6.1e ERMUSR 08-14-2018 Elk River
Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO: FROM:
ERMU Commission Eric Volk—Water Superintendent
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
August 14, 2018 6.l e
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
• Delivered 16 new water meters.
• Sealed the water meter, and took curb stop ties from 18 water services.
• Completed 25 BACTI/Total Chlorine Residual Samples
o All confirmed negative for Coliform Bacteria.
o Bacteriological/Disinfectant Residual Monthly Report submitted to the MDH
• Completed 20 routine fluoride samples
o All samples met MDH standards.
o Submitted MDH Fluoride Report
• Completed one fluoride validation sample for the Minnesota Department of Health.
• The water operators have continued to repair fire hydrants that were identified during
flushing and our leak detection survey. They have also started exercising and repairing
distribution system gate valves as part of the annual gate valve exercising program.
• The water main under Lake Orono has been completed. The new water main passed the
pressure test and the bacteria testing. The water main will be put into service as soon as
construction in the area allows. Shafer Contracting will begin to remove the old 6" water
main along Highway 10 that was replaced last year.
• I have been working with BSI Engineering to develop the specifications and plans for the
2019 Auburn Tower Recondition. We expect to award the bid to the qualified bidder at
the September 2018 Commission meeting.
• As the Chair-Elect of The Minnesota Section of the American Water Works Association
(AWWA), I attended the AWWA Summer Workshop. At the workshop attendees learned
about new programs the association is starting. We also learned about the history and the
vast reach of The AWWA, including that the Minnesota Section is the second oldest
section at 102 years old, right behind New York at 104 years old, and that the AWWA
was founded in 1881 in St. Louis, Missouri.
• As Suburban Utilities Superintendent Association (SUSA) President, I have been
involved with the planning and coordination of the Annual SUSA School which will take
place on October 31 at Maple Grove Public Works building.
ATTACHMENTS:
• July 2018 Pumping by Well
• July 2018 Accumulated Precipitation Graph
Page 1 of 2
176
• July 2018 Daily Temperature Graph
Page 2 of 2
177
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Accumulated Precipitation - ELK RIVER, MN
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179
Daily Temperature Data - ELK RIVER, MN
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Record Min
180
Elk River
Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO: FROM:
ERMU Commission Tom Sagstetter—Conservation&Key Accounts Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
August 14, 2018 6.1f
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
• ERMU staff participated in Night to Unite with the City by attending 11 of the registered
events. The bucket truck and Eddy the EV were a hit. The bucket truck was able to
provide assistance at one event by holding a piñata from the boom for a party that didn't
have any trees to hang it in.
• The commercial rebate programs were closed in July. The residential programs will
continue through the end of the year. The estimated energy savings for 2018 is 3,275,000
kWh at this point. The energy savings goal for 2018 of 2,800,000 kWh. There will be
additional savings from the residential programs. ERMU issued rebate checks to over 40
businesses in 2018.
• In the last month, as of June 30, the level two charger downtown had 3 sessions, and
provided customers with 16 kWh of green energy. The new charger in the ERMU/City
Hall parking lot had 7 sessions and provided customers with 90 kWh of green energy.
The DC fast charger at the Coborn's fuel station has had 6 sessions and provided 81 kWh
of green energy to customers.
• ERMU staff provided a rebate check for$14,000 to CAER Food Shelf. The rebate helped
offset some of the costs of upgrading to a more efficient centralized HVAC system. This
rebate is part of the conservation improvement programs ERMU offers that target low-
income individuals or organizations.
• ERMU staff participated in the Sherburne County Parade with a bucket truck and Eddy
the EV. Although we did not win the best float designation,the themed decorations and
music we played were a real hit. There were even a number of spectators that enjoyed the
music so much that they broke out in dance. A few spectators made comments about how
quiet the EV was. There were also additional comments on the cool color and wrap that
our EV was sporting.
• ERMU and the City have been getting recognized statewide and nationally for the EV
initiatives that have been implemented. The Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association
(MMUA) Resource had two articles that focused on electric vehicles: "Elk River moves
to ride electric vehicle wave of the future", and the other on ERMU's fleet assessment
and partnership with Energy City. The American Public Power Association(APPA)
published a story on "Understanding how EV drivers make decisions about charging".
This article focused on finding the optimal locations for public charging stations and the
Page 1 of 2
181
benefits of charging vehicles during periods of low demand. Copies of the articles are
attached.
ATTACHMENTS:
• MMUA Resource Publication Article—Elk River moves to ride electric vehicle "wave of
the future"—July/August 2018
• MMUA Resource Publication Article—"Energy City"partners to promote electric
vehicles—July/August 2018
• APPA Article—Understanding how EV drivers make decisions about charging—July 12,
2018
Page 2 of 2
182
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Official Publication of the BNwa„Ai1 July/August
Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association Awing”; 2018
Volume 25,No.7
Elk River moves to ride electric vehicle 'wave of the future'
Is it time for municipal utilities to reach , '.�- .`.
back to a strategy from their earliest days, ; ~ .•
and once again promote electric use? ! •
Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) ,
thinks so,at least when it comes to electric , .'� ,_-,_
vehicles(EV). r
"It's the wave of the future," said Elk n
River Mayor John Dietz,who also serves as n.• ;rI..r. l
chair of the ERMU Commission. l -� riYW
ERMU currently operates three public �' "14
charging stations in Elk River—one down- ..� '`;{
town,one in the ERMU parking lot adjacent j •-
to City Hall and one at the Coborn's fuel sta- "" _
tion on U.S.Highway 169. '` ...±7:-.-...
The public charging stations reduce'range n
anxiety'and build consumer confidence that . , sK..r I 1
the EV buyer can drive beyond their neigh- .. '"_ ;,•3 i• g 4t I '11, r l a
borhood.They are visible and have received r - 1. ° 1, I: Ir'tttlol
good publicity, but what ERMU really ------ ' li 3 1..e v. . 31'
wants—in an era of increased costs but lit- -r. .`-'t Do m
tie or no growth in electricity sales for many 5 a c4 a
utilities—is to promote at-home chargers. m ctlD
N c
Increased sales, mostly off-peak, are the
Elk River Municipal Utilities has installed three public electric vehicle charging stations,including -
ERMU:see page 5 please this one adjacent to its headquarters and city hall.
MMUA files amicus brief MMUA broadens training to include Leadership;
in railroad crossing case students give new Academy the highest marks Inside
MMUA has joined the Minnesota Stories -
Telecom Alliance, Minnesota Cable MMUA has for years provided informa-
Communications Association and the tion on timely topics and systematically
Minnesota Rural Electric Association trained people how to perform certain tasks. t . , - Thanks
in submitting an amicus brief to the Now it is embarked on a program to train MMUA!
Minnesota Court of Appeals.The effort people how to lead. ,...0.--- ` j page 3
follows from a Minnesota Public Utili- While leadership has been a part of vani-
ties Commission(MPUC)docket involv- ous workshops and meetings over the years, r
ing telecommunications carrier Qwest it has only been since the advent of the Vim. ,r- in •
and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe MMUA Leadership Program that the asso- ;„'1c
(BNSF)Railroad. ciation has offered Public Power in Minne- I'
The MPUC on Nov.7 issued an order sota a systematic method of developing its
in favor of Qwest (CenturyLink) and leadership core.
against BNSF,finding that Minn.Stat. Two groups of students are currently en- Kent Myers,second from left,joined Wally Soh-
link,237.045 applied to"paralleling' as well rolled and participating in the program. Bill Schwandt and Mark Kotschevar(left
PP P g� to right)at last years Annual Conference.
as crossings of railroad rights-of-way MMUA Executive Director Jack Kegel is
(ROW).This allowed CenturyLink to in- a member of the first group."Participating .• MPUC Approves
stall new replacement cable within the in the Leadership Academy has made me % a Xcel TOU Rate
BNSF ROW after providing required a better leader. The program starts by fo- ( `f a , ii. t " ill
Pilot Program
notice and paying the statutorily set fee cusing on a key issue that every leader con- „ '. . page 4
of$1,250.BNSF had sought$27,000 in fronts—building better teams,"Kegel said. ej# ,L
licensing fees. "Building trust, embracing conflict, gen- . ;r
BNSF argued that the law stablish- erating commitment and accountability, ;
ing the$1,250 fee did not apply to par- and focusing on results are some of the key Chris Olson Jenny Hazelton Todd Kispert
alleling because it only expressly refer- skills in a leader's team-building toolbox."
enced crossings. The MPUC, however, Chris Olson,finance manager at Alexan- cal Intelligence and Conflict—Navigating
dna Light&Power and an MMUA board the Minefields, Myers leads his students
agreed with CenturyLink and held that g y
the term"paralleling" was defined and member,started in the program this year. through a systematic method to lay the
used throughout the statute,and that it He is impressed. groundwork to deal with difficult issues.
would render the definition meaningless The program itself is interesting and Though not always easy or comfortable, AU Recommends
if the term did not apply to paralleling good and instructor Kent Myers does"a re- "this will be extremely beneficial to anybody Denial of Permit
as well as crossing. ally good job of it,"Olson said."He's a good who goes through it,"Olson said. for Wind Farm
BNSF has appealed the MPUC order choice." Class attendees often know somebody page 9
to the Minnesota Court of Appeals.The The first session is Building Great Teams. else in the class, but they certainly don't
MPUC ruling would benefit utilities Myers gets everybody in the room engaged. know everybody.Others come in with no ac-
needing to run power lines, pipes and He also leads people into uncomfortable is- quaintances among their fellow students.
other infrastructure within a railroad's sue areas and gives them the tools to have That changes quickly.
