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PJM Plan For Transition To New Interconnection Process Advances

February 12, 2022

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
February 12, 2022

The Planning Committee of the PJM Interconnection endorsed a proposal Feb. 8 detailing how PJM will transition to a new interconnection process designed to get generation and other projects through the planning pipeline faster and help clear the current backlog.

Ken Seiler, PJM’s Vice President for Planning, said that while projects that entered the queue before 2021 will be prioritized as part of the transition plan, “We’re not closing the door on new projects.”

He said, “We are prioritizing more than 1,200 projects that we have in our backlog, most of them renewables, and they represent more than 100,000 megawatts of nameplate capacity – that’s half the capacity we have on our system today. We are focused on moving those through the system and streamlining the process as much as possible, and getting real projects interconnected to the queue.”

Seiler said PJM has made significant progress in augmenting staffing in 2021, with plans to continue additional hiring through 2023.

PJM has approximately 225,000 MW worth of projects in the PJM new services queue, 95% of which are wind, solar, storage or a hybrid of renewables with storage. PJM is also increasing its capital budgets for tools and automation to help in the effort to streamline the study process.

The transition proposal garnered 91% approval in a committee vote.

The PJM transition plan, along with the new process itself, now heads to PJM’s Markets and Reliability Committee, with an April vote planned for both that group and the Members Committee.

If the plans are endorsed by the Markets and Reliability Committee and the Members Committee, PJM expects to file necessary changes with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in May.

Based on the current work plan, the effective date of the transition would be the last quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2023.

PJM is a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.

California Regulators Approve Plans For Reliability, Emissions Reductions

February 12, 2022

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
February 12, 2022

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recently approved plans that it said will ensure long-term sufficient electricity resource investments, including transmission, and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The CPUC, per Senate Bill 350, developed an integrated resource planning (IRP) process to ensure that California’s electric sector meets its GHG reduction goals while maintaining reliability at the lowest possible costs.

The Feb. 10 decision adopts a 35 million metric ton (MMT) 2032 electric sector GHG planning target, which is more stringent than the 46 MMT GHG target that was adopted previously and equates to 73 percent renewables portfolio standard resources and 86 percent GHG-free resources by 2032.

The decision adopts a portfolio of cost-effective preferred resources that includes approximately 25,500 megawatts (MW) of new supply-side renewables and 15,000 MW of new storage and demand response resources by 2032.

This preferred system plan portfolio differs from the one previously adopted in that it includes more solar and battery storage, as well as new long-duration storage, out-of-state wind, and offshore wind resources. The inclusion of offshore and out-of-state wind resources demonstrates their increased viability as cost-effective resources to help meet state goals, it said.

The CPUC said its modeling and independent analysis conducted by the California Energy Commission demonstrates that the portfolio meets stringent reliability standards.

The CPUC’s preliminary analysis of the preferred system plan portfolio of the load serving entities (LSEs) indicates there is sufficient space for all of these new resources on the existing transmission system, with only limited transmission upgrades needed by 2032.

This finding will be validated at a more granular level by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) in its 2022-2023 transmission planning process, which is an evaluation of the CAISO transmission grid to identify grid upgrades needed to address reliability, meet state policy goals, and provide economic benefits.

LSEs that submitted filings were investor-owned utility, community choice aggregators, electric service providers and electric cooperatives.

The CPUC decision also orders utility procurement of two battery storage projects that were identified by the CAISO as alternatives to transmission upgrades in the previous transmission planning process cycle.

IRP is a multi-year process. The first half of this IRP cycle analyzed and adopted an optimal portfolio of electricity resources as a guide for LSEs to use for meeting their GHG, reliability, and cost objectives.

The second half of the IRP cycle, which is the subject of the Feb. 10 decision, is designed to consider the portfolios and actions that each LSE proposes for meeting these goals, to allow the CPUC to review each LSE plan and aggregate LSE portfolios to develop a preferred system plan portfolio, and to consider whether further action by the LSEs is needed to meet state goals.

The Preferred System Plan adopted on Feb. 10 completes the second half of the 2019-21 IRP cycle. 

