Benson, Hibbing, Virginia Compromise with Xcel on Removal of Biomass

Lyon leaves Melrose improved over 42-year municipal utility career 763.551.1230 Plymouth, MN 55447 3025 Harbor Lane North MMUA by Steve Downer have been hard on his sleep pat- Dale Lyon didn’t learn about tern, at least initially, but he electricity by reading a book learned just about everything or at a computer, though there there was to know about plant was plenty of that along the operation. way—he learned by making and He worked seven years in distributing it, to friends and the plant. He soaked up every- neighbors. thing he could, but his goal was Lyon, the electrical supervi- to get outside on the line crew, sor for Melrose Public Utilities, which he joined in 1982. He was retires Aug. 11. That is 42 years, named line foreman in 1985, as to the day, that he went to work the city distribution system was for the municipal electric and being converted from delta to water utility. wye. It didn’t seem like a long time, As a lineman, it helped to he said. “It went fast.” understand generation and the Lyon was 23 when he an- different feeders that carried swered an ad in the local paper, electricity from the plant. He for a person to work at the Mel- continued to learn as he worked. rose power plant. He was hired. He isn’t shy to admit that the Dale Lyon retires August 11 after 42 years with Melrose Public Utilities. The plant, at the time, was experience he gained led to “a staffed 24 hours a day, seven very good understanding of the days a week. electrical system and how it and is responsible for substa- the Melrose distribution system “We ran a lot,” Lyon said. worked.” tions, lines and generation. is “completely new” from when He worked three different He was named electric super- Driving through the city in shifts, during a week. It might visor at the turn of the century, his pickup, he remarked that Lyon: see page 6 please

The

RRESOURCEESOURCE Twin Cities, MN at PAID Postage Periodicals Official Publication of the July/August Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association 2017 Volume 24, No. 18

