SMMPA issues updated sustainability report

Despite a pandemic-challenged year, SMMPA has moved forward undeterred in pursuing the objectives set in SMMPA 2.0.  At its core – SMMPA 2.0 is focused on both environmental and economic sustainability.  We are committed to significantly reducing our carbon footprint while maintaining reliable and affordable wholesale energy to our 18-member municipal utilities.

In our third edition of this brochure, we will again highlight actions we plan to take in the future and actions we are taking today.  It is a mix of new activities as well as an update on some longstanding efforts. 

 

Click here to download our brochure, which highlights some of the activities that are part of SMMPA’s overall commitment to sustainability under both definitions.

Did You Know?

SMMPA member utilities provide rebates on many ENERGY STAR® certified products – including appliances, lighting products, air conditioners, smart thermostats, heat pump water heaters, and commercial food service equipment.

 

Products like appliances come with two price tags - the purchase price and the cost of operating the product.  ENERGY STAR certified products help consumers save money on operating costs by reducing energy use without sacrificing performance.  Products must meet strict energy efficiency specifications and use less energy, which helps to reduce environmental impacts.

 

Plus, you’ll save even more with a utility rebate!  Rebate forms are available by clicking here and selecting your utility.

 

Learn more about ENERGY STAR and get guidance choosing the right products for your home or business here: www.energystar.gov.

 

ENERGY STAR, the simple choice for saving energy!

Agency receives national energy innovator award

Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) received an American Public Power Association Energy Innovator Award during APPA’s National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The award honors utilities that have developed or applied creative, energy-efficient techniques and technologies to their work, to provide better service to electric customers or projects that increase the efficiency of utility operations or resource efficiency.

SMMPA’s Member Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Network was a collaboration between the agency, its member utilities, and ZEF Energy to facilitate the acceptance of electric vehicles and help with the transformation of both the electric utility and transportation industries. SMMPA provided each participating member a DC Fast Charger and two duel-port Level 2 chargers and the associated maintenance programs while member utilities located suitable sites and handled the installation.

“We are proud to have our members be recognized for their forward-thinking approach and innovative work to help facilitate greater adoption of electric vehicles within their communities,” said Dave Geschwind, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer for SMMPA.

This project will bring fast charging stations to the region and reduce range anxiety by providing EV owners with a quick charge when they are traveling longer distances. SMMPA has developed a blueprint for how to create an EV charging network across members within a joint action agency.

Implementing the EV network is part of the SMMPA 2.0 Strategic Initiative announced in 2020 that supports member utilities in providing affordable, reliable, and innovative service to their communities as SMMPA takes steps to reduce its carbon emissions by 90 percent by 2030.

Click here for our latest "Current" newsletter

Our newest issue highlights the challenges of delivering electricity during lengthy, extreme winter conditions; spotlights the energy efficiency efforts of Carris Health in Redwood Falls; addresses post-COVID load impacts 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 releases 2021 carbon report

The SMMPA 2.0 strategic initiative being implemented by Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) and its 18 member utilities will reduce our 2030 carbon levels 90% when compared to 2005 levels, and more importantly puts us on a path toward being 80 percent carbon-free going forward. Along with retiring our coal plant and adding new wind and solar generation to our portfolio, we will help facilitate the transition to cleaner electric vehicles, maintain our commitment to building out the transmission system and build on our award-winning energy efficiency programs.


We did not let a pandemic get in the way of taking action – we are reducing carbon emissions today all while continuing to provide reliable and affordable wholesale energy to our member utilities. Below you will learn about our continued progress in doing to reduce our carbon footprint and help address the issue of climate change.

Click here to download our brochure, which highlights some of the activities that are part of SMMPA’s overall commitment to reducing carbon.