For the upcoming cycle of IRP, the CPUC will again focus on analysis of the individual LSE plans to be filed in November 2022, which will include plans to procure the 11,500 MW of capacity required for mid-term reliability in the CPUC’s June 2021 decision.

The proposal voted on is available here.

Federal Agencies Announce Nearly $5 Billion In Funds Available For EV Charging Network

February 11, 2022

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
February 11, 2022

The U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy on Feb. 10 announced nearly $5 billion that will be made available under the new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program established by President Biden’s infrastructure law to build out a national electric vehicle charging network.

The program will provide the funds over five years to help states create a network of EV charging stations along designated alternative fuel corridors, particularly along the Interstate Highway System.

The total amount available to states in Fiscal Year 2022 under the NEVI formula program is $615 million. States must submit an EV infrastructure deployment plan before they can access these funds.

To access the funds, each state is required to submit an EV infrastructure deployment plan to the new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation that describes how the state intends to use its share of NEVI formula program funds consistent with Federal Highway Administration guidance.

These plans are expected to build on Alternative Fuel Corridors that nearly every state has designated over the past six years of this program. These corridors will be the spine of the new national EV charging network.

The Joint Office will play a key role in the implementation of the NEVI formula program by providing direct technical assistance and support to help states develop their plans before they are reviewed and approved by the Federal Highway Administration, which administers the funding.

A second, competitive grant program designed to further increase EV charging access in locations throughout the country, including in rural and underserved communities, will be announced later this year.

The new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation also launched a new website at DriveElectric.gov. There, officials can find links to technical assistance, data and tools for states.

As part of the Feb. 10 announcement, the Federal Highway Administration released the NEVI formula program funding to states that will be available following approval of state plans for Fiscal Year 2022 in addition to the Program Guidance and a Request for Nominations for states to expand their existing Alternative Fuel Corridors.

Here is state-by-state NEVI funding for Fiscal Years 2022-2026.

Trade Groups, Joint Office Commit To Work Together

In related news, the Joint Office, the American Public Power Association (APPA), the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the Edison Electric Institute sent a letter demonstrating their commitment to work together to support EV charging plan development efforts.

“The Joint Office and the electric power industry are working together to connect electric utilities with their peers at state departments of transportation, state energy offices, and other organizations to support state EV charging plan development efforts,” the letter said.

The letter noted that each organization has designated individuals to be the electric power industry liaisons to the Joint Office to help ensure utility engagement and facilitate the appropriate connections. For APPA, the designated contact is Patricia Taylor, Senior Manager, Regulatory Policy and Business Programs.

“Collectively, we will work to identify points of contact at individual utilities, as appropriate, with which the states and the Joint Office can interface as soon as possible,” the letter said.

APPA Offers Recommendations To Department of Transportation On EV Issues

February 10, 2022

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
February 10, 2022

In comments filed with the Department of Transportation (DOT) on electric vehicles (EVs), the American Public Power Association (APPA) recommends that stakeholders talk to utilities early about connecting to the grid so that utilities can plan for new load and urged the DOT to provide clear guidance and definitions on what it means to be a rural, underserved, or disadvantaged community.

APPA’s comments came in response to an RFI published on Nov. 29, 2021 by the DOT, in response to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s directive to develop guidance for two programs:

In each of its responses to questions or topics included in the RFI, APPA includes a number of specific public power utility examples tied to the specific question or topic.

With respect to APPA’s recommendation that stakeholders talk to utilities early about connecting to the grid, APPA said the utility can educate stakeholders on processes, timeframes, rate options, incentives, pilot programs, and any other relevant offerings. Utilities can provide technical expertise and help with future proofing charging infrastructure assets, APPA said. 

“Reliable electric service remains the key goal for utilities as EV deployment increases. Utility and stakeholder EV charging discussions gives the utility visibility into a stakeholder’s transportation electrification goals and plans. This helps utilities conduct load forecasting and determine grid impacts, particularly at the distribution level,” APPA said.

Over the history of the electric grid, “utilities have continuously adapted to new technologies and load. From electric load growth from the commercialization of air conditioning to large key accounts like data centers moving into a utility’s service territory, the goal of serving customers reliable and affordable electricity has remained paramount.” 