ROW. the 'crucial conversations' that are neces- Following the first day of class,there is a i
An amicus brief advises the court on sary in a relationship, including those at group dinner,with focused discussion.Con-
special or unique impacts of the case. work. versations often continue into the evening.
MMUA is awaiting word on whether the "You have to do that,"Olson said.
court will accept its brief. The second session deals with Politi- Leadership:see next page please
183
11
MIIII1 f1
Leadership: metering infrastructure. The Meeting municipal needs has a decade of experience working dinner and focused
contacts she has developed The Academy focuses on in working with Minnesota discussion. Class size is lim-
continued from front page with other program class- the needs of Minnesota's mu- municipal utilities on leader- ited to 25 students.
mates has already proven in- nicipal utilities. Curriculum ship and culture development Some sessions will feature
Todd Kispert,Kasson Pub- valuable,she said,promising was developed based on focus and strategic visioning. In additional instructors and
lic Utilities Electric Superin- to save time and money. group feedback. The Acad- addition to his extensive con- guest speakers who have
tendent, said he was really People come from different emy instills the key skills, sulting practice, Kent is an been through their own jour-
impressed how people would backgrounds with different awareness, and perspective adjunct professor at the Har- ney of adversity and triumph
take the time to listen to each areas of knowledge.Once stu- that 21st Century municipal yard Business School. and have expertise in that
other and talk about common dents go through a couple of utility leaders need. The two-year program is session's leadership topic.
issues. The program leads to classes, they often call each The primary instructor for broken into four,two-day ses- We will follow the second
good relationship building. other to talk over various is- the Academy is Kent Myers, sions per year. Class size is class through the program
"It's a real help to me in my sues. who has over 25 years of ex- limited to 25 students. in future articles. For more
job,"he said. "You grow together as you perience providing strategic Sessions are held at the information on the MMUA
Jenny Hazelton is the Win- go through the course,"Olson visioning, operational ef- MMUA office,with an allow- Leadership Academy, call
throp city administrator.She said.It is good to make rela- fectiveness, and technology ance for travel time on both MMUA Executive Director
is also an MMUA board mem- tionships with other utility alignment consulting servic- days. The first day of each Jack Kegel at 763-551-1230.
ber, and a first Leadership providers, and to build the es to global companies. He session will feature a net-
class participant. Her small Public Power bonds. "It has
municipal utility is consider- been very beneficial,"he said. Three Minnesota municipal electrics earn RP status
ing installation of automated "It's a great program." 3
Three Minnesota munici- Commission-Diamond Level emergency response plan,
SOLUTIONS FOR ELECTRIC GENERATION pal electric utilities recently • Brainerd Public Utilities and implementing cyber and
earned the RP,(Reliable Pub- -Gold Level physical security.
We'll deliver reliable,competitively-priced lic Power Provider) designa- • New Prague Municipal Safety: Utilities must
tion from the American Pub- Utilities•Gold Level. create a culture of safety.
natural gas service for all your projects. lic Power Association(APPA). The RP, application asks Commitment to safety must
Contact Russ Wagner today. The RP3 program recognizes questions in four disciplines— begin with top management
612-321 5003 utilities that demonstrate reliability, safety, workforce and be included in all aspects
high proficiency in reliabil- development, and system of operations from generation
800-234-5800,ext.5003 dk CenterPointe ity,safety,workforce develop- improvement. The rigorous to line work. Benchmarking
Russell.Wagner@ W Energy ment, and system improve- application process provides safety metrics, focusing
CenterPointEnergy.com ment. a framework to review op- on frontline workers, and
The three Minnesota utili- erations and to get help from implementing rigorous safety
;i o,4cence,FOlntEnergy 143877 Always There® ties are: the experts in fostering best training is crucial to the
• Shakopee Public Utilities practices. Applicants provide delivery of safe and reliable
MFRS/ALM documentationnof the res anis electricity.Workforce
practices and procedures and Workforce Develop-
,�,�� `- can receive feedback. went: How staff is trained
�- Criteria within each of and opportunities to network
Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association the four RP„ disciplines are with public power colleagues
To unify,support and serve as a common voice for municipal utilities based upon sound business from across the state nation is
practices and recognized important.
Officers and Directors Accounting Assistant industry leading practices. System Improvement: The
Karen Heiden,kheiden@mmua.org Disciplines include: utility must show a corn-
President Administrative Assistant Reliability: Key elements mitment to system integrity
John Crooks,Shakopee Theresa Neddermeyer, include collecting and and long-term planning and
President-Elect tneddermeyer@mmua.org analyzing various reliability improvement, including pro-
Greg French,Virginia Director of Training and Safety data, having a mutual cedures to maintain distri-
Secretary/Treasurer Mike Willetts,mwilletts@mmua.org aid agreement, devising bution system and financial
Vernell Roberts,Detroit LakesNatural Gas Circuit Rider and using a system-wide health with the growth of dis-
Past President Troy Dahlin,tdahlin@mmua.org disaster management or tributed energy resource.
Bob Elston,Sleepy Eye Regional Safety Group Program Leader
Mike Sewell,msewell@mmua.org
Directors
Troy Adams,Elk River JT&S and Apprenticeship Instructororthland
Kevin Berg,Hawley Mike Taylor,mtaylor@mmua.org /Y
Jenny Hazelton,Winthrop Regional Safety Coord./JTS Instructors r` i Public Finance
Carol Laumer,Willmar Bruce Westergaard, r` Delivers
Mark Nibaur,Austin bwestergaard@mmua.org '- t'
Chris Olson,Alexandria Shane St.Clair,sstclair@mmua.org
H.Peterson,Blooming Prairie Generation Coordinator/JTS Instructor • Bond Financing • Alternative Energy Financing
Bob Sewell,bsewell@mmua.org • Rate Studies • Bank Direct Placements(BDPs)
Staff Training Center Coordinator/JTS Instructor • Economic Development • Strategic Planning
Executive Director Cody Raveling,cravehng@mmua.org Capital Improvements Planning
Jack Kegel,jkegel@mmua.org Mgt.Services and JTS Instructor •
Extensive Bank and Bond Distribution Networks
Associate Executive Director Rich Maxfield,rmaxfield@mmua.org Northland is a full-service financial(municipal)advisor and a leading
Steve Downer,sdowner@mmua.org Regional Safety Coordinators underwriter and placement agent of municipal bonds.We have
Director of Government Relations Janet Aultman,jaultman@mmua.org a simple and flexible finance program designed specifically for
AlCzeczok,aczeezok@mmua.or municipally-owned electric,gas,and water utilities in Minnesota.
KentSulem,ksulem@mmua.org g We also coordinate financing services for townships,communities,
Government Relations Attorney Tom Ewert,tewert@mmua.org utilities,and non-profit organizations throughout the Midwest.
Bill Black,bblack@mmua.org Mark Hottel,mhottel@mmua.org
Robin Klug,rklug@mmua.org THANK YOU for your consideration!
Director of Engineering&Policy Analysis Dave Lundberg,dlundberg@mmua.org
Bob Jagusch,rjagusch@mmua.orgMarc Machacek,mmachacek@mmua.org
Director of Finance Ryan Mihalak,rmihalak@mmua.org 7��
Larry Pederson,1pedereon@mmua.org Joseph Schmidt,jschmidt@mmua.org NORTHLAND
y
Director of Administration Kevin Thompson,kthompson@mmua.org SECtlRItlES O.j�..' !
Rita Kelly,rkelly@mmua.org Chris Trembley,ctrembley@mmua.org Call us at 800-851-2920 1 612-851-5900
Visit us at NorthlandSecurities.com
MMUA The Resource USPS#009836.ISSN:1080-3750 is published Monthly;Except combined July/Augustl Partnering with communities and banks for over 16 years
August,by MMUA at 3025 Harbor Lane North,Suite 400,Plymouth,MN 55447.Periodicals postage paid Servingthe Midwest with offices in Minneapolis,
at St.Paul,MN.POSTMASTER:Send address changes to MMUA The Resource,3025 Harbor Lane North, P
Suite 400,Plymouth,MN 55447.Annual subscription rates:$12 per subscription(included in dues),associ- Denver,Des Moines,and Milwaukee
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1230,members 1-800-422-01.19.FAX 763-651-0459. RC 17-553 Muni 17-399 1217
2/July/August 2018 The Resource
184
I ill
m111I'1
Highline Heroes Foundation leader thanks MMUA for help raising needed funds
Editor's note: MMUA re- sented last year's donations eral lineworker families who --I 5 all"
received a thank you at the APPA Rodeo in San have children affected by this ..,�,�.....�
note and letter from Tracey Antonio: disease. -we
Moore, founder of the High- Just a little over a month In addition to these dona- MMUA's Rita
line Heroes Foundation. after returning home from tions, I was able to assist at '� ,art e' Kelly,with
the quilt
Moore formed the foundation San Antonio I received news the command centers around � k `�4 she made
following the tragic death of that one of the Oklahoma my area when Hurricane °,' " A\ to raffle as
her husband, Marc Moore. linemen that I had met while Irma hit in September We , a fundraiser
MMUA's Rita Kelly annually in San Antonio had been di- took food, water, drinks and '" •- - ' for Highline
makes a quilt that is raffled agnosed with a brain tumor/ did multiple linemen's laun ---- ' .,. Heroes Foun-
° '4 - dation.
at the national Public Pow- cancer.I sent a monetary do- dry while they were helping 4.'+ �,�,�
er Lineworkers Rodeo. This nation to him as well as a care with storm restoration. 7.g+m .,. i photo by
year's quilt brought in$3,785, package for him,his wife and Also I can't tell you the 'f Mike Taylor
with proceeds going to the little girl. He is doing awe- number of memorial shirts .ter.^..
