Interest In your

[Pages:8]SEPTEMBER 2021

In this issue

Annual Meeting

2

Annual Meeting

Bus Schedule

3

Fall Local Member Meetings Schedule 3

New Xcel Energy CEO 4

Miinnesota Clean Energy

Sector Update

4

Hoot Lake PlantRetires 5

Old Coal Plant Afterlives 6

Accolades

7

MUI Membership Form 8

Minnesota Utility Investors (MUI) is a statewide, grassroots nonprofit organization designed to inform, involve and engage investors of Minnesota energy utilities. Founded in 1990, MUI is the largest energy investor organization in the U.S. with nearly 23,000 members.

VOL. 31 NO. 3

InIntyouer rest

A POSITIVE, CREDIBLE AND INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR MINNESOTA UTILITY INVESTORS

Welc e back!

Annual Meeting

Monday, October 4, 2021

Earle Brown Heritage Center 6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN

We see

are y

eager live and

in-pers !

Welc e back!

YOU ARE INVITED TO A COMPLIMENTARY EVENT

Annual Meeting

Monday, October 4, 2021

Earle Brown Heritage Center 6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN

Schedule

8:00 a.m. ? 11:30 a.m. Registration, exhibits,

coffee, treats

9:30 a.m. ? 10:30 a.m. Session 1 Seminars

10:50 a.m. ? 11:50 p.m. Session 2 Seminars

12:15 p.m. ? 1:45 p.m. Lunch and speakers

12:30 p.m. Welcome

12:40 p.m. Keynote: Bethany Owen,

Allete

1:05 p.m. Lunch

1:30 p.m. Additional thanks/BINGO

1:35 p.m. Door prizes

1:45 p.m. Adjourn

Exhibitors

? ALLETE ? Alliant Energy ? CenterPoint ? Otter Tail Corp

? Xcel Energy ? MDU Resources ? Nuclear Energy Info ? MUI and more!

Session 1 ? 9:30 a.m. SEMINAR A: Xcel Energy Generating Carbon-Free Hydrogen from Nuclear Power. Learn about a pilot project using a method of generating hydrogen called High Temperature Steam Electrolysis (HTSE), which uses water, steam, and electricity from the nuclear plant to generate hydrogen.

SEMINAR B: Get an overview of MISO (Minnesota's electric grid) as well as hear how the grid held up with the February cold snap and the Summer's heat as well as the impact of increasing amounts of renewable energy.

Session 2 ? 10:50 a.m. SEMINAR C: Electric Vehicles--This seminar will be a mix of EV 101, technology overview, market trends, current events, and what's coming down the pike as well as the potential impact on electric utilities.

SEMINAR D: How are utilities faring in the current market? Over-valued? Under-valued? At this seminar you will learn how utilities are doing as well as future potential growth opportunities with utility stocks

Need a ride?

Catch a bus (for FREE) to the Annual Meeting from 10 locations throughout Minnesota. Buses are only

for MUI members. See page 3 for info.

Wheel of Energy, Minnesota Trivia games, and MUI Scavenger Hunt

TO REGISTER:

Go to or call 651-227-7902 or 1-888-850-5171

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, September 24, 2021

2

SEPTEMBER 2021

In your INTEREST

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULE

Catch a Ride to MUI's Annual Meeting

City Bloomington Eden Prairie Lakeville Mankato Rochester Sartell St. Cloud

St. Stephens

South St. Paul Vadnais Heights

Meet time 8:05 AM 8:15 AM 7:30 AM 6:50 AM 6:20 PM 7:00 AM 7:30 AM

6:30 AM

8:00 AM 8:30 AM

Depart time 8:15 AM 8:25 AM 7:40 AM 7:00 AM 6:30 PM 7:15 AM 7:45 AM

6:45 AM

8:10 AM 8:40 AM

Location Walmart parking lot (700 American Blvd E) Walmart parking lot (12195 Singletree Lane) Target parking lot (18275 Kenrick Ave.) Home Depot S. parking lot (375 St. Andrews Dr.) Kohl's parking lot (20 - 25th St. SE) Walmart parking lot (21 Country Rd 120) Runnings parking lot (501 Hwy 10 S) St. Stephens Church (103 County Rd 2 S) (park in lot across the street from Church) enVision Hotel parking lot (701 Concord Street S.) Walmart parking lot (850 East County Rd E)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Fall Local Member Meetings

Slowly Coming Back

This Fall we have scheduled 8 MUI Local Member meetings throughout Minnesota. It is our way to slowly, thoughtfully try to move forward to our normal course of meetings. The format of the meetings will be identical to past meetings (presentation; lunch; presentation/Q&A; MUI Bingo) but we may be limited on available speakers.