Benson, Hibbing, Virginia compromise with Willmar to decommission Inside Xcel on removal of biomass energy mandate district heating system Stories by Steve Downer The Willmar City Council on June MPUC Looks at Three MMUA members— 19 unanimously approved a resolution to shut down the Willmar Munici- Natural Gas Benson, Hibbing, and Vir- Competition ginia—this past legislative pal Utilities district heating system. page 2 session partnered with Xcel The vote followed a public hearing, at Energy in finding a compro- which nobody spoke. mise that benefited all three The Council vote followed a May 22 communities while saving action by the Willmar Municipal Utili- millions of dollars for rate- ties Commission, which approved a payers in the Xcel Energy resolution to decommission the district service territory. heating system. The Commission deci- In 1994, the Legislature sion followed years of research and de- granted Xcel Energy (then liberation. Northern States Power State law requires a two-year notice Company) expanded stor- The Benson Power plant burned turkey ‘litter’ and wood chips before shutting down a district heating Board, award age capacity for spent to produce electricity. The renewable technology worked, but system. Willmar policymakers decided nominations nuclear fuel at the Prai- also proved to be uneconomic. three years was more acceptable, and now open rie Island nuclear power set July 1, 2020, as the decommission- page 5 plant. As part of the deal- ed a number of stipulations and wood chips to produce ing date. making around that bill, the (funded from the RDF) to power since 2007. The decision to get out of the heating Legislature mandated Xcel ease the coming economic Benson Power paid ap- business was based on economics. purchase 125 megawatts of dislocation. proximately $929,000 in A study requested by the Commis- biomass-produced electric- The legislation provides property taxes to the state, sion in 2014 showed that significant ity, and also established a that an amended or ter- county, school and city in upgrades to the system would be need- Renewable Development minated power purchase 2016, and provides approxi- ed in the near term. Paying for those Fund (RDF). agreement must be present- mately a quarter of the city’s improvements would lead to a doubling Eventually, the biomass ed to the Minnesota Public levy. It was the city’s largest of rates. Even at current rates, heating power was supplied by a Utilities Commission and utility customer, purchas- customers were leaving the system, newly-developed, privately- be agreed to by all parties. ing nearly $200,000 in elec- and saving money by converting to a Our Willetts owned plant in Benson, by The legislation specifically tricity, water and sewer ser- natural gas-fired furnace or boiler. Honored With St. Paul District Energy, exempted the St. Paul Dis- vices annually. District heating customers and the trict Energy plant, which Xcel has agreed to com- public were well-informed of the pend- National Award and by municipal power page 9 plants owned by the Hib- will keep on producing dur- pensate the City of Benson ing shut-down. bing and Virginia municipal ing the remaining six years more than $20 million, pay- At an April 3 Commission-Council utilities. The municipal util- of its agreement. able over four to six years, work session, Utility General Manager ities created the Laurentian The Benson situation is for infrastructure and relat- John Harren reported that in 1990 the Energy Authority (LEA) to unique. Benson is home to ed costs. Xcel will pay prop- utility had 394 district heating custom- supply the biomass power. Benson Power (formerly Fi- erty taxes on the plant for ers, but that number had dwindled to The 2017 Legislature brominn), a privately-owned two years beyond its closing. 218 residential and commercial cus- ended the biomass-pur- company. The plant there tomers. (By the time of the Council chase mandate, and includ- has burned turkey ‘litter’ Biomass: see page 7 please Willmar: see page 4 please MPUC drops complaint over gas service to Vikings; opens look at competition by Steve Downer To get to the bottom of quarters. customer to provide a Contri- kings with a proposal to serve Xcel will serve natural gas that question, the MPUC will In March 2017, Xcel-Gas bution in Aid of Construction the area, that it believed to the new Minnesota Vikings open a generic docket to re- and the Vikings entered into for the necessary facilities to MERC also submitted a pro- corporate headquarters and view and investigate the pa- a Natural Gas Competitive provide service. posal, and that the Vikings practice facility in Eagan, rameters of inter-gas utility Agreement, whereby Xcel In its complaint, MERC selected Xcel as its gas pro- despite a complaint to the competition that involves the would provide natural gas argued the area was located vider. Minnesota Public Utilities duplication of existing facili- service to the entire 200-acre entirely within its natural MPUC staff said it ap- Commission (MPUC) from ties. That docket will also redevelopment site. In April (though not exclusive) service peared duplicate facilities Minnesota Energy Resources view and investigate the use 2017, the Vikings requested territory, which it has long would result from Xcel ser- Corp. (MERC) of promotional incentives and MERC remove its facilities. served. MERC alleged that vice to the customer. It said The MPUC on June 8 dis- other non-tariffed payments MERC did so. Xcel’s actions were inconsis- MERC’s estimates to serve missed the complaint, but provided by utilities to their MPUC staff said it ap- tent with Minn. Stat. 216B.01 the customer were substan- that isn’t the end of the story. existing customers and poten- peared both utilities were of- and existing Commission pol- tially less than Xcel’s estimat- Was the complaint an tial future customers. fering service in accordance icies. ed construction costs. Xcel’s anomaly with a high-profile The 200 acres in Eagan with their tariffs. However, The statute cited reads, “It proposed facilities would customer, or the tip of a com- purchased by the Vikings was it said Xcel-Gas was offering is hereby declared to be in the cross underneath Interstate petitive iceberg in an rate- formerly owned by Northwest a “stimulus package” consist- public interest . . . to avoid 494 and involve construction regulated industry with no Airlines. MERC provided gas ing of promotion incentives, unnecessary duplication of along various county high- defined service territories? service to the airline head- potential tax savings and facilities which increase the ways, whereas MERC’s con- conservation rebates. Essen- cost of service to the consum- struction would involve con- tially, said MPUC briefing pa- er and to minimize disputes structing service lines from SOLUTIONS FOR ELECTRIC GENERATION pers, “Xcel-Gas is paying the between public utilities which its pre-existing main. Vikings to take its service.” may result in inconvenice or Staff broached the sub- We’ll deliver reliable, competitively-priced Staff said it was “uncertain diminish efficiency in service ject of requiring Xcel-Gas to natural gas service for all your projects. of the legality of Xcel-Gas’s to the consumers . . . ” make payment to MERC for incentives” or if the incen- MERC also expressed con- remaining facilities costs and Contact Russ Wagner today. tives are in accordance with cern over safety and stranded revenue losses. It notes this 612-321-5003 the company’s tariff. cost issues. It said “customer was “relatively normal” with 800-234-5800, ext. 5003 MERC proposed to provide poaching,” particularly of electric utilities. The MPUC Russell.Wagner@ service through its firm sales a large customer, could ad- did not require any such pay- CenterPointEnergy.com service applicable to the pro- versely affect rates for its ment. jected load, at tariffed rates. other customers. ©2014 CenterPoint Energy 143677 Neither utility required the Xcel said it provided the Vi- SMMPA, EDF partner on 100 MW wind project EDF Renewable Energy Minnesota, will be comprised has signed an agreement to of up to 50 wind turbine gen- supply Southern Minnesota erators. The project was made Municipal Power Agency possible due to grid transmis- (SMMPA) with 100 mega- sion expansion and is expect- To unify, support and serve as a common voice for municipal utilities watts (MW) of wind energy ed to result in more than 150 Officers and Directors Accounting Assistant from the Stoneray Wind Proj- construction jobs and 10 long- Karen Heiden, [email protected] ect in Minnesota beginning in term, full-time positions, as President Administrative Assistant 2020. Construction is expect- well as millions of dollars in Bob Elston, Sleepy Eye Theresa Neddermeyer, ed to commence in early 2018 economic benefits to the local President-Elect [email protected] with an anticipated commer- area. John Crooks, Shakopee Director of Training and Safety cial operation date (COD) of SMMPA had previously Secretary/Treasurer Mike Willetts, [email protected] December 2018. worked with EDF on the 100.5 Greg French, Virginia Natural Gas Circuit Rider Stoneray Wind Project, lo- MW Wapsipinicon Wind proj- Past President Troy Dahlin, [email protected] cated in Pipestone and Mur- ect. Troy Adams, Elk River ray counties in Southwestern Regional Safety Group Program Leader Mike Sewell, [email protected] Directors JT&S and Apprenticeship Instructor Kevin Berg, Hawley Mike Taylor, [email protected] Mark Erickson, Winthrop Chuck Heins, Redwood Falls Regional Safety Coord./JTS Instructors Bruce Westergaard, Chris Olson, Alexandria [email protected] H. Peterson, Blooming Prairie CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS Shane St. Clair, [email protected] Vernell Roberts, Detroit Lakes TO MEET YOUR CRITICAL Bill Wroolie, Brainerd Generation Coordinator/JTS Instructor Bob Sewell, [email protected] POWER NEEDS Staff Training Center Coordinator/JTS Instructor Executive Director Cody Raveling, [email protected] Jack Kegel, [email protected] Mgt. Services and JTS Instructor Associate Executive Director Rich Maxfield, [email protected] Steve Downer, [email protected] Regional Safety Coordinators Government Relations Director Janet Aultman, [email protected] Bill Black, [email protected] Al Czeczok, [email protected] Tom Ewert, [email protected] Government Relations Representative Mark Hottel, [email protected] Amanda Duerr, [email protected] Robin Klug, [email protected] Director of Engineering & Policy Analysis Dave Lundberg, [email protected] Bob Jagusch, [email protected] Marc Machacek, [email protected] Director of Finance Ryan Mihalak, [email protected] • Life Cycle Extension Larry Pederson, [email protected] Joseph Schmidt, [email protected] • Electrical Upgrades Director of Administration Kevin Thompson, [email protected] • Emission Upgrades Rita Kelly, [email protected] Chris Trembley, [email protected] • Mechanical Upgrades

Fairbanks Morse Engine MMUA The Resource USPS #009836. ISSN: 1080-3750 is published 11 times a year, combining July-August, 701 White Ave by MMUA at 3025 Harbor Lane North, Suite 400, Plymouth, MN 55447. Periodicals postage paid at Mpls., Beloit, WI 53511 MN and other mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MMUA The Resource, 3025 Harbor +1-608-364-8036 Lane North, Suite 400, Plymouth, MN 55447. Annual subscription rates: $12 per subscription (included in [email protected] dues), associate members, $12 (included in dues). 3025 Harbor Lane North, Suite 400, Plymouth, MN 55447. 763-551-1230, members 1-800-422-0119. FAX 763-551-0459.