foundation.Moore wrote: some and he and his family and or support packages that „,,,,„E,,, t y,¢ R
Thank you so much for the have become dear friends. I've mailed to the families of 1 x, i II°Aik H i�A�xI.,,,
quilt raffle donations again Monetary donations were injured linemen or linemen 1
this year for Highline Heroes! also recently made to: who have unfortunately lost
I cannot tell you how much it •A lineman in Fort Meade, their lives.
means to me,as together we Fla.,to assist him during his Highline Heroes has a mis-
will further the ministry and time away from work due to sion to support any linework- Scholarship Contest winners thank MMUA
Safety and support for our his mother's cancer. er family that suffers cata-
Line Family. • A Georgia lineman that strophically and it doesn't Editor's note: MMUA re- ference in our communities.I
It's people like the talent- was crushed between two have to be job related. cently received the following will use this scholarship as I
ed Ms. Rita Kelly that en- trucks during Hurricane None of this would be pos- 'thank you'cards from two of attend the University of Min-
able me to continue to honor Irma. sible without people like all the four winners in the recent nesota-Duluth to further my
Marc, keep his memory alive •An Alabama lineman who of you. Thank you so very Toni Bovitz Memorial Schol- education in marketing and
through my Foundation and has a daughter battling can- much for helping me con- arship Award essay contest. graphic design.
bring comfort and peace to cer. tinue my ministry of safety Dear Minnesota Municipal Sincerely,
others in need. • A Florida lineman who and compassion for the trade Utilities Association, Alyssa Nielsen
I wanted to let you know fell 80 feet from a helicopter that I love so much!My love, I want to sincerely thank Elk River,Minn.
some of the many ways High- while helping the people of prayers and appreciation al- MMUA and Steve Downer for
line Heroes and your dona- Puerto Rico after the hurri- ways! the$1,500 Tom Bovitz Schol- Minnesota Municipal Utili-
tions have helped others over cane. Thank you, arship!It was truly a pleasure ties Association,
the past year,since I was pre- • Cystic Fibrosis and sev- Tracey Moore to meet you and learn more Thank you so much for the
about how utilities make a dif- scholarship and support on
my graduation. It will helat St.
t.
NEW Tapered Race Rotary Reel Collar Thoe mas.I also nextyear hank
Thomas.I also want to thank
you for all that you do for our
i. / ` great State.You are the core
. IN of Minnesota that allows it to
thrive, and I felt honored to
y' highlight the amazing works
i i f� and doings of municipal utili-
ties! Y
�� Brownwyn Tollefson
452)
Willmar,Minn.
1e.
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SHEA • Energy and Utility Matters • Municipal Bonds Tom Bovitz Memorial Scholar-
■ Administrative Proceedings • Economic Development ship Award Contest to Alyssa
CARNIVAL • Legislative Representation • Real Estate Law Nielsen.The presentation came
• Municipal Law • Construction Law June 12,during the Elk River
STRAUGHN ■ Litigation • Environmental Law Municipal Utilities Commission
meeting.Downer made a simi-
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July/August 2018 The Resource/3
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MIIIIIIIII,17
MPUC approves Xcel time-of-use rate pilot program; slated for early 2020
Xcel Energy gained regula- except designated holidays. Rates—Cents per kWh The monthly TOU rate
tory approval May 31 to run a The long on-peak period"sig- Average June- Oct.- would not change the month-
residential time of use(TOU) nificantly limits the price re- Monthly Sept. May ly customer charge and the
rate design pilot program.The sponse potential by residen- TOU Pilot Rate TOU charge is designed to
Minnesota Public Utilities tial customers'and"impedes On-Peak 3pm-8pm weekdays 23.821 25,949 22.385 recover the same revenue as
Commission(MPUC)granted a focus on the lowest cost Mid-Peak Other Hours 11.07 12.125 10.43 Present energy charges.
approval as it received the hours." It also includes a $2 Off-Peak 12am-6am all days 5.676 5.676 5.676 Xcel proposed three TOU
utility's regular 'distribution per month additional meter- Standard Flat Rate 12.386 13.437 11.742 rate periods(see table at left).
grid'modernization report. ing charge. Xcel said the off-peak period
Xcel,according to regulato- This old TOU rate had an TOU Percentage Change from Standard Rate is intended to encourage cus-
ry documents,has offered an on-peak to off-peak ratio of On-Peak 92% 93% 91% tomers to shift consumption to
optional residential TOU rate 3:1; the new three-part TOU Mid-Peak -11% -10% -11% the lowest system loads when
for over 35 years, with low tariff provides a 4:1 ratio. Off-Peak -54% -58% -52% low-cost wind energy is likely
participation. This TOU rate The new pilot program will to be on the margin.Xcel not-
has a 12-hour on-peak period be implemented to approxi- ed that as more wind is added
of 9 a.m.to 9 p.m.weekdays, mately 10,000 customers of various classes, in two geo- Jr to the system, it anticipates
graphic areas: the Hiawatha -qtr that instances of wind energy( ----7-- West/Midtown area of Minne- ',; on the margin and negative
�:
apolis and part of Eden Prai- „'t� pricing will increase in fre-
,�:',7 r ''' rie and adjacent cities served .# 1 quency,especially during the
by the Westgate substation. I i = off-peak period.
E N E R GY ' The TOU pilot program pro- The mid-period, which in-
is s your a, vides select customers with '<� dudes the majority of hours,
'' TOU pricing and increased -. 1results in a rate similar to to-
g 1.1 I I'l E s s' - enercationgy useand information,supportto eden-- 1 udaThy's volumetric flat The summer on-peak rates.
rate
courage shifting energy use Meters with two-way communi- reaches 25.949 cents per
to low-load conditions. Xcel cation capabiity are at the heart kWh, which,Xcel noted, pro-
explained that the TOU pilot of the TOU pilot program. vides a strong price signal for
uses price incentives to shift demand reduction, The price
load away from peak to re- Customers in the target for most hours is 10 percent
L duce or avoid the need for in- areas will be auto-enrolled less than the current flat rate.
Our energy is focused on your supply Chain. vestments in fossil fuel plants with the opportunity to opt- Xcel does not anticipate sig-
that serve peak electric load. out,and will have an opportu- nificant adverse bill impacts,
For more than 60 years,our employee-owners have The program aims to ex- nity for a partial bill true-up but did include some billing
supported you by providing the products you need plore the ability to reduce to flat rates during the pilot. protections to maintain cus-
and the services you've come to expect.
peak demand by providing Xcel noted it is devoting"sub- tomer satisfaction and avoid
Your success is our priority.Contact us today. customers with price 'sig- stantial resources" to attract major or unanticipated im-
nals,' and enable customers volunteers to a TOU pilot in pacts.
to shift to off-peak energy use Colorado and "hopes it can Xcel said the AMI meters,
through awareness building, devote more resources to fa- with two-way communication
BORDER STATES education and data access. cilitating customer education and interval data capabil-
SupObCh Sokiiors' The pilot is to be operated and satisfaction with engag- ity, would provide significant
oo,derstates.com 1900.676.5894 for two years,to begin in early ing tools and targeted mes- benefit to participants and
2020. sages"in Minnesota. provide a critical learning op-
Customers excluded from Pilot participants will be portunity for the company.
iimmemir the program, due to billing split into "treatment" and Xcel's current residential me-
system/rate design limita- "control" populations, with tering technology communi-
tions, include those on: net both receiving an AMI meter. cates from meters to data ag-
metering, residential electric The 'treatment population" gregating devices upstream.
vehicle service, off-peak and will be placed on the TOU For more information, see
113 EI IC energy-controlled service, rates,while the"control"pop- MPUC docket No.17-775 and
medical equipment depen- ulation will remain on a flat 17-776.
dent. rate.
[TRUE BERG COnSULT1r1G. LLC
David A. Berg, PE - Principal
'Dedicated to providing personal service
to consumer-owned utilities'
Cost of Service Studies RENEWABLE ENERGY
Utility Rate Design Ziegler Power Systems offers a variety of
Contract Negotiations
renewable energy and microgrid solutions'.