Public power utilities are monitoring EV adoption trends, conducting load forecasting, and studying charging behavior to determine grid impacts, APPA noted.

Some public power electric utilities are exploring active managed charging, where vehicle charging is controlled, while others are piloting or implementing passive managed charging practices, such as time-of-use (TOU) rates and bill credits for off-peak charging. Electric rates are designed to fit local conditions and may reflect times of excess solar or wind capacity.  

EV Charging Infrastructure In Rural corridors And Underserved Or Disadvantaged Communities

Equity is embedded within the public power business model, APPA said. Public power electric utilities are not-for profit and have an obligation to serve their local communities.

“Numerous public power systems serve disadvantaged, underserved, and rural communities. Level 2 and Fast Charging infrastructure in these communities is important to ensuring equity in transportation electrification. EV adoption is traditionally lower in these communities, which can make the business case for charging infrastructure deployment without incentives more difficult. In rural areas, fast charging stations will be crucial to help EV drivers travel across longer distances.”

 APPA recommends that DOT provide clear guidance and definitions on what it means to be a rural, underserved, or disadvantaged community. Utilities would also benefit from federal technical assistance, tools, and resources to help identify these populations within their communities, it said. 

 Public power utilities have initiated various programs to support equitable EV adoption including deployment of charging in underserved areas such as in multiunit dwellings, incentives for low to moderate-income customers, educational offerings, and working with fleet operators such as public transit and ride sharing companies who may serve or be operated by underserved communities. 

Existing EV Charging Infrastructure Programs And Incentives

 Meanwhile, APPA said that public power utilities are developing a range of programs to support EV infrastructure within their community, covering areas such as education/awareness, charging infrastructure deployment, EV fleets, EV rates and incentives. 

 “EV knowledge and awareness remains a barrier in advancing the EV market, so public power utilities are helping educate their communities about EVs and charging infrastructure. Information is disseminated via utility websites, social media, newsletters, and in-person events like ride-and-drives. As trusted energy advisors within their communities, public power utilities have a unique opportunity to educate customers about the benefits of EVs.”

Range anxiety remains another obstacle to EV adoption, so public power utilities are supporting charging infrastructure deployment. This can span from owning and operating charging stations, to building make-ready infrastructure, to providing incentives for charging infrastructure for residential and commercial customers, DOT was told.

Public power utilities are also looking to lead by example and deploy EVs within their own vehicle fleets. This helps increase awareness of EVs within the community and provides utilities with first-hand experience with the technology. “Our members also serve as an advisor to fleet operators, helping advance charging infrastructure deployment within their communities.“

EV rates are another element of numerous public power EV programs. A range of designs have been implemented including TOU, subscription pricing, rate discounts, and off-peak bill credits to EV customers. These specialized offerings can help incentivize EVs, save EV drivers money, and help utilities manage load by encouraging off-peak charging. Ratemaking at public power utilities is conducted in an open and transparent manner and is subject to approval by the utility’s governing body, APPA said.

Fostering Enhanced, Coordinated, Public-Private Or Private Investment In EV Charging Infrastructure

APPA said that utilities should be a part of the discussion early and often for charging infrastructure projects no matter the role of the utility. “This engagement will allow public power utilities to plan for future load and any upgrades as well as provide crucial advice on how to deploy this infrastructure.”

Utilities can help size transformers, advise on electrical service upgrades, rate design, demand side management, and navigating this emerging technology and DOT should not limit project eligibility based on charging infrastructure ownership model. Utilities should be allowed to own and operate charging infrastructure, the trade group said in its comments.

Grant Programs

APPA also addressed the topic of administering competitive grants under the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program for corridor and community charging.

It said that grant programs should be designed with flexibility in mind and that grant administrators should ensure that grants and funding opportunities are available to all those willing – including public power.

APPA also argued that federal agencies, like the U.S. Department of Energy and DOT should provide technical assistance and share best practices among stakeholders.