2/July-August 2017 The Resource Pieces of federal budget proposal have potential to adversely affect public power by John Godfrey, Senior to issuers of Build America nomic growth)—some from As a result, while it is true Government Relations Di- Washington Bonds. As a result, the budget new fees, some from the sale that the budget proposal it- rector, American Public provides no specific rationale of federal assets such as parts self stands very little chance Power Association Report for this proposal, which would of the Strategic Petroleum of being enacted into law, we President Donald Trump extend payments cuts to Reserve and transmission as- are taking quite seriously the recently sent Congress a solutions for advanced control BABs issuers through 2027. sets of the Power Marketing specific proposals it contains. budget for Fiscal Year 2018 concepts for distribution and The budget is largely si- Administrations. Again, rev- that proposes cutting federal municipal utility companies,” lent on the issue of tax re- enue increases of this mag- Trade groups, lawmakers spending by $24 billion in a program used to fund cyber- form, simply restating gen- nitude would be well outside oppose proposal to sell 2018 and by $3.6 trillion over security cooperative agree- eral principles announced by historic norms. transmission assets the next decade, while boost- ments between DOE and the the Administration earlier. On the one hand, the scope On June 6, the Association ing federal revenues by $2.7 American Public Power As- However, the budget assumes of these budget proposals and the NRECA sent a let- trillion over the same period, sociation and the National that tax cuts provided by tax make them unlikely to be en- ter to Energy Secretary Rick to bring the federal budget Rural Electric Cooperative reform will boost real GDP acted. Perry expressing strong oppo- into balance by 2027. Association. growth to 3 percent per year On the other hand, the sition to the proposal in Presi- Overall, non-defense De- The budget would also (up from consensus projec- scope of the cuts also makes dent Trump’s FY 2018 budget partment of Energy programs eliminate funding for the Low tions of real GDP growth of 2 it clear that these provisions request to sell the transmis- would be cut by $3 billion Income Home Energy Assis- percent), generating an extra were not included because of sion assets of three PMAs. (17.5 percent) in 2018. That tance Program. The budget $2 trillion in new revenue for budgetary concerns, but for They noted that PMA costs average, though, masks mas- cites as one reason for elimi- the federal government. philosophical ones. For ex- “are paid by customers and sive cuts to specific DOE of- nating the program a 2010 Overall, the scope of chang- ample, the $5.5 billion that not the federal government; fices. For example, the budget Government Accountability es proposed in the budget would be raised by selling none of the costs are borne by proposes cutting the Office Office report which found the would be historic if enacted. PMA transmission assets is taxpayers.” of Energy Efficiency and Re- program needed greater con- For example, non-defense not even a rounding error to Fifty bipartisan House newable Energy by $1.4 bil- trols to prevent fraud. The discretionary spending would the $3.6 trillion in spending members sent a letter to lion, a 69 percent reduction budget also notes that 15 be cut by 42 percent by 2027, cuts proposed elsewhere in the Chairman and Ranking from Fiscal Year 2016 fund- states prohibit utility com- putting non-defense spending the budget. The scope of the Member of the House Budget ing levels. panies from cutting off power at its lowest level (as a per- cuts will also make it more Committee June 26, opposing Likewise, the Office of Elec- and/or electricity to custom- centage of GDP) since before difficult to defend specific the provision to sell the PMA tricity Delivery and Energy ers in extreme weather. World War II. programs. There are only 535 transmission assets. Reliability would be cut by The budget would also ex- The budget also proposes members of the House and Signing the letter were $389 million (42 percent) in- tend for an additional two raising $700 billion in new Senate, while there are hun- Minnesota’s Tom Emmer, cluding the assumed elimina- years the sequestration of revenues for the federal gov- dreds of programs the Admin- Collin Peterson, Rick Nolan tion of $5 million in funding mandatory spending pro- ernment (in addition to the istration is proposing cutting and Tim Walz. for “cyber and cyber-physical grams, including payments $2 trillion spurred by eco- or eliminating. MPUC requests Let us help you invest in your city’s ALJ in cooperative utilities future! ‘DG’ fees docket

The Minnesota Public Utili- We understand the importance on working on ideas from ties Commission June 15 re- the first stages of a feasibility study all the way to final quested the appointment inspection. Some of our specialties include: of an Administrative Law - Distribution - Rate Studies Judge to oversee certain as- - Transmission - System Planning - Substations - Mapping and GIS pects of an investigation of - Generation - Relaying and SCADA fees charged to qualifying fa- - Arc Flash Analysis - Sectionalizing and Coordination cilities by cooperative electric associations under the 2015 amendments to Minn. Stat. 216B.164, subd. 3. The MPUC docket was initiated in June 2016, following receipt of customer com- plaints. In February of this year, the Department of Com- merce requested that the pro- ceeding be suspended pending the outcome of the legislative session, particularly in regard to proposals to amend MPUC Trusted. Professional. Solutions. authority involving cooperative and municipal utilities. Rock Rapids, IA Sioux City, IA Ankeny, IA Sioux Falls, SD 712-472-2531 712-266-1554 515-963-3488 605-339-4157 Under the 2017 amend- email: [email protected] - web: dgr.com ments to Minn. Stat. 216B.164, Article 10, Section 8, a new Subd. 11 states the Providing Legal Counsel to Minnesota Municipalities in: Commission may complete its investigation of cooperative • Energy and Utility Matters • Municipal Bonds fees for net-metered custom- • Administrative Proceedings • Economic Development ers (DG fees), “if the Com- • Legislative Representation • Real Estate Law mission determines that com- • Municipal Law • Construction Law pleting the investigation is • Litigation • Environmental Law necessary to protect the public interest.” The amendments adopted Contact: William McGrann, Doug Carnival or Kaela Brennan by the Legislature stipulate that the MPUC investigation 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 2600, Minneapolis, MN 55402-7035 must be complete by the end Telephone: 612-338-2525 Facsimile: 612-339-2386 www.mcgrannshea.com of the year.

July-August 2017 The Resource/3 plant ceased operations and ideas are being gathered re- Willmar: the utilities purchased all the garding employee training, continued from front page power needed. severance, possible retire- Information is being shared ments and other employment vote, that number was 209.) with utility staff regarding opportunities for those who As the Commission and the district heat and power might be affected. utility staff continued to gath- plant upgrade discussions er data and consider options, as it becomes available, and they reached out to customers. They shared the numbers and took note of customer thoughts and concerns. District heat covers downtown Willmar and some residential areas on the north and northwest side of the city. Customers include three The Willmar Municipal Utilities cogeneration plant looms behind the schools, Rice Memorial Hos- utility office building on U.S. Hwy. 12 in downtown Willmar. The util- pital, city buildings, three ity has been in business since 1891 and the district heating system buildings owned by the utili- dates back to 1913. ties, the Kandiyohi County institutional and industrial ply contracts. courthouse and Willmar Pub- buildings in the core business The same study that lic Library (the system’s first district, but began expand- showed a dire economic fu- customer). ing in 1983 and continued ture for the district heating Utility staff will provide expanding until 1990. The system also considered the ELEMENTS OF YOUR SUCCESS some reasonable level of as- most recent expansion was to future of the utility’s electric Vision. Value. Passion. Integrity. Relationships. Attitude. sistance to customers as they the Rice Memorial Expansion generating plant. Eliminat- These elements make up the structure of AE2S. What does that convert heating systems. Project in 2003. ing district heat would lead mean to you? Extreme client service, trusted relationships, a Willmar Municipal Utili- to greater electric generating shared vision for your future, and passion for every project. ties has been in business Power plant study continues efficiencies, according to the They all translate into your success. since 1891. The heating sys- While supplying hot wa- study, and open up more po- tem was built in 1913. ter for distribution, the lo- tential options for local gen- WATER ENGINEERING In 1982, the utility modern- cal power plant co-generates eration. WASTEWATER ENGINEERING ized the heating system to approximately 5 megawatts With the district heating WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING utilize hot water, rather than (MW) of power. The utility’s decision taken care of, com- Advanced Engineering and ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING steam, increasing efficiency. peak load is well over 60 MW mission and staff will further Environmental Services, Inc. (AE2S) INSTRUMENTATION & CONTROLS As part of that renovation, in the summer and in the study options for the power Offices located throughout the Upper FINANCIAL SERVICES Midwest and Rocky Mountain Region the utility rebuilt the entire mid-40s in winter. Most of plant. Depending on whole- ASSET MANAGEMENT www.ae2s.com distribution system. The dis- the electricity sold by the util- sale electric market condi- ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING trict heating program started ity is purchased on the open tions, power supply savings STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING serving only the commercial, market, through power sup- could increase if the power