Utility Education • Solar panels
Expert Testimony • Microgrid controllers
• Energy storage
Feasibility Studies
dave@davebergconsulting.coln 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE: ,,
15213 Danbury Ave W 888.320.4292
Rosemount, MN 55068 '
(612)850-2305 Shakopee,MN ZIEGLER cm
8050 County Road 101E
www.davebergconsulting.com 888.320.4292 ,
4/July/August 2018 The Resource
186
NMILf/
ERMU: Public charging stations born's is a 480-volt DC Fast
The public ERMU charg- Charger, which can fully
continued from front pageing stations were installed in charge a depleted battery in
the last 12 months.The three as little as 20 minutes, ac-
goal. stations have provided 184 cording to the U.S. Depart-
ERMU offers a $500 re- ' charging sessions and deliv- ment of Energy.DC fast char-
bate towards the purchase t.: — €. A :.K - iti '7" over 1,350 kWh of green ger connection fee is$5 at the
and installation of a 240-volt renewable energy to EV own- applicable TOU rate for ener-
EV charger,used for the sole ers reducing greenhouse gas gy,depending on the day and
purpose of charging on-road c'' ' ! emissions by 580 kilograms. time of the session.
vehicles. at. The downtown and ERMU EV drivers pay for each
The customer is also re- charging stations are 240-volt session through an account
sponsible for the purchase Level 2 chargers, capable of they set up that utilizes ei-
and installation of a 200-amp `? I adding 10 to 20 miles of range they a proximity card or a
bypass meter socket,to be set 'd per hour. ERMU charges a mobile application on their
in a mutually agreed-upon lo- ,,t connection fee of $2 per ses- smart phone. The online app
cation. Inspection by a State sion and applicable TOU rate vendor processes all charges
Certified electrical inspector t for energy depending on the and remits payments back to
of all metering equipment is f day and time of the session. ERMU less a processing fee.
required before ERMU will -. The charging station at Co-
install the meter. Tom Sagstetter with ERMU's electric-powered Chevy Bolt at the
The electric vehicle charg- utility's Hwy.169 charging station.
ing program places ERMU
on the technological forefront, or day.ERMU's highest TOU So far,nine ERMU custom- BE PREPARED WITH FS3's
ERMU supplies 100 percent rate—on-peak summer—is ers have installed at-home
renewable energy to cover EV $13.7 cents per kilowatt-hour chargers. Two more custom- EXCAVATION VERIFICATION KIT
sales.All EV charging is me- (kWh). Off-peak is less than ers are working through the
tered separately. Rates vary half that just over 6 cents process to install in-home Ni IM ro
depending on time-of-use per kWh. chargers, said ERMU Con-
(TOU). Because the price of The rate is subject to appli- servation and Key Accounts A A A
electricity fluctuates depend- cation of any Power Cost Ad- Manager Tom Sagstetter. R R R
ing on system demand,a TOU justment but is not subject to K K K
rate fluctuates based on time load control. . 6 11 ' t 8 ,2,1, 30 '3,
`Energy City' partners to promote electric vehicles
! It
iti
Elk River's downtown EV use pricing for public charg- t
charger ribbon-cutting cere• ing stations.
mony brought together event = CiThe city of Elk River was i
partners including: the Na- ,_ � „d: established as the "Energy
°--"*.,,.....,,.tr,....*
tional Drive Electric Week, City" in 1996. The city and
Great Plains Institute and its partners pursue the goal
Drive Electric MN, Corner- to include electric vehicles of making Elk River the most '
stone Automotive,the City of and charging infrastructure environmentally friendly
Elk River,the Elk River Star in the City of Elk River-En- and energy responsible city F53's Excavation Verification Kit Includes:
News, the American Public ergy City Action Plan.ERMU in Minnesota. The Energy (1)tri-fold ruler,(3)foldable"MARK"markers,(1)
Power Association, ERMU also applied for DEED Grant City Commission is made up foldable"HIT"marker, whiteboard, marker set
staff members,and especially through APPA and received of local business leaders, the
the EV community. a grant of$40,000 to imple- Chamber of Commerce, resi- and eraser all compacted neatly into a 13"X 17"
Partnerships are the key to ment an EV marketing plan, dents,City Council members, drawstring backpack.
success.ERMU worked close- a electric vehicle fleet assess- and ERMU utility staff
ly with the City of Elk River ment,and implement time-of- As part of the APPA DEED I
grant the City of Elk Riv- �� c PH:320-274-7223 I WWW.FS3INC.BIZ
er and ERMU recently con-
cluded an Electric Vehicle
SPIEGEL & Suitability Assessment.
The assessment tracked 20
MCDIARMID city and utility vehicles for HD SUPPLY WATERWORKS
nine months to determine if IS NOW
LLP electric vehicles were viable
options for inclusion in fleet
re * 1- tP p
e.'1114, discussions going forward.
r�+s4 ° * ' The study found that 80 CORE&MAIN M
=i �� ;3 y. n * , percent of the vehicles drove
*k :,, . r:P.,/,- 1:1;: less than 50 miles per day
.��1 � or� t' and that 97 percent of vehi-
z -'-`'. ..e,.' , �r ii f '"r'ecies drove less than 100 miles
intks ,�
»ti \.. ••41';' - per day.
1 t,i ''...-:,.e"-=_ Based on the driving dis- "
tiv. " I/�" tances of the vehicles tracked
4 71�.J;g they were suitable for either
-...411:1,07: all electric or hybrid,but con- et
'" .. sideration has to be given for OUR NAME
t' r how vehicles are used (tow- Lia ' -;
.til ing, large loads, all-wheel or u
four wheel drive)in addition OUR COMMITMENT
POWER to miles per day. YOU
The City also produced
a Green City Fleet Guide as our commitment to providing you the
same dependable expertise we have for
t o the people part t of a Metro CERT t Seed many years remains the same.
Grant funded project that can
guide other cities in taking
action. LooplKnowledge
Lo41 Experience coreandmain.com
www.spiegelmcd.com 1202.879.4000 Local Service,Nationwide°
July/August 2018 The Resource/5
187
ARM/Lie
/,",I '
Conference to feature Policymakers' Track on `Board Policies that Work'
Editor's note:MMUA is of- decisions that are aligned really exist.At another(deep- like? At its most basic level, ally allow situations, pro-
fering a half-day seminar at with and responsive to cus- er) level, confusion arises a policy is a statement of val- cesses, actions, behaviors or
the upcoming Summer Con- tomer and community needs when the management and ue, agreed upon and adopted attitudes that are unsafe,
ference on governance and pal- and values, Such decision- governing body have failed to by a governing body,that es- undignified, inattentive, dis-
icymaking. Participants will making calls for the combined address important policy is- tablishes expected outcomes, respectful or unresponsive to
learn about the importance perspectives and expertise of sues or have addressed them actions and behaviors. . . or customer needs and requests,
of documented policies in(1) professional managers and in a manner that did not es- establishes boundaries/lim- or otherwise in conflict with
strengthening board leader- elected or appointed policy- tablish any long-term agree- its on expected outcomes, ac- the organizational purpose,
ship and decision-making;(2) makers. Such decision-mak- ment that would be useful as tions, and behaviors. For ex- mission, and values advocat-
supporting the consistent ap- ing also calls for effective gov- a point of reference for future ample,in adopting a policy for ed by the Board."
plication of sound governance ernance...and effective policy decisions. its own members,a governing The bottom line is that a
principles and practices; (3) development and use is at the What can be done? The body might state: governing body uses state-
establishing board and man- heart of effective governance. first step toward effective "Board members are ex- ments of policy to define per-
agement accountabilities for Policy development and use policy development and use pected to be present at all formance expectations for the
performance;and(4)sustain- is difficult and requires disci- is for the governing body to regular and specially called utility overall, for itself, and
ing the beneficial legacy of pline. Too often in our work recognize that its leadership meetings of the Board and for management. It assigns
municipal utilities for the next with municipal utilities, we is fundamentally defined by any Board committees to those expectations to some-
generation. find that both management the process through which which they are assigned. one and then monitors ac-
by R.John Miner and the governing body(city its develops and implements Board members will properly tual performance against ex-
Pres. Collaboration Unlim- council or board)are confused policies.Another way of stat- prepare themselves to per- pectations.In the first of the
ited/Collaborative Learning about policy. When asked ing this is that the principal form their assigned duties as two policy examples above,
One of the often-stated core about policies, a common re- work products of the govern- Board officers and members, the governing body would
benefits of a municipal utility sponse goes something like ing body are its policies and and for effective Board delib- expect individual members
is "local control." With local this:"Of course we make im- its legacy is the result of those eration,decision-making,and to be self-accountable, but
control,a municipality is both portant policy decisions! We policies in action. Because representation in advance the board's presiding officer
empowered and obligated to just don't always document a state statute, city charter, of all assigned meetings and (chair or president) would
make many important deci- them."...or..."No,we don't re- articles of incorporation and other Board-approved and routinely monitor and report
sions concerning its utility ally have a policy manual...our by-laws, on their own, are Board-related activities." on policy compliance, as well
enterprises and services. For policies are documented in the seldom adequate for effective As another example,a gov- as take appropriate steps to
an electric utility,these deci- meeting minutes and resolu- governance, a board's docu- erning body might adopt the correct any noncompliance.In
sions involve such wide-rang- tions."At one level,confusion mented policies provide the following policy statement the second example, the gov-
ing elements of the business arises when policies are not basic structure and processes for its chief executive when erning body would expect the
as sources of electric supply, fully documented, well-orga- through which it fulfills its fi- delegating authority to act on General Manager to routinely
physical and financial assets, nized, and readily available. duciary and other mandated their behalf with respect to monitor,report,and maintain
rates and charges for electric With this situation,past pol- responsibilities, customer service: compliance.
service, and workforce. For icy decisions are not remem- To put a more practical spin In all interactions with Policy development in the
"local control"to deliver on its bered or used. For anyone on this topic,let's get specific customers and customer rep- manner described here can
advertised benefit, a munici- who was not there when the about policy.What is it?What resentatives, the General
pality must make business decision was made,it doesn't does a policy statement look Manager shall not intention- Governance:see page 9 please
Let's show the world what we can do together.
Day by day. Project by project.
Together we're renewing infrastructure
and keeping the world in business.
SEN Building a Better1lorld for All of Us
Engineers I Architects I Planners I Scientists sehinc.com • 800.325.2055
6/July/August 2018 The Resource
188
„ II,,
MMUA invites you to Annual Summer Conference; annual gathering of municipal utility people
MMUA holds its 87th an- p ::::,>--1 including rate design,new
nual meeting,beginning Keynote speaker promises toN� technologies,and IT/OT.
