News of the week

Tom Heller named new lead for TAPS

Thomas Heller has assumed the role of Executive Director at the Transmission Access Policy Study Group (TAPS), succeeding Terry Huval who served in the position since 2020. Heller, previously President and CEO of Missouri River Energy Services, brings a wealth of experience in the energy sector, having served at MRES since 1992 and Moorhead Public Service Department for 16 years before that. Heller was recognized at the 2023 MMUA Summer Conference with the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award for his immense contributions to hometown power in Minnesota.

TAPS, established in 1989, unites transmission-dependent electric utilities to advocate for national policies ensuring open and equal transmission access, competitive markets, and a robust grid. Heller's extensive background positions him well to advance TAPS' mission of advocating for consumer interests in energy markets at both federal agencies and Congress.

To read more, click here.

Free cybersecurity assessment through pilot program

Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and Metropolitan State University (MSU) are

collaborating to launch an initiative aimed at conducting risk assessments for entities participating in the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SPCGP).

The pilot program seeks to assist in identifying and managing potential risks that may impact the effectiveness and efficiency of an organization. MSU students, under the guidance of experienced professionals, will conduct an organizational risk assessment using the Center for Internet Security’s Risk Assessment Methodology. A supervisory group will meet periodically to review the assessments, engage students, and guide the reporting process. The program will run through February 2024.

The pilot program begins soon, and MNIT is seeking additional participants. If you are interested in a free cybersecurity assessment, please contact Christopher Watkins as soon as possible.

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.

CISA Publishes Personal Security Guide for Critical Infrastructure Workers 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has published a new resource titled Personal Security Considerations Action Guide: Critical Infrastructure Workers.

The resource is provides actionable recommendations and resources intended to prevent and mitigate physical and cyber threats to critical infrastructure workers’ personal safety, both on and off the job.

The guide is available from CISA’s website here.

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

MMUA changes dates for 2024 Legislative Conference

To avoid conflicts with other associations who recently announced their to be in St. Paul, and to maximize the opportunity for members to connect with their legislators, MMUA has decided to move the 2024 Legislative Conference back one week from what was previously announced.

The conference will now be held March 26-27 at the Double Tree by Hilton in downtown St. Paul. Registration for the event will open next week; watch for an announcement in your email and in a future edition of The Digest. In the meantime, you are encouraged to book a room as part of the MMUA hotel block. Reservations can be made online using this link. The block closes on February 24.

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

To download a copy of this email, click here.

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