Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency’s (SMMPA) member municipal utilities have committed to establishing an electric vehicle (EV) charging network to help facilitate the transition to EVs in Greater Minnesota. Participating members will be installing a DC Fast Charger and two dual-port level 2 chargers in each of their communities by the end of 2020.
“It’s a great opportunity and an important first step to facilitate acceptance of electric vehicles, an amazing technology that will transform both the electric utility and transportation industries,” says Chris Schoenherr, SMMPA’s Director of Agency and Government Relations and Chief External Affairs Officer.
Since 90 percent of EV charging typically occurs in the owner’s garage at night, when electric demand is low, Schoenherr says utilities can generally handle that load without additional generation. However, the lack of public charging stations in most communities is a major barrier to consumers making the switch because of “range anxiety” – the fear they may not be able to reach distant destinations.
“Regardless of whether you are a small or large community, there is strength in numbers that creates economies of scale and sends a consistent message to our customers,” says Joe Hoffman, SMMPA Board President and Preston Public Utilities General Manager. “As a board, we felt it was critical to move forward together on this key initiative that will help our communities.”
SMMPA is partnering with ZEF Energy, the largest independently owned and operated DC Fast Charging Network in Minnesota and Wisconsin. SMMPA will purchase the chargers from ZEF Energy and transfer ownership to its member utilities. SMMPA will cover the cost of maintenance.
ZEF Energy was selected by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to install charging stations as part of the Volkswagen settlement. With SMMPA working on a similar timeline, ZEF Energy was able to leverage its expertise and purchasing power to create a package that was viable for SMMPA members.
“SMMPA is taking a market-leading approach,” says Matthew Blackler, CEO of ZEF Energy. “It is removing a major barrier to EV ownership by making charging and cross-state travel as convenient and accessible as possible.”
The DC Fast Chargers provide EV owners with a quick charge when they are traveling longer distances. The Level 2 chargers provide a charging option for EV owners while they are shopping, dining at a restaurant or conducting other business in town.
SMMPA member utilities are currently identifying potential sites for the chargers. Businesses that are interested in potentially being a site host for one of the chargers should contact their local SMMPA member utility.
Schoenherr expects it will take some time before the chargers are being fully utilized.
“In the utility business, we think long-term. A transformation begins with one step, and we are taking our first step today.”
Agency completes $26 million bond issuance, secures rating upgrade from Fitch
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) completed a $26 million issuance on October 8, 2019, putting in place long-term financing for the Agency’s investment in the Badger-Coulee transmission line, which was energized in December of 2018. The 161-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line from the Briggs Road Substation north of La Crosse, WI to northern Dane County near Madison, WI addresses electric system reliability issues locally and in the Midwest, providing economic savings and supports renewable energy policy. SMMPA was able to invest in the line based on its earlier participation in the broader CapX2020 initiative to expand transmission infrastructure in the upper Midwest.
The recent $26 million financing marks the first time SMMPA utilized project financing, allowing SMMPA members Austin and Rochester to continue project participation in the transmission line post 2030 when their current power supply agreements expire.
As part of the bond issuance process, SMMPA met with the various rating agencies. Fitch Ratings upgraded SMMPA’s power supply system revenue bonds to ‘AA-’ from ‘A+’ in September based on the Agency’s strong financial profile. The outlook for the rating is ‘Stable’. SMMPA is now one of only five joint action agencies to have this rating from Fitch. S&P and Moody’s affirmed their current ratings of A+ and A1, respectively.
Based on SMMPA’s strong financial position, the Agency was able to put the long-term Badger-Coulee financing in place at an all-in true interest rate of 2.2%, the lowest rate in SMMPA’s history.
Up to $3,500 special rebate on a Nissan LEAF® for SMMPA member utilities' customers through Jan. 2
Join us in making a difference!
As part of our effort to accelerate electric vehicles in our member communities, we are pleased to share that customers of our member utilities are eligible to receive up to $3,500 off MSRP from Nissan on the purchase of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF®. Plus, you may be eligible for up to $7,500 in potential Federal tax incentives. See this flyer for details and restrictions.
Simply bring a copy of this flyer , both the front and back pages, along with your monthly electric bill from a SMMPA member utility to your participating Nissan dealership (must be presented at time of purchase).
HURRY - This limited-time offer expires January 2, 2020.
Click here for our latest "Current" newsletter
Our newest issue features articles on member solar projects on the horizion, Hy-Vee energy efficiency efforts in Austin, the Agency’s newest wind resource and more. This edition of the Current is available here and in the Financials section of the website.
If you would like to be put on the mailing list to receive Current directly (either by mail or electronically via email) please click here and provide your name and mailing or email address.
SMMPA and its Members Partner With ENERGY STAR’s Laundry Campaign
Clothes washers that have earned the ENERGY STAR® deliver superior efficiency and performance by incorporating advanced features that make cleaning easier and more effective while saving money on your energy bills.
You can save even more with a utility rebate!
SMMPA member utilities offer rebates of up to $100 on the purchase of new ENERGY STAR clothes washers. Rebate forms are available by clicking here and selecting your utility.
Clothes washers that have earned the ENERGY STAR use 25% less energy and approximately 33% less water than standard models and use a variety of sophisticated cleaning methods that deliver on performance while being gentler on your clothes. Learn more and get guidance choosing the right clothes washer for your home here.
Check out our latest "Current" newsletter
Our newest issue features articles on the changing landscape of the electric vehicle market, APPA safety recognition, member response to extreme cold last winter, and more. This edition of the Current is available here and in the Financials section of the website.
If you would like to be put on the mailing list to receive Current directly (either by mail or electronically via email) please click here and provide your name and mailing or email address.