Monday,Aug.20 atAlexan- energize,educate and entertain! Ea sAli
Confedria'sr e Cente ood Resort and Ready for
Whether an organization •Finding the four steps )fie M /S��A Ord ,+r Competition Rates. Getting A Guide for
The Annual Summer Con- Vowing or simply moving to highly effective conflict, i” Policymakers
in a new direction,change is change can be a rocky road
ference begins officially with Dave Berg,
an outside welcome recep- inevitable and happens ata B
reaking out of old roles, „i� Dave Berg Consulting
dizzying pace.Jay Gubrud's habits and assumptions
tion and dinner the evening MMUA and Dave Berg
of Monday,Aug.20.Those presentation on Shifting Shifting Gears&Chang- and carry on the business of Consulting are developing
arriving early often partici- Gears & Changing Lanes ing Lanes will enable people Public Power in Minnesota. 'Getting Rates Ready for
pate in the popular afternoon w�Provide the tools to ef- to accept change, confront Competition-A Guide for
fectively navigate the road, their fears and move for-
'scramble'golf tournament orMinnesota Public Power Policymakers'.This guide is
group bike ride. to change by: ward in a positive direction. Forward Partnership designed to assist policymak-
•Finding out the four ma- Change is inevitable. Why Patricia Keane,American ers and other non-technical
MMUA President John jor reactions to change and not embrace it? Public Power Association utility personnel in their un-
Crooks,general manager of how to make them work for Get energized, educated The electric industry is in derstanding of electric rates
Shakopee Public Utilities, you and people you lead and entertained. Don't set- a period of rapid transforma- and the theories that sup-
- practical tie for the same old ideas
opens the meeting the morn- tion.New technologies have port the design of rates.As
ing of Tuesday,August 21, communication skills that that are being used in your emerged,energy markets the industry evolves toward
The program includes: facilitate change industry. across the country have dra- greater reliance on renew-
matically changed,and cus- ables,distributed generation,
Shifting Gears& tomers expect and demand storage and other new tech-
Changing Lanes, Policymaker Track evaluation of the chief execu- 21st Century services.This nologies,rate design must
Jay Gubrud Board Policies that Work tive(general manager,utility creates opportunities and evolve with it.Dave Berg will
A Catalyst for Performance John Miner,Collaborative director,superintendent, challenges for the electric present a summary of the
Improvement Learning etc.). utility industry-particu- guide to give participants an
Policy development and Time permitting,seminar larly smaller publicly owned overview of the materials.
A New Vision for CIP use is at the core of effective participants will also consid- electric utilities-where
(Conservation Improve- municipal utility governance. er other selected governance meeting customer expecta- Electric Service Issues:
ment Program) Because enabling legislation issues that are common to tions for new services while Analysis and
Mark Kotschevar,Rochester and by-laws on their own are municipal utility organza- maintaining the current high Developments
Public Utilities and Jared seldom adequate for effective tions,as well as alternative standards in reliability and Steve Downer,MMUA and
Echternach,Beltrami Electric governance,a board's docu- responses to those issues and affordability may not be eas- Mark Fritsch,Owatonna
Cooperative mented policies provide the the development of policy ily accomplished. Public Utilities
basic structure and processes statements to address them. With that in mind,the
The Washington Scene through which it fulfills its Minnesota Municipal Utili- State Legislative Develop-
Michael Nolan,MMUA responsibilities. Evening Activities ties Association(MMUA), ments
Washington Rep. In this seminar,partici- Trade Show and Reception Missouri River Energy Kent Sulem and Bill Black,
pants will learn about the Banquet and Awards Services(MRES),Southern MMUA;and Doug Carnival,
The Tuesday,Aug.22 after- importance of documented Minnesota Municipal Power McGrann Shea
noon program will consist policies in strengthening Wednesday,August 22 Agency(SMMPA)and the
of two tracks—Management board leadership and deci- (Wednesday's meeting is American Public Power Asso- Issues Round-Up
or Policymaker sion-making.As a relevant open to Regular&Affiliate ciation(APPA)have entered Jack Kegel,Bob Jagusch and
and important example Members Only) into the Minnesota Public Mike Willetts,MMUA
Management Track of policy leadership,par- Power Forward Partnership
Looking Ahead-Large ticipants will focus on the MMUA Business Meeting to assist Minnesota's public For more information,see the
Scale Solar with Storage development of documented This meeting is necessary power utilities as they plan 'Events'calendar at www.
Mike Fosse,Dakota Electric policy describing the Board's for the carrying on of associa- for the future.Attend and mmua.org or contact Rita
Association role and responsibilities for tion business as required by learn about the toolkit that Kelly by email rkelly@mmua,
performance planning and the MMUA bylaws.Attend will walk you through topics org or phone 763.746.0707.
Electric Vehicles(EVs):
Opportunity Now or ^
Later? One size fits all-doesn't.
Hear how the EV market
is unfolding and how advanc- And neither do our solutions.
es in public charging infra-
structure are accelerating .,
, _
market forces.The program
will also include a discussion ,
of how one of our members �,d1W
^.; „..
leveraged their opportunities w--� C ,,,
to create the framework for a i ,~ Technologies LLC
robust utility program.
Municipals Helping
' ` Providing Turnkey Construction SU OS 1.!•,;-,,h r-
Municipals �.z,' d �`'
�+
Scott Hain,Worthington Pub-
Safe.Reliable.
lic Utilities;Jeff Becthold,
MRES,Jim Maras,Madelia
Municipal Light&Power
Our panel of MMUA Regu- Gas.Overheads Underground Electric Installation.
lar and Affiliate Members
discusses how they are in- Splicing a Termination.Cahie Pulling.Pole Replacement.
volved in working with other
municipal organizations to Maintenance&Support.Conduit a Man-Hole Installation.
i
strengthen Public Power in We work for your BOLTON Hydro lac.Storm Restoration.Alternative Energy
Minnesota. community with Q & MENK
your needs and best ti Minnesota Office:
Real People.Real Solutions. 1 9038 State Hwy 55 NW Annandale.MN
interest in mind.
Bolton-Menk,com Texas Office:
14140 Cypress N Houston-Houston.TX
July/August2018The Resource/7
189
ARIANIft,
The Central Minnesota proximately 220 heating sys- Public Utilities Commis- pated to complete the nomi-
Municipal Power Agency Around tern customers;now there are sion have joined the North- nation,and position the city
(CMMPA)and Central — 165 with more leaving this eastern Minnesota Municipal for future grant applications.
Municipal Power Agency/ the State summer,including a handful Power Agency.The stated The 1922 Elk River water
Services(CMPAS)Board of of large customers that make goal is to help members tower was placed on the Na-
Directors June 15 announced up the majority of the load. negotiate a better wholesale tional Register in 2012.
the appointment of Christo- S.D.He has served as one of power contract. The towers are architec-
pher Kopel as Chief Execu- the primary legal advisors to Virginia Department of turally significant because
Live Officer(CEO)effective MRES since 2008. Public Utilities is moving The city of Blooming hemispherical-bottom towers,
June 6.Kopel had served as Harmelink earned his forward with a downsizing of Prairie has received a built from about the 1890s to
Interim CEO since January law degree in 1999 from the its steam heating system and state Legacy grant to pay about 1940,are being rapidly
2018.In 2013,he joined the University of Iowa College of converting residential cus- for a survey and evalua- replaced.
Agency as Chief Operating Law. tomers to natural gas service. tion of the Blooming Prairie The Blooming Prairie
Officer(COO). The downtown commercial water tower,to determine tower was built in 1925 and
Kopel brings more than The Sleepy Eye Public area will remain in the core the structure's eligibility has a capacity of 65,000 gal-
25 years of power industry Utilities'office has moved steam district.Steam will for listing on the National Ions.Blooming Prairie Public
experience. from its power plant location be turned off to residential Register of Historic Places. Utilities is considering a
Prior to joining the agency, into city hall.The Post Office areas by 2021. The survey is expected to be 100,000 gallon tower to give
Kopel served in leadership box has been discontinued complete by year's end.If the city sufficient storage to
and business development and the new address is: Wendy Meyer retired as found to be eligible,a second handle population growth,
roles at NextEra Energy Sleepy Eye Public Utilities, Mountain Lake city clerk/ grant application is antici-
Resources,Iberdrola Re- 200 Main Street East,Sleepy administrator May 4 and has
newables,and NRG Power Eye,MN 56085. been replaced by Michael
Marketing,as well as various Schulte.A native of the Bird
regulatory,operations,and Willmar Municipal Utili- Island area,Schulte was
planning roles at Northern ties(WMU)is decommis- most recently an intern in A I 1 ,
States Power Company,now sioning its district heating Nebraska City,Neb.,and
known as Xcel Energy. system on July 1,2020,and is receiving his master's in 1-. '2'
with the dwindling steam public administration from '- ` . , ' '=
l ' 1 I ;it
Daniel J.Harmelink load the existing power plant the University of Nebraska- jI___
Iwill join Missouri River En- boilers are no longer an ef- Omaha this summer. A
ergy Services(MRES)Aug. ficient supply option. I g
1 as general counsel and As a result,WMU is using New Prague Public ry . mN. AO
director of the organization's a mobile boiler,small enough Utilities Commission and , 5.a Apt
Legal Department, to meet the district heat Minnesota Valley Electric
'
'r .-
Harmelink is a native needs.The natural gas-fu- Cooperative held a joint open „,n, : i1 # v,
of Sioux Center,Iowa,and Bled boiler is inside a trailer house April 24 in regard to
since 2000,has practiced law outside of and connected to the municipal utility acquisi-
with Woods,Fuller,Shultz the power plant. tion of four areas and some RESCO
&Smith P.C.,in Sioux Falls, Last year,there were ap- 750 cooperative customers
locating within the city lim-
Rural Electric Supply Cooperatit—
ENERGY its. Approximately 50 people
attended the event. RESCO,a member-owned cooperative,is one of the longest full-line
INSIGHT, INC. The Commission approved distributors of high-voltage electrical products in the Midwest
a territory transfer agree-
ment April 30.It moved its Contact RESCO for all of your distribution,
MATT HALEY meeting to a larger room,in transmission and substation project needs
anticipation of accommodat-
ing more interested persons 1-800-346-33301 info@rescol.com
952-767-7464 than usual.However,only www.rescol.com
www.Energylnsightlnc.com one person turned out to ad- P.O.Box 160 i Moorhead,MN 156561
7935 Stone Creek Drive,Suite 140 Chanhassen,MN 5531 dress the issue. - ------
According to press reports,
the transfer deal had been
under discussion for approxi- -es,
mately two years. — Our ELECTRICAL POWER TEAM
C n AS _ understands
rAfter discussion of a rate the IMPORTANCE of
consultant's findings,the = working on your ideas
CENTRAL MUNICIPAL POWER e
Baudette city council adjust- from the first stages
MUNICIPAL COMPASS TO POWER ed electric rates.Large power of a long range plan
customers will see an energy .. ALL THE WAY to
rate decrease from$0.1090 w-� final inspection.