We are anxious to see everyone but not if you are uncomfortable attending. There will be more meetings in the future. We hope to be back to our regular schedule of meetings in the Spring 2021.

Date 09/08 at 11:30 AM

Meeting Area

Location

NorthEast Metro Area (Shoreview)

North Metro Event Center

09/09 at 11:30 AM

Bloomington Area

Bloomington Events Center, Knights of Columbus (NEW)

09/14 at 11:30 AM Mankato Area

Blue Earth County Historical Society (NEW LOCATION)

09/15 at 11:30 AM Baxter Area

Prairie Bay

09/15 at 5:30 PM St. Cloud Area Coyote Moon Grille

10/12 at 11:30 AM Fergus Falls

AmericInn (NEW LOCATION but still having American Legion Ribs)

10/13 at 11:30 AM Duluth Area

Radisson Hotel Duluth Harborview

10/14 at 11:30 AM Rochester Area Country Inn & Suites

VOL. 31 NO. 3

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NEWS BRIEFS

Power Industry Veteran

Taking the Reins at Xcel Energy

Bob Frenzel, CEO Xcel Energy

Bob Frenzel's introduction to the power industry came aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower. A lieutenant in the Navy, he helped run the two nuclear reactors that powered the ship.

Starting Wednesday, he'll be at the helm of Xcel Energy's large fleet of power generators, from nuclear to wind, gas, coal and solar.

chairman. Fowke's 10-year tenure was marked by aggressively moving into wind energy and setting a target of generating 100% clean energy by 2050 -- including closing Xcel's Minnesota coal plants by 2030.

Frenzel, 51, has been working within the power industry for much of his career. The Atlanta native went to Georgia Tech on an ROTC scholarship, attending the Navy's nuclear power school. He served for nearly six years on active duty, and another eight years in the Navy Reserve.

Frenzel takes the reins from Ben Fowke, who will retire as CEO but remain Minneapolis-based Xcel's executive

SOURCE: Star Tribune; August 14, 2021; Mike Hughlett.

Minnesota's clean energy sector

recovering from pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the Midwest clean energy job market hard, with more than 17,000 workers at one point filing for unemployment.

But the industry appears to be rebounding, according to an analysis of employment data released by the nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs) and Clean Energy Trust.

Clean energy companies employed 55,329 Minnesotans at the end of 2020, a 10.5% drop from 2019. This marks the first year-to-year decline since Clean Jobs Midwest began tracking Minnesotaclean energy jobs in 2017.

The clean energy jobs broken down by the report are: ? 41,148: energy efficiency ? 7,616: renewable energy ? 3,252: Advanced transportation ? 2,681: grid and storage ? 632: clean fuels

The report comes as Congress and President Joe Biden's administration considers legislation to spend billions in clean energy and clean vehicles.

SOURCE: Scott McClallen; The Center Square; August 12, 2021

ButMinnesota's cleanenergy sector grew by 10% in thesecond half of the year.

Minnesota's largest clean energy employment sector is energy efficiency,accounting for nearly 75% of the state's clean energy jobs. The advanced transportation sectorsaw ajobs increase of 2% for a total of 3,252 workers. Hybrid vehiclemanufacturingemployeesgrewby 4.9% to 1,544 workers. Electric-vehicle (EV) sector jobs grew by 7.4% to 787 workers. Wind energy jobs grew by 8% to 2,536 workers.

4

SEPTEMBER 2021

In your INTEREST

NEWS BRIEFS

Hoot Lake Plant Retires

On May 27, 2021, Otter Tail Power retired Hoot Lake Plant, marking the end of 100 years of coal-fired energy generation at the site. The plant, a 140-megawatt (MW) coal-fired generating facility in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, played a vital role in Otter Tail Power's history of generating safe, reliable, affordable energy.