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4/July-August 2017 The Resource MMUA taking nominations for individual, utility membership awards Doing an outstanding job Individuals cannot receive excellence in the municipal level. ogy, or other areas. locally is expected. So it often the same award twice. Utili- utility industry; Eligibility: An individual Eligibility: The utility takes somebody from outside ties can earn awards once ev- a strong record of involve- who has a long record of ser- must be an MMUA Regular your community to recognize ery five years. ment in MMUA and efforts vice to an MMUA member Member system. outstanding achievement. All nominations of MMUA’s on behalf of the betterment utility. Criteria: Nominees should At times, recognition of Awards and Recognition Pro- of the industry on a statewide Criteria: An individual have achievement or sus- an individual is called for. gram will be forwarded to basis. who has performed long and tained performance that: These individuals can be util- the MMUA Nominations and well at the local level, but • was widely recognized in ity employees, policymakers, Awards Committee for their Public Service Award who may not have the level of the public power field; or even a citizen. At other consideration. Awards will This award is given to a involvement with MMUA to • served to enhance public times, the utility as a whole be presented at the MMUA state or federal elected or ap- merit a lifetime membership. power’s prestige; should be recognized. Annual Summer Conference pointed official who has been • improved service to their In addition, individuals Aug. 21-23. a strong supporter of MMUA Distinguished Service communities; outside of our cities and/or and its members. Award • represented an earnest, utilities often play significant MMUA Honorary Lifetime Eligibility: Any publicly This award is given to in- coordinated effort on the part roles in advancing the inter- Membership elected or appointed official dividuals who perform out- of the system. ests of public power. These This prestigious award at the local, national or state standing service in support of people should also be recog- symbolizes a long profession- level whose activities have the association and its goals. Nomination forms for each nized. al life dedicated not only to advanced the objectives of Eligibility: Individuals award are available on the Those reasons, in part, are the advancement of munici- public power. who demonstrate leadership MMUA web site in the About/ motivating factors behind the pal utilities locally, but also Criteria: Nominees should on various issues. Awards and Recognition sec- MMUA Awards and Recogni- for the betterment of our in- have: Criteria: Performance of tion. tion program. dustry on a state-wide basis. • made substantial contri- outstanding service in sup- Nominations are due to The MMUA Nominations Eligibility: Individuals butions to public power; port of the association or its the MMUA office by July 25, and Awards Committee and who have concluded or are • made contributions with goals. 2017. the MMUA Board of Direc- about to conclude a long and lasting impact. Please submit nomination tors have approved the fol- distinguished career in the System Innovation Award forms to MMUA via e-mail lowing slate of awards. municipal utility industry. Community Service Award This award is given to a at [email protected], While eligibility for the Criteria: Nominees should This award is given to an utility that has demonstrated via fax at 763-551-0459, or awards may vary somewhat, have: individual who has performed leadership and innovation in via U.S. mail at 3025 Harbor in general individuals and a long professional life dedi- long and well in support of a customer service, energy effi- Lane N., Suite 400 Plymouth, utilities must represent or be cated to the achievement of municipal utility at the local ciency or renewables, technol- MN 55447. MMUA Regular Members. Nominations being taken for open seats on MMUA Board; three directors up for re-election The MMUA Nominations er and past MMUA president, Utilities, was elected to fill the Along with the two open- In selecting board nomi- and Awards Committee is will complete eight years of unexpired term of a departing ings, three current board nees, the MMUA Nomina- now accepting nominations board service at the upcom- board member in 2011 and members will be up for re- tions and Awards Committee for the MMUA board of direc- ing summer meeting. Wroolie was re-elected in 2013. Hav- election for a second three- will consider the following: tors. Board members tradi- was elected to fill out a de- ing served six years, Heins year term. They are: John personal integrity, indepen- tionally serve two three-year parting board member’s term, has decided to step down, in Crooks, Utilities Manager, dence and knowledge of the terms. in September 2009. He was part to set the board succes- Shakopee Public Utilities; industry, providing a broad Two current board mem- elected to the board in August sion schedule back on track. Chris Olson, Finance Man- geographic balance on the bers will be completing their 2011 and re-elected in August MMUA thanks Heins and ager, ALP Utilities (Alexan- Board representing all sizes years of service on the board. 2014. Wroolie for their dedication dria); Vernell Roberts, Gen- and types of utility opera- William Wroolie, Brainerd Chuck Heins, superinten- and outstanding contribu- eral Manager, Detroit Lakes tions; a commitment to the Public Utilities Commission- dent of Redwood Falls Public tions to the association. Public Utility. promotion of municipal own- ership of utilities; willing- ness to commit the time and energy necessary to the orga- nization and the office; and a demonstration of interest in the affairs of the members and the Association through active participation and in furtherance of the goals and purposes of the Association. Nominees must be des- ignated representatives of member municipalities to be eligible for election. The Nominating Committee will not discriminate against age, race, sex, sexual preference or national origin in the nominating process. Forms for submitting nominations to the MMUA board are available Nomination forms for each in the About/ Awards and Recognition section. If you have any questions, you may contact John Crooks, MMUA President-Elect and Nominations and Awards Committee chairperson, at 952-445-1988, ext. 1511. Nominations will be accept- ed through July 25, 2017.