Vljrqg per kilowatt-hour(kWh) 1R
10.
4 to$0.1000 per kWh but a a Distribution
l * , demand charge increase from �- ■Transmission
9 . $4.37 per kilowatt 9kW to ■Substations
' $7.50 per kW. ■Generation
I rii The uncontrolled heat cat- ,a ■Construction Staking
t44 ` egory was discontinued anda Relaying&SCADA
, merged with the appropriate �p �l Rate Studies
- residential,commercial or _'c '” ■Mapping&GIS
large power category. --`''-- ■Long-Range Plans
Meanwhile,the council nu . ■Sectionalizing Studies
heard a report on progress r ii if* \ &Coordination
of the new Willie Wall- €` iii ■Arc Flash Studies
°i ,`-s eye statue,which is being Hi 1I ■Distributed Generation Studies
Through consultative collaboration,CMPAS provides constructed in Sparta,Wisc.
individualized,strategic portfolio planning and procurement for The existing 40-foot,2%ton
members and affiliates to minimize power costs,manage risk, Rock Rapids,IA Sioux City,IA Ankeny,IA
statute is to be demolished
and maintain stable,competitive rates. 712-472-253Sioux 1 Falls.712-SD Yankton,SD
266-1554 515-963-3488
and replaced this summer.
Learn more at CMPASgroup.ms ENGINEERING 605-339-4157 605-665-2002
According to local press
CMagent for Central Minnesota Municipal Power Agency reports,both the City of
459 (�'�
459 S Grove St.,Blue Earth,MN 56013-(888)970-8267
Randall and the Aitkin Trusted. Professional. Solutions. dgr.com V
8/July/August 2018 The Resource
190
KAFIRI Ile
mInfliosie
Members of Dodge County Judge recommends denial of site permit for wind farm
Concerned Citizens expect Bits&
to challenge a proposed wind An administrative law evidence demonstrates that governing wind turbine noise.
farm that would stretch Pieces judge (ALJ) May 14 recom- current science supports a de- The MPCA said"the current
across Steele and Dodge mended the Minnesota Public termination that people who understanding of wind tur-
counties,according to the group has previously battled Utilities Commission deny a live near wind turbines may bine noise and its potential ef-
Steele County Times. feedlot issues all the way site permit to Freeborn Wind experience annoyance,loss of fects is insufficient to support
Florida-based NextEra to the Minnesota Supreme Energy to construct and op- sleep and headaches. rulemaking at this time."
Energy has proposed a 71 Court. erate an up to 84 Megawatt • It is not in the best inter- State agencies, including
turbine development,called The report also noted that portion of a wind farm in est of the local community to the MPCA said the current
the Dodge Wind Energy Cen- Bent Tree Wind Farm,in Freeborn County. As an al- locate wind turbines in a man- state noise standard was not
ter.The permitting process Freeborn County,has agreed ternative, the judge recom- ner that angers and alienates promulgated with wind tur-
before the Minnesota Public to purchase the homes of mended the Commission al- the people whose lives are bine-like noise in mind.
Utilities Commission has two families that have long low a certain amount of time most directly affected by the Freeborn Wind is an af-
started. complained about excessive for Freeborn Wind to submit wind turbines filiate of Invenergy LLC, a
The Dodge County citizens noise. a plan demonstrating how it The ALJ recommended large-scale developer head-
will comply with Minnesota that, if the Commission is- quartered in Chicago. Free-
Noise Standards. sues a site permit, the draft born Wind has entered into
, AVANT 220 South Sixth Street Among the ALJ's findings: site permit conditions be an agreement with Xcel En-
Suite 1300 • The turbines cannot be amended to require residen- ergy, whereby Xcel will ac-
_____
E N E R G Y Minneapolis,MN ssaoz lawfully operated if it results tial setbacks of 1,500 feet for quire Freeborn Wind upon
in total noise in excess of all non-participating land- conclusion of all development
the standards in Minnesota owners. activities, and then own and
;' Rule 7030.0400.A total of 78 A number of parties inter- operate the project.
'� n ',N homes in the project footprint vened in the case, including The MPUC has not yet set
will experience more noise a group of local landowners a date for hearing. It gener-
6 '440. I \ than permitted. opposed to the project. The ally follows ALJ recommen-
It1 • The project will result in landowner group requested dations, but is not bound by
hi tft Is
I ,, '' " til . benefits to the local economy. that the Minnesota Pollution them.
...1!%,l fAtt'I • The preponderance of Control Agency develop rules -Steve Downer
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The MPUC has recently -Wisconsin Power and Energy Industries Associa-
dealt with several large wind Light's request for a site per- tion,Minnesota has 849.5
development proposals.Dur- mit for the Bent Tree Project MW of solar energy installed.
The energy industry is rapidly changing,presenting ing its May 17 meeting alone, in Freeborn County; In the first quarter of 2018,
utilities,companies and communities with new challenges it dealt with site permits or • Lake Benton Power Part- 105 MW of solar was added
and opportunities.Avant works with its clients to develop transmission related develop- ners,an 107 MW facility in in Minnesota,the fifth most
innovative,yet practical solutions based on a simple, ments for: Lincoln County; among states during that
overarching belief that,"better is possible." • Nobles 2 Power Partners, • and Trimont Wind I,in time.Minnesota's solar mar-
a 260-MW project in Nobles Martin and Jackson Coun- ket grew 89 percent during
County; ties. that quarter.
BETTER CONSULTING •Flying Cow Wind's pro- According to the report,
DEVELOPMENT posal for the 152-MW Bitter The MPUC May 11 ap- Minnesota now ranks 14th
S POSSIBLE UTILITY MANAGEMENT Root Wind Project in Yellow proved a permit for the 44.8 among states for total solar
Medicine County; MW Palmer's Creek Wind power and there were 105
•Blazing Star Wind Farm Farm in Chippewa County. `community solar gardens'
2's request for a high-voltage operating in Minnesota.
WWW.AVANTENERGY.COM transmission in Lincoln According to a report is-
County; sued in June by the Solar Governance
. ; _ continued from page 6
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Call MMUA Director of Training and Safety Mike Willetts at Demand Lineworker Appren-
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continued on facing page:
10/July/August 2018 The Resource
192
1NAN1u1
11111,111,11
ticeship Program Equipment Manufacturers,Suppliers,Service Generation Services and Equipment
•Course instructor at MMUA
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Position Requirements: i
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Microsoft Word and Power- 903064thStreet NW (320)274-7223 Sales. Service. Rental.
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July 16,2018. Apply to:Mike pal Electric supply CooperativeAPO
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&Safety,MMUA, 3025 Har- FAX 612.349.6108
bor Lane N Suite 400,Plym- Contact RESCO for all of your distribution,
outh,MN 55447-5142 transmission and substation project needs
BETTER CONSULTING
Email:mwilletts@mmua.org 1-800-346-3300)info@rescol.com I www.rescot.com IS POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
Customer Relations P.O.Box 1601 Moorhead,MN 156561
Manager
Heartland Consumers Power wMJW.AVANTENEROY.COM
District is seeking a custom- a customer-focused mentality
er-focused, technically-adept and will have a degree pref- is 763.201.5333 and web- this Bogorad,David Pomper,
professional to manage the Associate site:www.oati.com and Scott Strauss individu-
erably in an electrical tech-
deliveof electrical servic- Main contact is Glen ally as among the top law-
7nical field such as, electrical
es, customer programs, and Member News Fisher,Business Develop- yers in the United States for
engineering or electrical citiesinitiatives for 30 ment,763.201.2068. 2018 in the area of"Ener
con-
marketing struction management, along �'
cities and municipal electricElectricity(Regulatory&
with a strong interest in en- MMUA has two new Asso-
systems in South Dakota, Southern Minnesota Litigation)—Nationwide."
ergy efficiency and renewable ciate Members:Open Access
Minnesota,Iowa,Kansas andenergy, as well as 7+ years Technology International Inspection was started in Chambers ranks"the world's
Nebraska.As part of a strong of experience in the electric (OATI)and Southern Minne- 2003 and since then we have best lawyers and law firms
team of engineering,econom- utility field. Qualified candi- sota Inspection. become an industry leader based on in-depth,objec-
ic development, energy ser- in Hoists,Cranes,Auto-lifts, tive research"and extensive
dates will also possess excel-
vices, account management, lent interpersonal skills and Since 1995,more than and Aerial lift inspections. interviews with clients and
and marketing professionals, Throughout our numerous colleagues. Their guide
strong communication skills, 2,000 energy industry cus-
you will foster and manageand should anticipate speak- tourers have turned to OATI certifications and qualifica- is considered the premier
the relationships of custom- tions,we also offer operator survey of attorneys and law
ing in public,frequent travel, to provide solutions to their
ers, along with their govern- and occasional evening city operational challenges.In training,with over 40 years firms in the country.
