6.1e ERMUSR 07-13-2021______________________________________________________________________________
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:
ERMU Commission
FROM:
Tom Sagstetter – Conservation & Key Accounts Manager
MEETING DATE:
July 13, 2021
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
6.1e
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
• In the last 30 days, the level two charger located downtown had 9 sessions and provided
customers with 110 kWh of green energy. The DC fast charger at the Coborn’s fuel
station had 58 sessions and provided 760 kWh. The charger in the ERMU/City Hall
parking lot had 8 sessions and provided customers with 68 kWh. There was a total of 75
charging sessions and 938 kWh of energy provided over the last 30 days.
• ERMU has signed a contract with New Look Contracting, Inc. to install the conduit in the
concrete for the solar picnic shelter, part of the Orono Park construction project. The
cost for the conduit is approximately $1,400. It will allow for easier installation of the
solar array on the roof of the structure in 2022.
• ERPD utilized two electric bikes to patrol Elk River Fest. One was purchased by ERPD,
and the other bike was purchased by the City through the Energy City Commission. The
officers stated that they liked the bikes and that they made patrolling easier.
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• Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association is monitoring and providing information on a
new water assistance program that is aimed at helping utilities get paid for overdue
water bills. This assistance is separate from and in addition to federal assistance being
processed through Minnesota Housing. The Department of Commerce is conducting a
webinar for water suppliers on July 14 at 3:00 p.m. to unveil the water assistance
program.
• Attended the grand opening of the Connexus Sunflower I in Baldwin Township. This new
solar array integrates prairie plants on site and is connected directly to Connexus’
distribution grid where it will be used to power an estimated 594 residential customers.
The installation has the capability to produce a total of 3 MW. The array covers 15 acres
and is composed of 9,720 panels that are 380 watts each. The major selling point of this
installation is that the land can be used three ways; 1) produce electricity for Connexus
to directly serve customers locally, 2) provide a cash crop of native seeds for Prairie
Restorations Inc to use or sell, and 3) provides the perfect habitat for pollinators like
bees that produce high grade honey.
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