportunity to come together as an association and use our collective voice to inform and influence state lawmakers. We are excited to announce the Tuesday morning keynote speaker!
The opening address will be delivered by Strong Towns founder, civil engineer, land use planner, and lifelong Brainerd resident Charles “Chuck” Marohn. Marohn is a prolific speaker, and his books and podcasts tackle a growing range of city development challenges relevant to MMUA member communities small and large. The Strong Towns initiative is an approach to city planning with emphasis on safety, livability, and financial resilience. It involves rethinking the usual assumptions about planned growth and related financing that cities have leaned heavily upon since American cities began expanding rapidly in the 1950s. Marohn's presentation and the discussion it evokes are sure to get conferees thinking about what they do best – serving and strengthening their hometown communities every day.
For registration details and more event information, click here. Registration closes on March 8.
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U.S. wholesale electricity prices decline in 2023
Average wholesale electricity prices at major trading hubs in the lower 48 states showed a general decline and traded within narrower price ranges in 2023, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Factors contributing to the decrease include lower natural gas prices, mild temperatures early in the year, reduced average electricity loads in various regional markets, and improved hydroelectric conditions in California and the Southwest.
Monthly average prices at most U.S. trading hubs were generally lower, with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market experiencing dynamic pricing due to record summer demand caused by persistent heat waves. Despite variations, lower natural gas prices were a consistent factor influencing the decline in wholesale electricity prices across regions.
To read more, click here.
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MN Dept. of Commerce offers new energy storage program
The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) is looking for feedback on its new energy storage program. The On-Site Energy Storage Grants are for storage up to 50 kilowatts per hour paired with solar energy systems outside Xcel Energy territory. Upcoming online stakeholder meetings will include a brief presentation on the statute language, other storage programs, and ideas for Minnesota. Stakeholder meetings are targeting specific stakeholder groups, but you are welcome to attend any meeting. There will be questions for attendees and discussion regarding how to make the program effective. DOC will also accept written comments. Click on a date below to register to attend.
You can also submit written feedback on this form by the end of the day on March 8, 2024. At the completion of stakeholder engagement, DOC staff will create a report of stakeholder feedback to inform the development of the program. DOC anticipates launching the program later this year. Learn more about this program and Xcel Energy’s Solar-Powered Storage program on the DOC website.
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MMUA now accepting topic proposals for the 2024 Summer Conference
MMUA seeks proposals for 2024 Summer Conference in Fargo/Moorhead. The theme of this year's conference is "Stronger Together." We will focus on topics involving communication, collaboration, and strengthening the municipal model. Members are encouraged to submit proposals for speakers and topics that fit within this framework. This request for proposals includes both those who wish to present (“I can share”) and those who would like to request certain topics (“I want to hear about [this]”).
To submit a proposal, please fill out this form. The form will be open until April 1, and multiple submissions are permissible. Registration for the conference will open in May, and the hotel block is already open. Make your reservation through this link. We look forward to seeing you in Fargo/Moorhead!
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Conservation Partners Legacy grant program accepting applications
The third round of Expedited Conservation Projects (ECP) grants recently closed, and a special fourth round is opening. The Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) is accpeting applications for approximately $1,000,000 in available funds for special short-term projects. The application window is open until March 18, 2024.
This special round will be accepting applications for short-term projects only. Projects must have a project end date of June 30th, 2026 or earlier. The ECP grant cycle funds eligible activities that restore or enhance forests, wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game, and wildlife on public lands/waters in Minnesota.
Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $50,000, with a maximum total project cost of $1,000,000. Nonprofit organizations and government entities are eligible to apply, and a 10% match of non-state funds is required. Apply online by 3:30 PM on March 18, 2024. Funding for the CPL program comes from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Questions? Please email lscplgrants.dnr@state.mn.us for more information.
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Locating Workshop
May 21–22
MMUA Training Center
MMUA is pleased to offer a new hands-on technical training opportunity for 2024: Locating Workshop.
Locating is an essential skill that municipal workers from all utilities are often responsible for or called upon to do. This workshop can benefit individuals from any utility department—electric, water, wastewater, natural gas, and cable.
The workshop will feature a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on training to provide opportunities for participants to apply new concepts in real time. Instructors will address electric, gas, and water main locating using real equipment and instruments, ensuring participants receive the most practical information possible.
Locating Workshop will cover a variety of topics, including:
- Locating theory and the science behind how locating equipment works
- Hazards and safety precautions
- Proper personal protective equipment
- Locating procedures
For the best rate, register by April 15; deadline to register is April 25. Please click here for full details.
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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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Hometown services. Hometown strengths. Hometown solutions. | | | | |