House Passes Bill That Includes Provisions Of Interest To Public Power

February 9, 2022

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
February 9, 2022

The House on Feb. 4 approved by a vote of 222-210 H.R. 4521, the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength Act of 2022 (America COMPETES Act), which includes several provisions of interest to public power.

The bill is the product of eleven committees and includes many bipartisan bills that have already passed the House.

Included among the provisions of interest to public power in the House bill is a strategic transformer reserve and resilience program.

The bill authorizes $75 million a year for five years to reduce the vulnerability of the electric grid by establishing a Strategic Transformer Reserve and for the development, testing and monitoring of large transformers and critical electric grid equipment

This language is substantially similar to language included in H.R. 2741, the Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrow’s (LIFT) America Act, which was introduced in the House in May 2019 by House Energy & Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and the CLEAN Future Act.

The 2015 FAST Act directed DOE to report to Congress a plan to establish a strategic transformer reserve. DOE issued its report in March 2017 and recommended encouraging and supporting an industry-based option, with the proviso that DOE work with stakeholders after one year to re-assess whether sufficient progress has been made to warrant continuation or alternative actions by Government.

The electric utility industry already has access to equipment sharing programs.

The House bill also includes a title that provides authorization for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science and authorizes several DOE research initiatives including around fusion energy, advanced computing, energy storage, and critical materials.

Also of relevance to public power is the bill’s authorizing a DOE program to support incubators that accelerate the commercial application of clean energy technologies. Awards are limited to $4 million per state for one or more incubators for no longer than five years, with the ability to renew for up to three years.

It also authorizes DOE to support relevant technology transfer programs, including information sharing, development of impact metrics, and connecting startup companies to clean energy transfer programs, within DOE.

The bill also directs the Secretary of Commerce to within 180 days establish a Supply Chain Resilience and Crisis Response Office, along with a new Assistant Secretary for it. One of the missions of the office would be to “identify, prepare for, and respond to supply chain shocks to critical industries and…support the availability of critical goods from domestic manufacturers, and relocate manufacturing facilities out of countries of concern.”

In addition, it directs the Office of Supply Chain Resilience to develop and implement a strategy to support the resilience, diversity, security, and strength of supply chains.

Other sections of the bill of interest to public power would:

An amendment from Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) that was adopted as part of a set of amendments would impose a Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act section 111(d) “must consider” requirement for energy storage systems.

The American Public Power Association does not support these types of requirements given the time and expense they impose on public power utilities.

A similar “must consider” energy storage provision passed the House last Congress as part of H.R. 4447, the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, but was not enacted into law.

A companion bill, the U.S. Competition and Innovation act (S. 1260), was approved by the Senate last June by a vote of 68-32.

The Senate bill was a bipartisan effort and is significantly different from the House bill, which was put together exclusively by Democrats, although it includes many bipartisan bills that have already passed the House.

The House bill is likely to get cut down significantly in conference to better match what the Senate produced.  

Lineworkers Rodeo Offers Unique Opportunity To Showcase Skills, Network With Peers

February 7, 2022

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
February 7, 2022

There are a wide range of reasons why public power utilities across the U.S. should participate in the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) lineworkers rodeo, which will take place next month in Texas, including the opportunity for lineworkers to network with peers, showcase their skills and knowledge and demonstrate the importance of teamwork, public power officials said.

The rodeo, which will be held March 25-26 in Austin, Texas, is the foremost showcase of public power lineworker skill and knowledge. At the rodeo, journeyman and apprentice lineworkers compete for professional recognition, attend training courses, and practice essential skills in a safe environment.

“The lineworkers rodeo brings public power linemen and apprentices from all over the nation together to showcase their technical and safety skills,” said Aaron Haderle, Manager of T&D Operations at Florida public power utility Kissimmee Utility Authority.

“It also gives them a platform to network with their peers and to share experiences from their respective regions. Over the years this has trickled into mutual aid in which the same individuals are working side by side in natural disaster events to restore services to our customers,” Haderle noted.

Haderle is chair of APPA’s executive rodeo committee.

The lineworkers rodeo “is the nation’s premier place to showcase and celebrate the unsung heroes of our communities,” said Jackie Sargent, General Manager of Austin Energy.

