The Municipal Power Learning Academy (MPLA) is a dynamic two-day educational seminar designed to introduce you to the essentials of public power, the electric utility industry, MRES programs and services, and your utility's partnership with MRES. It's the perfect opportunity to build valuable relationships with other members and MRES staff.
The MPLA will be held in the new training facility at the MRES office:
Wednesday, Sept. 16
1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – Dinner with Friends (optional), location TBD
Thursday, Sept. 17
8 a.m. – noon
What's New?
The MPLA is a refreshed version of the former Municipal Power Leadership Academy with a sharper focus, streamlined sessions and new content tailored to meet the educational and workforce development needs of our members. Attendees can expect shorter, more engaging presentations, plus opportunities for targeted learning and interaction:
- Municipal Power-hour — 10-minute session son common topics of interest
- Breakout sessions
- Extended networking breaks
- Dinner with Friends the evening of Sept. 16 (optional)
Agenda
Wednesday, SEPT. 16
1:00 – 1:30 P.M. - Welcome
MRES and Our Relationship with Your Utility
Matt Schull | President & CEO
Learn how MRES partners with your municipal electric utility, including the S-1 wholesale power contract, the value of joint action and key services available to members.
1:30 – 2:00 P.M.
Electric Industry Trends
Terry Wolf | Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Gain a clearer understanding of the electric industry, the role of public power, and current trends and challenges facing municipal electric utilities today.
2:00 – 2:30 P.M.
Meeting Your Utility’s Energy Needs
Wendy Solheim | Operations Supervisor
Learn how MRES delivers reliable power to your community through its diverse power supply mix, transmission services and market operations.
2:30 – 3:00 P.M.
Networking Break
3:00 – 3:30 P.M.
Advocating for Your Utility
Kersten Johnson | Government Relations Liaison
Ben Gentz | Government Relations Liaison
Discover how MRES champions public power interests, influences policy and provides your utility with opportunities to engage in key advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal levels.
3:30 – 4:00 P.M.
Exploring Rates & Cost of Service
Evan Leebens | Senior Rate Analyst
Learn why effective rate setting is essential for your utility’s financial stability and how to clearly communicate rate changes to your customers.
4:00 – 4:30 P.M.
Serving Your Utility & Community
Alex Abplanalp | Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer
Explore MRES’ marketing and communications support, energy-related programs and services, and how the Member Services & Communications teams can help your utility strengthen customer and community engagement through strategic messaging, targeted programs and outreach efforts.
4:30 – 5:30 P.M.
Break & Hotel Check-in
5:30 – 8:00 P.M.
Dinner with Friends
Join us for a casual evening at a local restaurant for a social hour followed by dinner. MRES will provide a bus to/from a local restaurant. The bus will depart from the MRES parking lot at 5:30 p.m. and leave the restaurant
at 8:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 17
7:30 – 8:30 A.M.
Light Breakfast & Networking Opportunity
8:30 – 9:30 A.M.
Municipal Power Hour
Quick, 10-minute overviews of key topics and important services available to members:
- Communications – Hear how the MRES Communications team can support your utility’s marketing and communications efforts. We’ll highlight the Value of Public Power program and other resources available to help keep your customers, employees and stakeholders informed.
Valerie Larson-Holmes | Director of Communications
- Cybersecurity – Learn about the practical, hands-on approach MRES takes to assist your utility with cybersecurity needs, including assessments, trusted advisor options and annual training.
John Bade | Cybersecurity Architect II
- Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) – Hear a high-level overview of current trends in DERs and learn about MRES resources designed to help your utility handle everything from residential solar to small wind turbines.
Derek Bertsch | Senior Regulatory & Contracts Counsel
- Key Accounts – Learn what key accounts are and why they’re important in your community.
Lisa Fischer | Energy Services Field Supervisor
- Bright Energy Choices – Learn about MRES’ green energy program, which allows your utility and/or your customers to purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) to offset carbon-based energy usage.
Andrew Johnson | Leadership & Workforce Development Strategist
- Scheduling Members’ Power – Discover how the operations team works around the clock to meet your utility’s power needs.
Wendy Solheim | Operations Supervisor
9:30 – 10:15 A.M.
Breakout Sessions
Take your pick of these short 10- to 20-minute presentations followed by open Q&A forums:
Training Room
- Modernizing Your Utility – Learn about today’s advanced technology solutions, including MRES-hosted services and CIS/Billing assistance.
Brad Lingen | Smart Grid Technical Supervisor
PS&O Conference Room
- Transmission Services – Learn more about the transmission services MRES provides as a core benefit to your utility.
Richard Dahl | Director of Transmission Services
MSC Conference Room
- Leadership, Workforce & Community Development Opportunities – Explore the various trainings, conferences, strategic planning services and cost-share opportunities MRES provides your utility.
Andrew Johnson | Leadership & Workforce Development Strategist
10:15 – 10:45 AM
Networking Break & Tour of the MRES Building
10:45 AM – NOON
Effective Board Governance
Dan Harmelink | General Counsel & Vice President, Legal
Understand the responsibility of governing and managing your municipal utility, the city-utility relationship, and being engaged in governance through strong policy construction and support.
NOON
Closing Remarks & Lunch
Boxed lunches – members can stay and eat/visit or grab a boxed lunch and go.
MPLA Toolkit
Once you attend the MPLA, your city/utility will receive one toolkit that includes many webinars and resources to help you on your journey. If you’re unable to attend the MPLA but still need these resources, please contact us at info@mrenergy.com to find out about our cost-share of this incredible resource for members.
Who Should Attend?
The MPLA is an ideal setting for new or recently promoted staff — especially people in leadership roles — as well as local policymakers, such as city council or utility board members.
Registration and Cost
Please register by Aug. 25.
The course fee is $99 per person, which includes all materials, an educational toolkit, snacks and meals. If your utility has previously received the MPLA Toolkit, you will receive any updated material that has been replaced in or added to the toolkit.
Lodging
MRES has arranged discounted lodging at the Homewood Suites, next door to the MRES office.
Homewood Suites (by Hilton)
3600 W Avera Dr
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone: 605-338-8585
Rates are $129 plus taxes for a studio queen room. Rooms must be reserved by Aug. 25.