ing board and city commis- commission meetings. Cue- fact,more than 98%of North of combined Hoist,Aerial For the year 2018 in the
cions. You will utilize strongtomer service experience and American energy industry lift and Forklift experience, practice area of Energy&
interpersonal skills to formSouthern Minnesota Inspec- Natural Resources,Wash-
a record of active community organizations use our solu-
constructive business rela- involvement is a plus. tions,making OATI one of tion is committed to ensuring ington DC Super Lawyers
the ps and communicate our customers safety through has selected Cindy Bogo-
Heartland Consumers Power the most trusted names in
the value that locally-owned, District is a not-for-profit, the energy arena.OATI has training,knowledge and rad,Jeff Schwarz and Scott
not-for-profit, public power wholesale public power corn- unprecedented software soli- experience. Strauss as"Super Lawyers,"
brings to the community.YouThe company is located and Katie Mapes has been
pany and offers competitive tions tightly integrated with
will also have: pay along with a comprehen- the data powering the North at 211 Johnson Street, named a"Rising Star."
•Demonstrated experience inEagle Lake,MN 56024. Super Lawyers,a Thomson
sive benefit package. American energy infrastras-
rate structure and analysis. Phone is 507.257.3742;fax Reuters business,is a rating
To learn more about Heart- tructure.By connecting gen-
•Strong analytical skills. land and this position, you eration,transmission,and is 507.257.3472 and web- service of outstanding
• Problem-solving abilities tocan access the full job descrip- demand-side resources to the site:southernminnesotain- attorneys from more than
support customers throughtion and our electronic appli- wholesale energy markets, spection.com 70 practice areas who have
Heartland's customer assis- cation by visiting http://www. our solutions allow utili- Main contact is Scott Wil- attained a high degree
tante programs. son,Sales Representative, of peer recognition and
hcpd.com/contact-us/jobs. ties to optimize their power
• Collaborative skills to work507.257.3742 ext.228. professional achievement.
Questions can be directed to supply management efforts,
with Heartland's team in ex- Super manage the reliability needs Super Lawyers are selected
ponding the District's custom- of the grid,and fully harness Spiegel&McDiarmid LLP through a process involving
er base and sales. HCPD is an equal opportu- the economic and social value is proud to announce that in independent research,
• Experience with Microsoftits 2018 rankings Chambers peer nominations and peer
nity employer. of their assets.
Office Suite and computerThe company is located at &Partners has once again evaluations.
technology. 3660 Technology Drive NE, recognized Spiegel&Mc-
Qualified candidates will beDiarmid LLP as one of the
Minneapolis,MN 55418.
energetic, self-starters with Phone is 763.201.2000;fax nation's leading law firms.
Chambers recognizes Cyn-
July/August 2018 The Resource/11
193
m►iiiv11
Upcoming training events — Overhead School and Lineworkers Rodeo
Minnesota Municipal Schedule 8:30 am Multi-Session/Ad-
Utilities Association and Second Annual Minnesota Lineworkers Rodeo Tuesday,September 11 vanced Class Training
our partners,Minnesota Sept.11,MMUA Training Center in Marshall 1:00 pm Registration 12:00 pm Lunch(provided)
Rural Electric Association This event will be held prior to the Overhead School. 2:00 pm Welcome 12:30 pm Multi-Session
and American Public Power The Rodeo offers lineworkers the opportunity to increase 2:15 pm General Session: Class(rotate)/Advanced
Association,are pleased to proficiency,gain confidence and experience some healthy Customer De-escalation Class(continued)
announce the 2018 Overhead competition. Strategies Friday,September 14
Lineworker School.Classesa 5:00 pm Reception/Rodeo 8:30 am General Session:
offer useful instruction for Events will Awards Drone Operation
all levels of lineworker. include Hurt- Wednesday,September 12 10:00 am Rodeo Recap
Students(except for man Rescue, ,• ' 1 8:30 am Multi-Session/Ad- 12:00 pm Closing Comments
Advanced Class)will rotate Rope Toss and t•A vanced Class Training &Wrap Up
through four different 3-hour an Obstacle y, 12:00 pm Lunch(provided) *Schedule subject to change
training sessions. Course.All 12:30 pm Multi-Session without notice.
events will be l A- Class(rotate)/Advanced Questions?
GENERAL SESSIONS single-person * Class(continued) Please contact Theresa Ned-
Customer De-escalation so that any 5:00 pm Golf or Sporting dermeyer by email tnedder-
Strategies lineworker can y Clay Shoot(at participant's meyex@mmua.org or phone
Learn about pre-assault participate! --''' expense) 763.551.1230.
behaviors both verbal and Thursday,September 13
non-verbal.A variety of The event precedes the Overhead School and is free to
methods will be discussed MMUA members.Any lineworker,however,may partici-
on ways to calm a verbally pate. RATCHETING CABLE CUTTERS
aggressive or potentially
disruptive individual. For more updated information,see the Events calendar at
www.mmua.org FEATURES
Drone Operation
Today,drones are being MULTI SESSION CLASS `1 f ; •ACSR rated
used to find the source of out- DETAILS 'Telescoping handles for added leverage
ages on power lines and pin-
point leaks in underground Session 1: Primary Double 'Cutting capacity lofe up to 1-3/4"or 44mm
water pipelines and gas lines. Dead-End117".6.
•Large,comfortable grip
This session will cover all
Drones bring safety benefits •Includes handy carrying case
the proper steps needed to +
to the inspection and mainte• ; 'Blades have a 6 year limited warranty
nance side,where crews face change a wood tangent inline 1 ,
risks from climbing poles or arm into a double dead-endtowers,assessing damage af- fiberglass arm. f
ter natural disasters,driving nmpattcarrymgca e
remote roads inspecting the Session 2: 3-Phase Trans- j Extended Handles
former Bank Troubleshooting1 �!
line or trimming foliage near a. et 1
high-voltage equipment. This session will go through
different scenarios to help v '
2018 Rodeo Recap better understand trouble I
shooting issues.Testing, 1w
A total of five teams and Retracted Handles
six apprentices competed hook-up and safety protocol ..:t 1
this April in North Caro- for replacement of transform-
ers and returning them to
lina.Hear from several whoSession 3: Rigging and Knots
participated.Plus we'll recap service will be covered along Knowing the proper way of
this 's Minnesota Rodeo. with important things to be
earrigging y looking out for in the field. and tying knots plays
a crucial role in linework. t
This session covers knots and C PH:320-274-7223 I WWW.FS3INC.BIZ
rigging used in all aspects of
line construction and mainte- n. 1
A PROVEN PROVlDERof innovative electrical solutions- Hance. ^'
AN INDUSTRY LEADER leading a changing industry.
i
A SUPPLY CHAIN PARTNERwho'll be there for you. Session 4: Troubleshooting ry' ~
Participants will have the °"e
p TRAIN TO ENTER THE
' - opportunity to practice sev- LINEMAN TRADE IN
•
— eral different troubleshooting
techniques including testing, _y
grounding and proper rubber
11
' cover up.
..41.::,
ADVANCED CLASS
S Budgeting and Finance 101
Making the transition from ., a
irby irby the line crew to management
can be a big undertaking. ,
15
omas"f:y
This class is designed to help
..
you along that path.Topics ,, ! f,,' Q WEEKS
•Supporting Rural Utility Systems •Tool Supply and Repair to be discussed include the
since 1935 •Rubber Insulating Equipment following but are not limited
•Full-line Supplier of Utility Products •Certified Dielectric Testing Services to:safety,work management,
•Most Extensive Offering of Utility •On-site Testing budget planning,mutual aid/
Technical Support Services •Arc Flash and FR Clothing Systems emergency preparedness,
•Superior Emergency Support Staff •Custom Grounds and Jun,oers and finances.
Eagan,MN Fargo,ND Register by Aug.10 for best NORTHWEST LINEMAN COLLEGE
763.588.0545 800.742.8054 rate.Deadline to register is Be someone the world looks op Ci
IRBY f ELECTRICAL DISTRIReTOR Aug.20. APPLY TODAY --
nm ARL COtuhoonED TO BEING.urc UTILITY re.000Cr,&SOLUTION,'SOVlnrc. CAREER.LINEMAN.EOU//(8001338-8875//NLCIAIINEMAN.EDN
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194
Understanding how EV drivers make decisions about charging I American Public Power ... Page 1 of 11
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Understanding how EV drivers make
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July 12,2018 Elisa Wood(/people/elisa-Wood)
Home(/) / Periodical /Article / Understanding how EV drivers make decisions about charging SHARE THIS
The transportation sector, specifically electric vehicles, is a whole new world for utilities.
Indeed, EVs are a whole new world for everyone.
In theory, EV charging offers opportunity for public power utilities. As electricity sales
otherwise flatten, EVs create new demand.
As public power utilities begin to scope out getting involved in EV charging, significant
questions loom about how people will charge EVs: Where will they charge, when will
they charge, and how will they react to price signals and other motivators?
https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/und e standing-how-ev-drivers-make-decisi... 7/30/2018
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Fortunately, some pioneers and researchers are beginning to tease out answers. Even
though EVs remain nascent in use, certain charging patterns are emerging.