“Lineworkers do the hard and dangerous work that energizes all our lives,” she said. “The rodeo not only provides professional recognition in a friendly competition, but also educational courses, practical training in a safe environment and connections with peers nationwide, which is vital during disaster response across communities. Plus, there’s no better time to visit Austin than in the Spring,” Sargent said.

With respect to how Austin Energy is preparing to host the rodeo, Sargent said, “We have a team made up of every department within Austin Energy working closely with APPA to make this 20th anniversary the best Rodeo ever. We are already constructing the 30-acre event grounds with more than 100 power poles. We are recruiting about 200 volunteers to welcome the nation’s lineworkers to Austin. We also have five teams ready to go head-to-head with any team in the nation. So, bring your best and do your best because we are ready for you.”

“In the entirety of my career in public power, there are few things I have seen that more perfectly capture the spirit and values of the industry than the lineworkers rodeo,” said Danette Scudder, Executive Vice President of Member Services & Strategic Relations at The Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, Inc. (TVPPA). Along with her role at TVPPA, Scudder is also a member of the executive rodeo committee.

“The rodeo allows lineworkers to display the art and science of their craft, all while demonstrating the importance of teamwork,” she said. “The event provides a unique learning opportunity, encourages safe work practices all while rodeo participants build a camaraderie and life-long relationships.”

Additional details about the rodeo including how to register are available here.

Massachusetts Public Power Utility Donates Equipment For Light Up Navajo Project

February 5, 2022

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
February 5, 2022

Massachusetts public power utility Peabody Municipal Light Plant (PMLP) recently donated surplus equipment to help with electrification of Navajo Nation through the Light Up Navajo Project.

Light Up Navajo is a joint effort between the American Public Power Association (APPA) and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA).

Approximately 700 outdoor distribution fuse cutouts, at current prices and valued at over $70,000, will help bring power to families in Navajo Nation, PMLP said.

The cutouts donated by PMLP are made of porcelain which is less reliable in the New England climate with hot and cold seasons. The stable temperature in Navajo Nation is a better environment for this style cutout, PMLP said.

PMLP currently uses a similar cutout made from a polymer material. The Peabody Municipal Lighting Commission unanimously approved the move.

“PMLP has always been about reliable power in our service territory,” said Commission Chairman Thomas D’Amato. “The Commission is happy to help our counterparts on Navajo Nation enjoy the benefits of a stable energy supply.”

Srinivasa Venigalla, Deputy General Manager of NTUA said the cutouts “will make a difference for the families who have been waiting for electricity here on the Navajo Nation.”

Meanwhile, planning for Light Up Navajo III, which will connect Navajo Nation families to the power grid, is underway. Public power utilities are encouraged to consider participating in Light Up Navajo III, which will start in the spring of this year.

APPA is working with NTUA, based in Fort Defiance, Ariz., to help volunteers continue to bring electricity to families in need.

Light Up Navajo III is scheduled to take place from April through June of 2022.

Interested public power utilities should contact lightup-navajoproject@ntua.com for more information on this important event.

41 Percent of Auto Owners Would Consider Hybrid/Electric Vehicles: Report

February 4, 2022

by Peter Maloney
APPA News
February 4, 2022

Forty-one percent of owners of gas-powered vehicles said they are very or somewhat likely to consider an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle the next time they purchase a car, according to a report by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (SECC).

The SECC’s Electric Vehicles: Driving the Customer Experience report also found that current electric vehicle owners are overwhelmingly satisfied with their cars and are very interested in smart home devices and energy efficiency.

The majority, 51 percent, of electric vehicle owners are overwhelmingly what the report called “tech-savvy proteges.” That group’s ownership of smart appliances is double that of the general population, 34 percent compared with 14 percent, and they are four times more likely to own a home energy management system, at 16 percent compared with 4 percent. And, at 88 percent and 75 percent, respectively, electric vehicle owners are also much more likely to own their own home and to live in a single-family dwelling.

“These findings speak volumes about the ease of installing charging equipment at home and the necessity for programs that expand ownership among renters and multi-family dwellers,” the authors said in the report.