July-August 2017 The Resource/5 trical equipment and how it Lyon: worked. continued from front page He is quick to thank others. Without prompting, he he started. The distribution said the training provided voltage is now 12,470 in the by MMUA was very valu- city, and 7200 delta over 16 able. He also learned a lot miles of rural line, running to by talking with other mu- the north and east. nicipal people at workshops Half the Melrose distribu- and meetings. Lyon said he tion system is now overhead; also worked with and learned half underground. from excellent engineers. It may have been work, He was glad, as the years but it didn’t seem like a job. went on, to fill the role of men- He always enjoyed the chal- tor to others. lenge of understanding elec- The utility would do any-

220 South Sixth Street Suite 1300 Minneapolis, MN 55402 The Melrose electric crew includes, from left to right, Pat Lomax, Steve Scholz, Dale Lyon and Jesse Umland. In the background is one of the power plant engines and generators. thing it could to improve reliability. And that didn’t include just the electric crew. “I had one of best utility commissions to work with,” he said. They could see what was needed, and never ob- jected to building something HD SUPPLY METERING more reliable and efficient. ■ Turn-Key Projects As technologies developed Solutions tailored to need as defined by utility requirements, and improved, Melrose made geographic realities and industry best practices. The energy industry is rapidly changing, presenting good investments, including ■ Project Financing utilities, companies and communities with new challenges Access to historically low interest rates. automated metering infra- and opportunities. Avant works with its clients to develop ■ Revenue Benefit Analysis structure and a good System What is the true cost and savings of an advanced metering system? The innovative, yet practical solutions based on a simple, results may surprise you. Control and Data Acquisition overarching belief that, “better is possible.” ■ Technology Consultation (SCADA) system. The SCA- Our product and metering technology experts stand by to assist you in DA screens are up and run- designing the best possible solution for your utility. ning continually in the utility ■ Meter Audits The rules are changing. With extended flow characteristics of new CONULTING office. meters it is often possible to resize meters for higher efficiency, low-flow BETTER DEVELOPMENT Line losses were 12 per- registration and better revenue capture. UTILITY MANAGEMENT ■ Multi-Utility Solutions I POIBLE cent in the mid-1970s; they One metering system to read electric, water, and gas - now, that’s efficient! are now less than 2 percent. Reducing losses was a sys- tematic undertaking, which Proud Corporate Sponsor included buying good materi- of the MMUA ...... .AVANTENERGY.COM...... als and high efficiency transformers. Peak demand was 3 megawatts (MW) and is now 20 MW. That growth wasn’t 24 Hour Emergency Service hdswaterworks.com an accident. The utility has Online Services provided a more-than-competitive rate, top-tier reliability and hometown service. Through it all, Melrose maintained an enviable rate and little, if any, debt. David A. Berg, PE - Principal “The customer comes first,” Lyon emphasized. ‘Dedicated to providing personal service Melrose employs four line- to consumer-owned utilities’ men/power plant operators. Steve Scholz is the main op- erator and has worked with Lyon at the utility for 32 Cost of Service Studies years. Pat Lomax joined the crew in 1992, and Jeremy Utility Rate Design Umland two years ago. Contract Negotiations Understanding the plant starts with understanding Utility Education the giant engines. The local Expert Testimony crew has completely over- hauled the prime movers— Feasibility Studies they know them inside and out. “You have to run these en- [email protected] gines like you own them,” 15213 Danbury Ave W Lyon said. “It’s a really de- pendable plant. It’s in better Rosemount, MN 55068 shape than when I came.” (612)850-2305 That statement could extend to the entire Melrose www.davebergconsulting.com utility system. What better way to leave a utility, and the city it serves. 6/July-August 2017 The Resource Biomass: continued from front page

Funds for those payments will come from the RDF. Xcel needs to complete the purchase of the plant, from Benson Power, and obtain regulatory approval. It expects to close the plant, with its 45 jobs, next year. There are an additional 55 jobs in trucking fuel to the plant. The legislation funds a study of the plant’s supply chain. With the high cost of the power, Benson City Manager Rob Wolfington said there was little doubt state regula- tors would approve the closing. Xcel said it expects to save its customers nearly This view is of the Virginia Public Utilities cogeneration plant from across Silver Lake. Steam heat and electricity has been provided from $700 million over the next 11 this site since the early 1900s. The municipal service dates from 1913. years. The news that Xcel was to make adjustments to the pursuing the plant closure biomass legislative language. came as a surprise to the This year, with large custom- people in Benson. Wolfing- ers putting the heat on Xcel ton, who spent 28 nights in due to the relatively high cost St. Paul this session, called of the biomass-produced elec- the situation “bittersweet,” tricity, Xcel suggested a revi- with the monetary settlement sion to include the buyout op- easing the pain of the plant’s tion. closing. With a buyout of Benson “We won the battle but lost Power on the table, Xcel also the war,” he said. offered to buy out LEA. Even- In contrast to the purpose- tually a deal was struck to built plant in Benson, Hib- pay out $34 million to the bing and Virginia produced LEA utilities, to be paid out biomass-fueled electricity over five years. Again, the from their refurbished munic- buyout funds out came from ipal power plants. With new the RDF. boilers and associated equip- Negotiations continue on ment for the biomass fuel, the the termination agreement municipals viewed the deal between Xcel and LEA. Once signed over 11 years ago as a finalized, there are three new lease on life for their ag- other approvals required: by ing power plants and district LEA, and the Hibbing and heating systems. Virginia Public Utility Com- The Hibbing Public Utilities business offices are located in front of the municipal cogeneration plant, Several times since 2005, missions. in this photograph from April of this year. the municipals, through LEA, The agreement with LEA went back to the Legislature also needs to be approved by the Minnesota Public Utili- tract was originally scheduled each city. Balancing the con- ties Commission. Since the to end in 2026. The expedited cerns of employees, ratepay- costs of the plants are also timetable means Hibbing and ers, taxpayers, environmen- rolled into Xcel rates in North Virginia utility planners are tal, and suppliers will indeed Dakota, any termination very busy determining the require tremendous effort. agreement also needs to be path that will provide the approved in that state. best future utility service in The LEA-Xcel biomass con-

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July-August 2017 The Resource/7 Kandiyohi Power Coop- erative has made an offer to Around purchase the City of Kandi- yohi electric system. The city is considering the offer. the State

