News of the week

Minnesota's efforts to accelerate energy and infrastructure projects

Amidst efforts to achieve a carbon-free electric grid by 2040, Minnesota legislators are sharpening their focus on streamlining the state's permitting system for renewable energy projects and transmission lines. A recent task force report presented numerous ideas to expedite the regulatory process, gaining momentum for potential implementation.

The task force, established by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC), conducted a comprehensive review, engaging over 30 organizations, including state agencies, utilities, energy developers, climate advocacy nonprofits, and agricultural trade groups. While the task force acknowledged that Minnesota's current system is not broken, it identified areas for improvement, with the goal of making the regulatory process more efficient and predictable.

The report proposes 35 ideas that could be considered by either the Legislature or the PUC. Among these, 12 key reforms, when implemented together, have the potential to significantly reduce the time required for the permitting process. For major energy projects, which typically take five or more years from development to construction, these reforms could collectively shave off up to nine months.

One notable proposal suggests empowering PUC staff members to determine when a permit application is complete, eliminating the need for an order from the commissioners. This change alone could save applicants up to 60 days, a crucial timeframe that could help developers avoid missing a construction season. Another proposal would transfer environmental review responsibilities for energy projects from the Department of Commerce to the PUC.

While the proposed reforms aim to expedite the regulatory process, the report emphasizes that public engagement and environmental review elements will be retained. The goal is to strike a balance between efficiency and maintaining a robust process that protects public interests.

To read more, click here.

Public concerns raised over Xcel Energy's $1 billion renewable energy transmission line project

Landowners and residents expressed concerns at a Minnesota Public Utilities Commission hearing regarding Xcel Energy's proposed $1 billion high-voltage transmission line. The project, named the Minnesota Energy Connection, aims to transport up to 2,000 megawatts of renewable energy from solar and wind farms in southwest Minnesota to replace electricity generated by coal plants at the Sherco site in Becker.

Landowners raised questions about potential impacts on land values, agricultural operations, and noise from the high-energy lines. Some questioned the need for the transmission line, suggesting Xcel Energy should consider building a new nuclear facility instead. Xcel officials said the company seeks to "minimize impacts on private property and would negotiate individual easements to ensure compensation for the line and any damages that might result."

To read more, click here.

Public hearings set for Dooley's $13.9 million renewable natural gas pipeline project

Dooley's Natural Gas has proposed a $13.9 million pipeline project to extract renewable natural gas from four Riverview dairy operations in Swift, Chippewa, and Kandiyohi counties in Minnesota.

The proposed 28-mile pipeline aims to capture renewable natural gas and transport it to the Alliance Transmission Pipeline through a connection site in Swift County. Public hearings are scheduled, with the Kandiyohi County Board conducting a hearing on Feb. 6, and Swift County and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission hosting a public information meeting on Jan. 30. The project includes low-pressure and high-pressure pipeline segments, covering approximately two miles in Kandiyohi County and a 100-foot segment in Swift County, respectively.

To read more, click here.

APPA seeks survey responses on benefits of hometown utilities

The American Public Power Association (APPA) is seeking responses to their 2022 Survey of Payments and Contributions to State and Local Government. Municipal utilities with at least 50 percent retail sales according to 2022 EIA data, with a few exceptions, are eligible to participate in the survey.

The information collected on this form is used by APPA to quantify the benefits hometown utilities provide to their state and local communities. In addition, the information collected on this form will help APPA counter arguments of competitors and opponents that hometown utilities do not pay taxes, and therefore do not contribute to local communities.

Results from this survey will be used to create APPA’s Public Power Pays Back report, which is a free report that highlights public power’s contributions to their communities through property-like taxes, payments in lieu of taxes, transfers to the general fund, and free or reduced cost services provided to states and cities. This data is also used in APPA’s Statistical Report to highlight public power’s benefit to the community.

You can access the survey by clicking here. Submissions are due March 21, 2024. Utilities can save their progress in completing the survey by clicking a link at the top of each survey page. If you have any questions about the survey, contact Lindsey Buttel.

Funding opportunities

Implementation grants for stormwater resilience

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced a new $35 million grant program to prepare Minnesota’s aging stormwater infrastructure for climate change. Cities and local governments can apply for funding to upgrade their stormwater systems with climate-smart improvements that will protect drinking water and prevent flooding.

Examples of projects eligible for funding through this program include stormwater retention ponds, improvements to streets to support rainwater drainage, increasing the capacity of stormwater pipes, planting rain gardens, and others. The MPCA will host an informational meeting on the grant program on Monday, February 12. Applications are on April 11.

To learn more, click here.

Looking ahead

Winter Ride and Drive event cosponsored by MMUA

Drive Electric Minnesota and the Clean Energy Resource Teams, in partnership with CURE, are hosting Minnesota's first winter ride and drive event for electric vehicles during the Ely Winter Festival on February 3. Alongside other statewide organizations, MMUA has signed on as a cosponsor for the event.

The demonstration will allow festival-goers to see how electric vehicles perform in winter conditions. Local electric vehicle advocates will also be on hand to discuss utility programs that reduce electric vehicle ownership costs.

To learn more, click here.

Legislative Conference

March 26–27

DoubleTree by Hilton (St. Paul)

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. This year’s event will occur just before the legislature takes the first of three short spring breaks to recognize Easter, Eid, and Passover. This will make it prime time to push for final committee action and to lobby hard for a bonding bill adequate to meet utility infrastructure needs. 

The conference offers engaging presentations from a diverse array of industry and legal experts. Topics will include building resiliency in local government, renewable energy credits, grant procurement and administration, the role and importance of the Municipal Utilities Action Fund (MUAF), MMUA’s administrative and legislative priorities, and more. 

On Tuesday afternoon, attendees will head to the Capitol to meet with their representatives. The Government Relations team encourages you to start making appointments now to meet with your local Senators and House members. We will cap off the day with a legislative reception at the DoubleTree, providing attendees the opportunity for further conversations with lawmakers and connections with fellow members.

For registration details and more event information, click here. Register by February 23 for the best rate. You are encouraged to book a room as part of the MMUA hotel block using this link. The block closes on March 9. For any questions, please reach out to Rita Kelly. We look forward to seeing you in St. Paul!

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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