Hoot Lake Plant's legacy

Otter Tail Power started generating electricity for customers at Dayton Hollow Dam on the Otter Tail River in 1909 and finished construction on the Hoot Lake hydroelectric plant in 1914.

2006. We commissioned Hoot Lake Plant's current coalfired operational units (Units 2 and 3) in 1959 and 1964, greatly increasing the plant's generation capacity from 5 MW to 145 MW.

Retiring the coal-fired facility

Otter Tail Power expects deconstruction to take 18 to 24 months, depending on weather and similar unknowns. Hydropower production will continue at the site, and they will continue to use an office building and two storage buildings. After deconstructing the coal-fired facility, the plant's former site will remain an open field in the short-term.

As their number of customers grew, they increased generating capacity, building 1,500-kilowatt steam generating units at the Hoot Lake site in 1921 and 1923. In 1948 they replaced those with Unit 1, which retired in

The recently completed Merricourt Wind Energy Center and Astoria Station are part of Otter Tail Power's plan to continue to meet customers' energy needs both now and into the future.

VOL. 31 NO. 3

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NEWS BRIEFS

The Surprisingly Stunning

Afterlives of Old Coal Plants

As the United States moves toward greener electricity production, old coal-fired power stations are being repurposed for the new demands of a cleaner economy.

For environmentalists, climate change advocates, and public-health experts, the only good news on coal has been about the industry's demise. Indeed, competition from cheaper natural gas, a boom in renewable energy, and tougher emissions regulations have forced coalfired power plants across the U.S. to close. While some opponents of the coal industry might want to see these fossil fuel relics flattened and sent to the dump, there are efforts to redevelop and preserve these important historical sites. Here, we'll show you some of the clever ways America's coal infrastructure is being repurposed. With the use of tax credits and re-development grants, some dusty old plants are being turned into positive resources for the community.

Blackhawk Generating Station, WI

One example is the Powerhouse, a decommissioned coalfired power plant that was converted into a student union, recreation center, and athletics facility at Beloit College in Wisconsin. This summer the Powerhouse has hosted a mix of low-income, first-generation, and minority students as part of a program to help them prepare for applying to postgraduate programs at Ivy League universities.

Commissioned as a coal-fired power plant in the early 1900s, the building now known as the Powerhouse once spewed clouds of dirty air into downtown Beloit, WI. Now, the site is helping young people plan for a brighter future.

Powerhouse Eatery, White Haven, PA

Old coal-fired power plants have in some cases become a destination. At the Powerhouse Eatery, diners are served dishes of oysters, lobster, and filet mignon in a space that used to supply power to a sanatorium. The plant was renovated to create a restaurant in 1989, maintaining much of the existing construction.

Power House, St. Louis, MO

Many original features were maintained in the redesign of the site now known as the Power House in St. Louis. Years ago you could see giant coal-burning mechanics through the 26-foot-tall windows in this 1928 power plant. In 2006, after the building sat vacant for 25 years, architectural design firm CannonDesign bought it and converted it into an environmentally friendly regional office.

Shamokin Dam, PA

More remote locations are proving to be attractive for new industrial purposes. The closure of a coal-fired power plant

News Briefs cont. on page 7

Some dusty old plants are being turned into positive resources for the community.

6

SEPTEMBER 2021

In your INTEREST

ACCOLADES

Accolades to recent MUI dues-paying members

Thank you to our MUI Supporting Members for their continued support! Those listed below represent members who have RENEWED their membership between May 14, 2021 ? August 16, 2021. The list is organized by state and then alphabetized by FIRST name. Members that are italicized have renewed for three year ? the rest for one year.