Don Qualley, utilities su- every board associated with perintendent, is retiring after the city was involved in the 33 years with the City of planning. Existing utilities Lake Park. Among the utili- were sufficient to handle the ties provided by the city are potential increased demand. electric, natural gas, water Entities involved in the new and wastewater. Qualley was housing development include a part of and oversaw many the Adrian Industrial Devel- improvements to the city opment Corporation, Housing and utility systems over the and Redevelopment Author- years, and will be missed. He ity, Public Utilities Commis- also served as a fireman for sion and City Council. 23 years. A five-year tax abatement is also available on each A number of Central Min- lot from the Worthington nesota Power Agency Ser- Regional Economic Develop- vices (CMPAS) members, ment Corp. Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) held a ribbon-cutting at a new $6.1 million substation Tuesday, June including Kasson, Kenyon, 20. The substation is adjacent to an Epic Systems data center. Epic is the largest electronic medi- Blue Earth, Granite Falls, The Brainerd Public cal records firm in the United States, and handles the Mayo Clinic’s electronic medical records. RPU Janesville and Sleepy Eye, Utilities Commission employees gathered along with various other parties involved in the project. People pictured here are are offering a solar program recently granted a bill adjust- RPU employees, unless otherwise noted. They are, from left to right: Jeff Kranz, Jeff Fate (Hunt Elec- to their customers this sum- ment of $1,119 to a mobile tric), Tyler Meiners, Pete Minogue, Neil Stiller, Ted Mason, Bill Schmitz, Levi Kaiser (Benike Construc- mer. home park following dis- tion), Sidney Jackson, Mark Kotschevar, Jeff Heinemann and Patrick Deibel (both of Ulteig Engineers) The solar energy will come covery of leaks in the park’s and Mike Benike (Benike Construction). from the Lemond Solar Cen- water system. The amount ter near Owatonna. follows a previous adjust- Brownton, Buffalo Lake, through RS Air which de- in more than 17 townships The program allows ment precedent for mobile Fairfax, and Stewart to the livers wireless broadband over a network of 13 towers. residential and commercial home parks. RS Fiber network by the end internet to homes and farms utility customers to purchase The Commission also ap- of June. Those cities will join a subscription to a shared, proved a motion to provide six others (Gaylord, Gibbon, community-based solar plant. for no future bill adjustments Green Isle, Lafayette, New Subscriptions will match for all mobile home parks Auburn, and Winthrop) who or offset part of customers’ due to system leaks. have been connected to the energy use, and they will re- Brainerd is considering network since the project ceive a corresponding credit building a new 500,000 gal- began in June 2015. on their monthly electric lon water tower at an esti- To date, RS Fiber is serv- Matt Haley bill, reflecting the solar en- mated total cost of about $2.2 ing more than 1,100 custom- ergy production and market million. ers. Customers connected President prices. directly to the fiber network 952-767-7464 Costs are lower than for a are receiving TV, telephone, www.EnergyInsightInc.com RS Fiber Cooperative (RS rooftop unit. and Internet services with Fiber) plans to begin con- Customer response to the speeds up to 1 Gbps. Some 7935 Stone Creek Drive, Suite 140 Chanhassen, MN 55317 struction to link the cities of offering has been strong in customers receive services a number of cities, including Kasson, where a solar structure will also be built this summer.

The Rochester City Council in June approved the Rochester Public Utilities Equipment with REEL life experience!!! (RPU) SOLARCHOICE program. The program will allow RPU customers to subscribe to one or more solar panels from a ‘community solar garden.’ Customers would receive a monthly bill credit for electricity generated from the subscribed panels. The price per panel is $650, which covers insur- ance, operation and mainte- Custom Truck Mount Deluxe Winder Self Loading Multi-Bunk nance costs. The subscription is transferable if the cus- INNOVATIVE Restoration Equipment tomer moves. The program is Increase e ciency and leave your competition in the dust! scheduled to go into effect in January 2018.

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The City of Adrian is selling 17 lots in a residential subdivision. Nearly Hydra-Bucket Skid Loader Hydra-Rake 3pt. Hydra-Rake WWW.FS3INC.BIZ | PH: 877-274-7223 8/July-August 2017 The Resource MPCA issues notice of process to amend water quality fee rules MPS responds quickly as transmission topples The Minnesota Pollution livering services associated other revenue sources that MPCA will hold a public Control Agency (MPCA) in with those fees. The remain- currently are dedicated to meeting on Monday, July 24 Moorhead experienced a the June 26 State Register is- der of the funding comes from the Environmental Fund, or concurrently in St. Paul and citywide power outage at sued notice that it is planning Environmental Fund, Clean new funding sources, and was its six regional offices: Brain- about 9 p.m., June 13 for ap- to begin a process to amend Water Legacy Fund, federal open to phasing-in fee chang- erd, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, proximately eight minutes. water quality fee rules (Min- funds, and General Fund. es. Mankato, Marshall, Roches- The outage was caused by nesota Rules chapters 7002 The MPCA said it has not The June 26 notice is the ter and Willmar. This meet- the collapse of a high-voltage and 7083). This could lead to comprehensively increased very beginning of the pro- ing will also be available as a steel transmission structure an increase in permit applica- water fees since 1992—or cess, said an MPCA spokes- video conference. in south Fargo that collapsed tion, annual and/or additional 25 years. During the past person. The agency said it MPCA is also planning lis- in strong winds. fees. quarter-century it said it has does not have a new rule for tening sessions in multiple lo- Because Moorhead Public This amendment process, sought water fee increases review, nor does it have a cations around the state. Service (MPS) has a second said MPCA, will address “a several times from the Leg- “plan” in hand. Rather, it is You can access the MPCA feed into Moorhead, power more equitable distribution of islature, without success. A asking permittees, stakehold- water rulemaking webpage was quickly re-routed to re- permit costs” among affected spokesperson for MPCA said ers, and the public to weigh online at: https://www.pca. store electric service. permittees. The MPCA said it was open to other forms in. The agency is taking pre- state.mn.us/water/amend- MPS experienced localized fee revenue now covers only of revenue, such as General rulemaking comments on-line ments-water-quality-fee- outages caused by the storm. 17 percent of the cost of de- Fund or a combination of through August 14. rules Crews worked through the night into the next day.

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For more than 60 years, our employee-owners have member of the Association’s AUTHORED BY supported you by providing the products you need Engineering and Operations LINEMAN HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE, and the services you’ve come to expect. Section, serving as chair in ALAN DREW 2000. Willetts has also served Your success is our priority. Contact us today. on the Association’s Mutual Aid Working Group since “The greatest historical book 2013. about linemen ever written.” The American Public Power –Andy Price Founder International Lineman Museum Association is the voice of not- and Hall of Fame for-profit, community-owned 40-169 (2016-12) borderstates.com | 800.676.5834 utilities that power 2,000 cities nationwide. theamericanlineman.com

July-August 2017 The Resource/9 Professional Services Directory Classified Accountants and Consultants Energy Services Ads