The report also found that environmental benefits, concern for future generations, and social responsibility were stronger motivators among electric vehicle owners than among the general population.

The report drew on data gathered from a survey of 1,000 residential energy consumers in the United States during mid-November 2021 and augmented with an additional 750 respondents who currently own an electric vehicles.

The report also looked at the sources consumers use to research electric vehicles. Most consumers, 36 percent use the Internet to gather information about electric vehicles, followed by vehicle manufacturers, 23 percent; friend and /family, 17 percent; dealers and automobile magazines, 14 percent; and websites, 13 percent.

However, the report also found that as few as 4 percent of consumers are likely to contact their electricity providers when conducting electric vehicle research. That might not hinder the purchase of an electric vehicle, but it could “result in costly surprises or delays if electrical upgrades are necessary to support the type of home charging the customer wants or needs,” the report said.

Nonetheless, the survey results showed that 97 percent of consumers felt that their electricity provider would be a reliable source of information on electric vehicles. “The research demonstrates that electricity providers have a key role to play in educating consumers about electric vehicles,” the authors said.

Department of Defense, General Services Administration Seek Information On Power Supplies

February 4, 2022

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
February 4, 2022

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) on Feb. 3 issued a request for information (RFI) to gather market information and capabilities in supplying carbon emissions-free electricity to the federal government.

The DOD is the largest energy user in the federal government and one of the largest electricity purchasers in the world.

The objectives of this RFI are to:

The RFI follows President Biden’s signing of the Executive Order on Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability (EO 14057), which directed the federal government to use 100% carbon emissions-free electricity on a net annual basis by 2030, including 50% on a 24/7 (hourly matching) basis.

To access the RFI, please click here.

Minnesota Public Power Communities Receive Grants For Various Energy Projects

February 3, 2022

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
February 3, 2022

Minnesota public power communities have received grants that will help pay for a wide variety of energy-related projects.

Minnesota’s Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) awarded seed grants to 74 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects — over twice as many as last year. The communities are funded for a wide range of energy projects, from improving buildings for energy efficiency to job skills training for careers in clean energy. This year, Seed Grants with a focus on underserved communities received additional funding.

These awards mark the 11th round of CERTs seed grants, totaling over $1.6 million to 467 projects since 2006.

City of Halstad/Halstad Municipal Utility

Wimmer Homes Insulation: Wimmer Homes, originally built in the 1960s for low-income elderly people to preserve independence in small homes, were designed with electric heat and have received insufficient R value updates through the years. This project will insulate the attics in 14 rental units owned and operated by the city of Halstad.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station: Halstad Municipal Utility would like to contribute to the electric vehicle grid by supplying a charging station close to their downtown. Whether it is bringing tourists to shop at their new General Store or visiting the “World’s Largest Sugar Beet,” the City of Halstad hopes to alleviate range anxiety for EV customers. They also plan to promote EV charging at homes with Off Peak incentives.

Willmar Municipal Utilities

Regency Park Energy Efficiency Outreach: Will create outreach events with multiple partners at the two Regency Mobile home parks in Willmar to educate residents about electrical efficiency, thermal savings with water efficiency, and communication about wastewater issues. Local utilities have identified these sites to have significantly high water and electricity use, and they hope to educate residents and help to reduce the average use per household.

City of Willmar

Willmar GreenStep Reboot: This project will jump start the GreenStep work previously initiated and bring in more community members not only to help implement best practices in the city, but also to provide educational lectures on best practices. The first goal is to create the Willmar Green Team with members from the utility, city, county, and other important regional organizers. These members will be the leaders and presenters for future community meetings.

St. Peter

Gustavus Adolphus College — Promoting Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency In Diverse Communities: This project will engage college students in local clean energy, energy efficiency, and education efforts. Gustavus interns will be mentored by, and work directly with, the Southcentral Minnesota Clean Energy Council (SMCEC) to develop collaborations and identify specific local opportunities. The interns will recruit students from area colleges to engage with SMCEC and develop local action plans for clean energy and energy efficiency, with an emphasis on underrepresented communities. Student groups will then execute the action plans in their local communities.