"We don't really even understand how people drive their conventional vehicles," said
Jamie Dunckley, a data scientist at the Electric Power Research Institute, who has
researched EV charging in partnership with about 35 utilities. "People drive their cars 5
percent of the day, and 95 percent of the time they are parked and could be charging."
New phobia: Charge anxiety
Initially, "range anxiety" — the concern of a driver about having fewer miles of charge on
a battery than the distance to a charging station — served as an inhibitor to EV growth.
But with more chargers now installed, range anxiety is giving way to a new fear, what
Dunckley calls "charge anxiety."
"You are confident that you can get to a station. But when you get there, will it be
working? Will there be a big line? And is the network I'm part of(e.g., Blink, ChargePoint,
EVgo) compatible with the network where I stop? Will I be able to pay?" she said.
Tesla appears to be aware of this issue and prides itself on producing reliable charging
stations where lines are short. As a result, the company's charging stations are receiving
favorable reviews from customers, she said.
But for people who don't own Teslas, "it's a smattering of different networks," Dunckley
said. The business model for charging stations remains undeveloped, so a sizable
number are run by startups that tend to "either flop or change their business model,"
she said. As a result, service stations fall into disrepair.
No quick remedy exists. Having utilities own and operate the charging stations is one
possibility. However, the investment in charging infrastructure requires first
understanding the business case for the utility, when and where customers would want
to charge, and any state rules or regulations regarding utility involvement in EV
charging.
"Each state, each utility is different. And if you think about long-distance driving, you are
going to be crossing from one utility territory to another," said Dunckley.
For now, charge anxiety might require time and market maturity to quell.
https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/under
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Understanding how EV drivers make decisions about charging I American Public Power ... Page 3 of 11
Where to Locate chargers
Minnesota's Elk River Municipal Utilities, a public power utility within commuting
distance of Minneapolis-St. Paul, has learned the importance of location when it comes
to charging stations.
The utility installed two public chargers — a 24o-volt Level 2 charger and a 480-volt DC
fast charger — that are powered by Zoo percent renewable energy. In addition, ERMU
recently purchased a second Level 2 EV charger, which will be located at ERMU's
headquarters and will serve its own and the city's fleets.
ERMU's goal is to garner data about charging patterns and preferences that it can share
with the broader utility industry, in keeping with a grant it received through the
American Public Power Association's Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency
Developments program. The utility is working with the city of Elk River and FleetCarma,
which provides utilities with technology and services to plan for EVs and support
charging operations.
Utilities win praise from EV supporters when they install new charging stations. But
others, such as store owners whose income is tied to gasoline sales, are not always
happy with the move. ERMU contemplated this problem and came up with a diplomatic
solution: Make potential competitors into partners.
"We intentionally tried to identify some adversaries and make them partners. We knew
that convenience stores and gas stations were probably not going to be happy about
electric vehicles and electric vehicle public chargers," said Troy Adams, ERMU's general
manager.
Such partnerships benefit both the store owners and the EV owners. While the vehicle
charges, the owner is likely to shop, providing revenue for the convenience store. In
addition, the customers can get a cup of coffee while waiting, which speaks to another
important consideration in terms of location: Is there a way EV owners can occupy their
time while waiting for a vehicle to charge?
"We tried to locate the chargers on heavily trafficked corridors, but also close to
businesses that can support someone walking there, having a cup of coffee, having a
doughnut. Our DC fast charger is by a fuel station, a grocery store, a liquor store. You
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Understanding how EV drivers make decisions about charging I American Public Power ... Page 4 of 11
can walk to them easily within two or three minutes. Plug in your vehicle, run some
errands, and come back," said Tom Sagstetter, ERMU conservation and key accounts
manager.
Is nighttime the right time?
Like many utilities investing in EV charging, ERMU found appeal in the load pattern
changes EVs offer. The expectation is that EV owners will do most of their charging
when demand for electricity is otherwise low and supply at a surplus.
"From the highest level, we started looking at EV as a part of a strategic planning
initiative. We identified EVs as one of the very unique opportunities where we can grow
load at the right time of the day while being environmentally responsible," Adams said.
The "right time" is nighttime in Elk River's home state of Minnesota — and in most
places.
California, however, is becoming an exception, with its vast amount of renewable
energy leading to a daytime energy surplus. Sacramento Municipal Utility District, an
early leader in researching EVs, is exploring how to encourage daytime charging.
Potential exists to help tackle California's infamous "duck curve" by encouraging some
EV charging during the day, according to Lupe Jimenez, manager for electric
transportation and energy storage research and development at SMUD. The duck curve
is a graphic representation of the flood of solar energy that creates a daytime energy
surplus. The surplus is depicted in the form of a fat duck belly. Jimenez sees the
possibility of trimming the chart's belly by absorbing the energy through EV charging
during the day.
"As renewables continue to proliferate and as electric vehicles become more common,
we are going to have the opportunity to help shape that in real time, and we'd rather get
ahead of it than wait until it's a problem," Jimenez said.
Of course, many people are not at home during the day; they are at work. So,
encouraging employers to install EV charging stations is key to shifting the demand
pattern.
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There are good reasons for employers to do so. For one thing, the presence of EV
charging stations improves the business' image as a forward-looking, sustainable
enterprise. Businesses also may offer charging as an employee benefit.
But Jimenez points out that many obstacles must be overcome before employers
readily embrace EV charging. Capital costs for installation can be high. The employer
might not have the space within a parking lot for the chargers. Moreover, many simply
know little about EVs and how to install chargers. On top of that, administering the
programs creates new work. If there is not a 1:1 ratio of chargers to EVs, who gets to
charge first? Is it first-come, first-served, or should the employer create a schedule for
who charges when? And who pays for the electricity — the employer or the employee?
To help with the cost, SMUD offers customers a S1,500 incentive for each Level 2
charging station. Business customers can take advantage of the incentive for installing
up to 20 chargers per location. SMUD also offers up to $120,000 for DC fast charging
stations with public access.
EPRI's Dunckley pointed out that EV drivers tend to be clustered in terms of geography.
Often they are centered in high-income areas, not evenly spread out over a service
territory. This will affect how utilities use them in managing load and planning capacity.
"It's something to consider — not necessarily a bad thing, but something to watch for."
Changing fuels and changing habits
How people pay for electric refueling, not just how much they are charged, has an
impact on habits and expectations, a lesson learned by ERMU.
Unlike EV operators, most drivers of gasoline-powered cars fall into common refueling
patterns. One popular habit is to wait until the gas needle hits near full and then "top off"
the tank with two or three clicks (shut-offs) of the pump handle.
Another is to "run on empty," which is the habit of putting just enough gas in the tank to
get you from point A to point B and maybe back again. This is the "pump upon need"
model.
When ERMU studied EV driver behavior, it found some resistance to the charging fees it
levied on its users — one for the connection and the other for the energy itself. It turned
out that the resistance was a result of drivers' EV charging needs.
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"Our rate design works well if you are going to completely charge your vehicle. Our
initial observation of behavior is that it doesn't work well if you are going to just charge
for 15 minutes to grab milk," Adams said.
The ERMU study found that the source of concern centered on unique EV driver
behavior. Drivers liked to "top p u " their vehicle while out running errands. The practice
let them put in a few kilowatt-hours of charge to get them through the day. They then
did the bulk of their charging at home at night. The fixed connection fee made the cost
for just a few kWh very high and noncompetitive with third-party stations that have
nominal fees.
The fact that most EV charging occurs at home could provide a challenge to utilities
that seek to use connection fees to recover the costs of installing public charging units.
In general, time-of-use rates seem to hold appeal, at least to early adopters. EPRI
tracked 100 EVs over 18 months, gathering data every minute. Researchers found that
even Tesla buyers — those driving vehicles that can cost in the six figures — "shifted
their behavior to save a couple of dollars," Dunckley said.
"When there is a time-of-use rate effectively communicated, EV drivers — at least in
two studies I've been working on — adhered to them across the board," she said.
EV charging is opening new opportunity for utility supply and demand, but it requires
careful thinking about the logistics of getting customers to plug in at the right time.
Understanding the inspirations and anxieties behind EV charging behavior not only
helps utilities make effective installation investments, but also creates happier EV
owners, which makes more of them, opening up a new business path for electric
utilities.
Incentivizing electric
Charging electric vehicles offers benefits to utilities whether as a new source of
electricity sales or a load management tool. So, how does a utility encourage more EVs
in its service territory? That's the topic of an ongoing Electric Power Research Institute
study with eight utilities.
The study, which finishes up in December 2018, looks at a range of triggers, from HOV
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lane availability to gasoline prices in various regions.
"What motivates someone in Hawaii might be different than what motivates someone in
Tennessee or Nebraska," said data scientist Jamie Dunckley.
A clear commonality is that EV owners are the best promotion for EVs. Utilities can play
a strong role in helping them have a good experience so they will encourage peers to
join the club.
"When someone buys an EV, it can be overwhelming in terms of thinking about what
they can do next and how charging works," she said. To address this problem, Dunckley
gave the example from Arizona's Salt River Project, which offers a $50 Amazon card to
EV buyers who provide their contact information. The public power utility then includes
them in a group that receives educational information and invitations to EV events.
"If the EV owners are having a great time with their EVs, they will tell other people about
it," she said.
Tags Infrastructure (/Tags/Infrastructure)
Topics Electric Vehicles (/Topic/Electric-Vehicles)
https://www.publicpower.org/periodical/article/understanding-how-ev-drivers-make-decisi... 7/30/2018