Electric Line Person Lakefield Public Utilities is looking for an Electrical Line- St. Cloud/Brainerd Austin/Mankato Minneapolis man for the electric depart- Doug Host Craig Popenhagen Dennis Hoogeveen ment. Lakefield is a progres- Mary Reedy Sarah Cramblit Chris Knopik Matt Haley sive community of 1,700 people in SW Minnesota that main- 888-529-2648 | CLAconnect.com President tains an electrical distribution 952-767-7464 system and a stand-by gen- www.EnergyInsightInc.com ADVISORY | OUTSOURCING | AUDIT AND TAX eration plant. Lakefield also maintains a water distribution 7935 Stone Creek Drive, Suite 140 Chanhassen, MN 55317 ©2016 CliftonLarsonAllen LLP system. Qualifications for the position: High School diploma or equivalent and vocational Attorneys Engineers and Engineering Firms degree as an electrical lineman. Knowledge of water systems not necessary but helpful. Must be able to obtain a Class Proudly representing B CDL license. Duties include: municipal clients construction and maintenance of the distribution system, including stringing wire, setting 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 2600 poles, placing transformers, in- Minneapolis, MN 55402 stalling meters, and other work (t) 612-338-2525 (f) 612-339-2386 as needed. Will also be work- www.mcgrannshea.com ing with the water system. Competitive salary and benefit package. If interested contact the Lakefield Public Utilities at 507.662.5457 or clerk@lake- fieldmn.com for an application package. Applications will be taken until the position is filled. One size fits all – doesn’t. And neither do our solutions. Apprentice Lineworker Fosston Municipal Utilities, located in Fosston, Minnesota, is accepting applications for an Apprentice Lineworker position. This position includes the construction, maintenance

Bolton-Menk.com and repair of underground distribution lines, transformers, cabinets, insulators, fuses and other associated equipment. T&RElectrical 7.75x5.75 7/21/05 1:11 PM Equipment Page 1 and Suppliers This is a regular full-time position following completion of a 6-month training period. Appli- cants must be a graduate of an accredited Lineworker Train- iation ing Program or have equivalent iil Sure experience. Applicants should letrial Poer have knowledge of the OSHA ater asteater 1910.269 and familiarity with the National Electrical Safety Code. Applicant must possess Trusted. Professional. Solutions. CIRCLE O a valid Minnesota Class B ECELLENCE Driver’s License and CDL or the ability to obtain one. Ap-

Rock Rapids, IA Sioux City, IA Ankeny, IA Sioux Falls, SD plicants currently enrolled in 712-472-2531 712-266-1554 712-472-2531 605-339-4157 an Apprenticeship Program email: [email protected] - website: www.dgr.com for Lineman are encouraged to apply. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifica- Electrical Services tions. Excellent benefits package. Applicants should submit a completed application, Simplify YOUR life with a resume, and three references to: Dave Larson, Fosston Mu- one-stop backup power supplier! nicipal Utilities, 220 East First Street, Fosston, MN 56542. Ap- David A. Berg, PE – Principal Cost of Service Studies plication information can be ob- Utility Rate Design 15213 Danbury Ave W Contract Negotiations tained by calling 218.435.1737, Rosemount, MN 55068 Utility Education contacting Fosston Municipal (612)850-2305 Expert Testimony Utilities in person or via e-mail www.davebergconsulting.com Feasibility Studies at [email protected]. 800.672.7244 • [email protected] • www.hmcragg.com An application for employment [email protected] We are proud to be 100% Employee Owned! can also be downloaded from ‘Dedicated to providing personal service to consumer-owned utilities’ the City of Fosston website at www.fosston.com. Position will remain open until filled. The City of Fosston is an Equal Op- portunity Employer.

For a complete and up-to-date listing, see the News/Classi- fieds section at www.mmua.org 10/June 2017 The Resource Engineers and Engineering Firms Equipment and Supplies Bits & Pieces

Minnesota Power announced in June that it is partnering with Dairyland Power Cooperative to build a $700 million, 550-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant in Superior, Wisc. The proposed plant has yet to obtain necessary regulatory approvals. Equipment Manufacturers, Suppliers, Service Generation Services and Equipment The Minnesota Depart- ment of Commerce said on June 1 that Minnesota Power PRODUCTS you NEED has shown no evidence that it you EXPECT Dedicated to needs a proposed 6.1 percent SERVICE rate hike, and instead should Delivering Critical Power cut rates 2.6 percent. The Where you need us, when you need us, Where it’s Needed Most. utility last November filed a with 11 Minnesota locations to serve you. request to increase annual Contact us today. rates about 9.1 percent. It re- vised that request downward +1-800-356-6955 www.fairbanksmorse.com/solutions in March, to 6.1 percent. An borderstates.com | 1.800.676.5834 #10-1224 (2016-12) [email protected] interim rate hike of 5.6 per- FS3 Professional Service Ad.pdf 1/31/2011 11:13:42 AM cent went into effect Jan. 1.

A June 11 thunderstorm resulted in 87,000 Xcel C customers without power M in the Twin Cities. Outages Y were also reported that day Utility Construction CM in Faribault and St. Cloud. It was reported that more than MY SALES SERVICEMaterials & SUPPLY Equipment 1,000 utility workers from CY Tools & Safety Products

