6.1a ERMUSR 03-11-2025UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU CommissionMark Hanson– General Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
March 11, 20256.1a
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust denied the adjacent homeowner’s claim for
our water main break at 175th Street and Polk Avenue. The adjustor said there was no
negligence in our maintenance practices nor our responseto the break. The leak and the
road have both been repaired, although the road will need to be repaved in the spring when
the asphalt plants open. The adjustor estimates the homeowner may have upwards of
$10K-$15K in landscape and structural repairs that will likely not be covered by his
insurance.
Commissioner Zerwas, Commissioner Bell, Governance & Communications Manager Tony
Mauren, and I attended the 2025 American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Legislative
Rally in Washington, D.C., February 24-27. APPA offered great sessions on their
recommended legislative priorities. The entire Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association
(MMUA) delegation met with Senators Klobuchar and Smith on Wednesday morning, both
senators were very supportive of our priorities (attached). In the afternoon, the ERMU
contingent had a great meeting with Congressman Emmer. He reassured us he was
supportive of our top three asks (tax free municipal bonding, elective pay, and permitting
reform) and would work to gain additional support in the House.
The Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) Board of Directors met February 18, 2025,
at Chaska City Hall in Chaska, Minnesota and via videoconference. Commissioner Stewart
and I attended. The public summary follows:
o Management reviewed 2024 performance. A presentation summary is attached.
o The Board reviewed the Agency’s financial/operating performance for January 2025.
o Participation in the residential Clean Energy Choice program increased by 36
customers. Customer penetration for the program is 6.0%.
o The Board discussed the status of renewable projects the Agency is pursuing.
o The amendment to MMPA’s Agency Agreement regarding the calculation of
weighted voting totals has been filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office.
ATTACHMENTS:
MMUA Federal Legislative Priorities
MMPA's 2024 Year in Review Summary
______________________________________________________________________________
Page 1 of 1
134
135
136
2024 Year in Review Summary
Rates 8% Lower than Competitive Benchmark
Generated Carbon Free Energy Equal to 48% of Energy Needs
Began Development of Two Solar Projects
Received $4.2 Million Direct Pay of Investment Tax Credit for Hometown
BioEnergy Renewable Natural Gas Project
Net Income of $23 Million
Unrestricted Cash Increased by $11 Million Because of Two Large Land Purchases
for Solar Projects
2025 Budget Average Rate to Members Equal to 2024
January and February 2025 Rates Equal than Budget
137