City of Warren

Clean Energy Independence — Model Plan for Design for Community Regeneration: The Warren Clean Energy Independence Plan will create actionable recommendations and be a regional model for clean energy independence. This work builds from visioning, planning, and prioritizing completed in the first phase of “Design for Community Regeneration (D4CR) Warren.” Running alongside D4CR Phase 2, this project will generate detailed analysis, recommendations, and tools for implementation that address opportunities to reduce energy burden, improve energy security and resilience, offer economic development opportunities, and build on Warren’s leadership to be a model for a just and regenerative energy path.

Electric Vehicle Charger: This project will provide a public EV charging station easily accessible to residents, employees, and visitors, and expand the community’s EV resources.

City of Worthington

Unidos MN Education Fund — Energy Justice Pueblitos: Unidos MN will conduct a series of train-the-trainer educational workshops on energy efficiency and electric bills with support from Minnesota’s Citizen Utility Board. Unidos MN plans to establish a cohort of community experts who will engage with Latinx community members on energy efficiency resources and tools, as well as provide bill consultation.

City of Jackson

Bike Local, Shop Local — Developing a Bicycle Incentive Program: This project will focus on adopting a “Bicycling Business Incentive Program” where Jackson area businesses will award those who bike to work or visit their business. This is an energy efficiency project that will foster behavior change using authentic community engagement and education, encourage participating businesses to offer a discount, allow employers to provide employee incentives (i.e. bicycle commuter reimbursements, bicycle shop discounts, etc.), and provide education about EVs and electric bikes.

City of Rochester

Channel One Regional Food Bank — Food Bank Lighting Retrofit: Channel One Regional Food Bank (C1) partnered with RETAP to evaluate their energy management practices and potential energy efficiency projects. Retrofitting C1’s lighting load was recognized as the best place to realize efficiencies and this project will implement the recommendations. By investing in energy efficiency upgrades, C1 will reserve general operating funds for their mission to end hunger in their region and demonstrate the viability of energy efficiency upgrades to other nonprofits, especially their network of 200 partnering food shelves and local food security programs.

Moorhead

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity — ReStore HVAC Update: This project will improve the energy efficiency of the HVAC system within the ReStore/Habitat office building. The 18,000 square foot building serves nearly 17,000 customers annually, many of whom are low income. Two of the three HVAC systems are suspected to be original to the building, built in 1964. Cost savings from energy efficiency improvements to their systems will allow them to keep ReStore prices low and put more funding into their home building mission.

Northcountry Cooperative Foundation — Improving Energy Efficiency of Manufactured Homes: The grant will be used to assess the energy efficiency of manufactured homes in Northcountry Cooperative Foundation’s client Bennett Park Cooperative in partnership with Slipstream. The assessment data will be used to develop a scalable energy efficiency rehab loan and grant program for manufactured/mobile homeowners.

East Grand Forks

New Americans Integration Center — Building Energy Efficiency Assessment and Open House: The New Americans Integration Center will hire a professional to conduct an infrared assessment of the building. Information from the report will allow prioritization of weatherization projects for the building. Following completion of the weatherization improvements, an open house will take place to share the energy savings achievements with the Somali community and the community in general. An essay project for Somali students will encourage engagement around saving energy at home.

Mora

Kanabec County Agricultural Society — Light the Grounds: The project aims to change out exterior light fixtures at the fairgrounds in order to decrease annual use and cost to the organization. There will be a brochure, signs, and news articles to educate the community about the savings as a result of these changes, especially during the county fair. Additionally, the project will explore the possibility of adding a community solar garden on the fairgrounds with the intent of establishing an energy source for both the fairgrounds and for low-income households in the community.

Benson

Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches — MN Venture Farms Cold Climate Solar Greenhouse: Year-round food production is nearly impossible for Black and Indigenous People of Color and economically disadvantaged farmers who lack the capital to own and operate cold-climate solar greenhouses that can actively grow produce during Minnesota winters. This project will design a plan to implement and operate cold-climate solar greenhouses at multiple farm sites to increase access to locally produced, healthy foods year round; increase food security; reduce health disparities; promote sustainable agriculture; and provide agricultural education programs.