Minnesota and nine other CMY states were spread across the 9030 64th Street NW (320) 274-7223 K state restoring power. PO Box 989 FAX (320) 274-7205 Annandale MN 55302 WWW.FS3INC.BIZ East Central Energy reported 925 customers without power that same day. Equipment and Supplies A June 13 thunderstorm resulted in outages for 12,280 Management & Professional Consultants Otter Tail Power customers in 14 Minnesota communi- 220 South Sixth Street ties, including Fergus Falls, Suite 1300 Minneapolis, MN 55402 along with several communities in the Dakotas. TEL 612.349.6868 We help build your City and keep it running for today & into the future! FAX 612.349.6108 NextEra Energy Resources For all of your AMI/AMR Water & Electric Metering and Supply needs. announced in June a $300 Call us at: 952-937-9666 Online at: www.hdsupply.com CONULTING million wind power project BETTER DEVELOPMENT in Steele and Dodge coun- I POIBLE UTILITY MANAGEMENT ties. Plans call for 83 wind turbines to produce up to 200 provide information about tions should contact Jessica ...... .AVANTENERGY.COM...... megawatts of power. A 25- natural gas service provided Burdette or Anthony Fryer mile long transmission line to the community by United of the Minnesota Divison of metering customers. tripped and all the generat- will connect the output to a Natural Gas, a division of Energy Resources. The bill reflected a recom- ing resources that were lost, Southern Minnesota Munici- the cooperative. mendation made by a panel practically instantaneously, pal Power Agency substation The Lake County Board of appointed by Gov. Sandoval. were utility-scale renewables, in Byron. The wind develop- A number of electric Commissioners has unani- Under the bill, net meter- primarily solar, the NERC ment is planned to be opera- cooperative and municipal mously voted to declare its ing compensation will be 5 report said. tional by the end of 2018. electric utilities in Minne- intent to sell Lake Connec- percent to 25 percent below NERC concluded that the sota are now exempt from tions, the county’s broadband retail rates, depending on event “highlights on-going Greater Minnesota Gas Conservation Improvement internet company. how much distributed capac- challenges with the intercon- is expanding its natural gas Program (CIP) require- ity is added in the state. nection of inverter-based system in the Pelican Lake ments, according to legisla- Nevada lawmakers June technologies to operate reli- area. Lake Region Electric tion signed into law on May 5 approved a bill to increase The “first known major loss ably . . .” Cooperative has partnered 31. Electric co-ops serving the state’s renewable port- of utility-scale solar resourc- with the gas company to less than 5,000 members folio standard to 40 percent es” occurred in California on NASA “has predicted a extend service to Deer Creek and municipals serving less by 2030 from 25 percent by Aug. 16, 2016, as the result total solar eclipse with a path and Parkers Prairie. Lake than 1,000 retail electric 2025, and also approved an of a transmission system that will directly affect North Region will own and main- customers are affected. The increase in net metering disturbance initiated by a American bulk power system tain the distribution system exempted co-ops and munici- payments to customers with fire-induced fault, the North operations on August 21, that serves customers. pal utilities can determine solar panels on their roofs. American Electric Reliability 2017,” but NERC does not ex- if they wish to continue CIP In late 2015, the Nevada Corporation (NERC) said in pect the bulk power system’s United Farmers Coopera- programming and the report- Public Utilities Commission its 2017 Summer Reliabiity reliability to be affected. tive representatives attended ing of CIP performance and slashed net metering rates Assessment. a June 12 meeting of the plans. Utilities with ques- and imposed charges on net No conventional generators Lafayette City Council to June 2017 The Resource/11 MMUA Summer Conference Aug. 21-23 — Madden’s Resort — Brainerd Sunday, August 20 Wednesday, August 23 MMUA’s Summer Conference is an who are new to their roles or who 4:30 pm Resort Check-in opportunity for networking, educa- have a need to acquire more-in- (Meeting for Regular & Affiliate Mem- 7 - 9 pm MMUA Board of Directors tion and socializing for municipal depth understanding of governance bers Only) utility leaders from around the principles and practices in public Monday, August 21 state. sector utilities. Although the focus MMUA Business Meeting of this seminar is on electric util- 8 am - noon MMUA Board We are often asked for training for ity governance, participants will Policymaker Track noon - 6 pm Registration Open governing board members, so this also be able to apply their learning year we are presenting a two-part to the governance of other utility Taking Care of Business: Effective Afternoon activities include the session called, “Taking Care of enterprises (gas, water, wastewater, Governance for Public Sector Utilities scramble Golf tournament at The Business: Effective Governance for telecommunications, etc.). Par- (continued from previous day) Classic at Madden’s, and a group Public Sector Utilities.” John Miner ticipants will improve their under- John Miner, Collaborative Learning ride on the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail. of Collaborative Learning will be standing of the legal requirements on-site to conduct this special- that typically apply to boards and Management Track That evening is the meeting’s first of- ized training. Sessions will be held they will be exposed to “best prac- ficial event—the Welcome Reception Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday tices” in public sector governance. Developing and Utilizing Technol- & Outdoor BBQ. morning. ogy to Enable a Diverse Low-Carbon For more details or to register, see: Energy Portfolio Tuesday, August 22 This seminar is intended for poli- https://www.mmua.org/event/sum- Mike Holmes, Lignite Energy Council cymakers and executive managers mer-2017 Moving Public Power Forward Solar Rules & Standards — Federal, Sue Kelly, American Public Power Policymaker Track Introduction to Hometown Connec- State or Local? Assn. tions and Industry Trends Bill Black, MMUA

Taking Care of Business: Effective Tim Blodgett, Uncommon Leadership— State Legislative Developments Governance for Public Sector Utilities Hometown Connections The Difference of One John Miner, Collaborative Learning Bill Black and Amanda Duerr, MMUA Kent Myers, Vision Companies Doug Carnival, McGrann Shea Management Track How Perimeter Cybersecurity Leaves The Washington Scene You Exposed Issues Round-Up Michael Nolan, MMUA Washington Know Everything About Natural Gas Scott Mossbrooks, Jack Kegel, Bob Jagusch Rep. Generation and Infrastructure Readi- N-Dimension Solutions and Mike Willetts, MMUA ness? Sure About that? Afternoon sessions: Theresa Pugh, Tradeshow and Reception Conference Adjournment - noon Theresa Pugh Consulting Banquet and Awards See www.mmua.org for session descriptions Overhead School Sept. 12-15, MMUA Training Center, Marshall

MMUA and our partners—the Minnesota Rural Electric Association and the American Public Power Association—are pleased to offer the 2017 Overhead Lineworker School.

Overhead School offers a variety of hands-on training classes and an advanced technical course on Overhead distribution design. Small class sizes maximize participation and learn- • Mike Willetts and Cody Raveling of MMUA will ing. Whether you are a seasoned Journeyman also present a general session on the looking to stay current or are an Apprentice just 2017 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo. starting out--this school offers something for everyone. Hands on training will include: • Backyard Easements and Construction General sessions include: • Overhead Maintenance • SKYWARN, to educate individuals on typical • Mastering Hot Sticking, and weather threats. • Digger Derrick Qualification—Phase One & Two • A Widow’s Personal Journey--To Honor the YOUR PARTNER Craft and Inspire Safety—by Tracy Moore, High- Registration deadline Aug. 29. For details, see line Hero Foundation. the Overhead School in the Events calendar at www.mmua.org IN POWER MINNESOTA LINEWORKERS RODEO—September 12 FOR ALL YOUR POWER DEMANDS, WE CAN DELIVER Prior to the Overhead School, MMUA will sponsor the first Min- THE SYSTEMS AND SUPPORT YOU NEED. nesota Lineworkers Rodeo. Join us for this historic event, the Portable and permanent power morning of Sept. 12. All classes of lineworker—from the first-year apprentice to the advanced lineworker—are eligible to participate. Diesel, natural gas and low BTU gas Mobile and stationary units Rodeo includes these individual events for both apprentice and Fuel analysis and switchgear maintenance journeyman: Hurtman Rescue, 5kV Insulator Change Out, Obstacle Emergency services available 24/7/365 Course. Check-in at 9 and the competition will be done by 12:30. Preventive maintenance programs available on all makes Top finishers will be honored at a reception, open to all Overhead School participants. 888.320.4292 Rodeo is free to members. No onsite registration—Registration deadline is August 22. For details, see the Lineworker Rodeo in www.zieglercat.com/power the Events calendar at www.mmua.org