Renewing Supporting Members

CALIFORNIA: Mel Tindall; FLORIDA: David Gregorich; MINNESOTA: Al and Joanne Bodin, Alice and Don Michels, Alva Drusch, Ann Lewerer, Anthony Martino, Arlene Zimmerman, Arthur Buschena, Beth Shipway, Bill and Diane Ellis, Bob Schmall, Brent Brunn and Kristine Connett, C. Richard and Patricia Tedford, Carl and Janice Johnson, Carl and Lee Lehmann, Charles and Cheryl Stanek, Clifford and Mickey Wiklund, Curtis and Erika Soderbeck, Darryl and Mary Lou Skallet, Daryl Capistran, David and Constance Johnson, Delores E. Johnson, DeLoris Ringstead, Dick and Kay Tschida, Don and Judy Henderson, Donald and Diane Langlee, Dr. James and Linda Schwanebeck, Duane and Sharon Putikka, Ed and Lila Linner, Elaine Dacken, Elmer and Arlene Elsner, Erlana and James Biskey, Ervin and Dorothy Scherer, Fanny Austria, RN and Florante Austria, Fred and Dixie Lee Muellerleile, Garnet Muehlhausen, George and Ev Gerogeorge, George and Julianne Daleiden, Gerald and Kathy Nordos, Glen and Patricia Chadderdon, Jack and Carol Benson, Jack and Susan Sartell, James Thomas, Jane Lounsberry, Janice and Jerome Stefanich, Sr., Jerome G and Carol Schmidt, Jerry and Lucy Ulman, Jim and Julie McNearney, Jim Berhow, John and Betty Seelhammer, Joseph and Rosemary Niesen, Judith Witt and Michael Johnson, Kathy Probelski, Keith and Judy

Johnson, Ken and Jeri Neeser, Kenneth and La-iad Miller, Kris Olson and Michael Pliml, Larry and Cynthia Karels, Larry and Mary Fieldseth, Larry and Vickie Francisco, Leo and Lori Rogers, LeRoy Bergstrom, Lois Hall, Lou and Mildred Branca, Lucille Kirkeby, Marian Sonaglia, Marilyn Corrigan, Marion Hastings, Marty E. Friede, Mary Braun, Mary T Liljedahl, Michael J Larson and Marijane Tessman, Michael J. and Candace D. Metzger, Monica Lundquist, Neal and Sandy Gale, Neil Dacey, Noel A Nauman, Norbert and Anne Selbitschka, Norma and Roland Harms, Pamela Schilling and Dean Hodge, Pat and Kristi Johnson, Pat and Renee Buttweiler, Patricia Williamson, Patrick J. and Carol A. Scully, Paul and Ardys Randall, Phillip Hammond, Prof. Alexander and Ardell Nadesan, Ralph and Joan Brose, Ray and Georgianne Sams, Ray and Noemi Palmer, Ray Hario, Richard and Mary Wirt, Richard Johnson and Vera Brunsell, Robert and Harriet Henk, Robert Clough, Robert Holmstrom and Jennifer Nelson, Robert Holz, Robert Kolas, Robert Kramm, Roberta Thompson, Roger and Carolyn Lovik, Roger and Dot Anderson, Rolan Anderson, Russell Zuehlsdorff, Sharon Hance, Stan and Natalie Adler, Stanley Bonnema, Stephen Wilmes, Steven and Carol Herbst, Thomas and Louise Murphy, Thomas Pacholl, Thomas Ulmen, Tom and Eleanor Thelen, Virgil and Melva Panitzke, William F Mueller, Willis Erickson; ; NORTH DAKOTA: Bob Graveline; OREGON: Lynne and David LeBlanc; PENNSYLVANIA: Russell and Anna Mae Koons; SOUTH CAROLINA: H. Richard and Marlene Edlund; WISCONSIN: John and Carol Arthur; WEST VIRGINIA: Robert Paysen. G

News Briefs cont. from page 6

in Pennsylvania in 2014 opened up a 219 acre stretch along the Susquehanna River for redevelopment. The area now hosts a medical marijuana cultivation facility, as well as a natural gas power plant.

Mt. Tom Solar Farm, Holyoke, MA

The removal of a coal-fired power plant from the grid creates opportunities for cleaner energy generation. After one closed in Holyoke, MA, in 2014, a portion of its land was used to build a community solar project.

The site now contains lithium-ion batteries that enable the storage of up to 3 megawatts of solar-generated energy.

Completed in 2018, the 5.8-megawatt photovoltaic facility with battery storage is helping Massachusetts reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

SOURCE: Bloomberg Markets + Green; Dane Rhys, August 5, 2021

VOL. 31 NO. 3

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In Your Interest is a publication of Minnesota Utility Investors, and is published four times each year in March, June, September and December.

Phone: 651-227-7902 Toll Free: 1-888-850-5171

Email: mui@

President: Annette P. Henkel Office Manager: Lana Leonard

3460 Washington Drive #210 Eagan, MN 55122

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FERGUS FALLS, MN

PERMIT NO. 210

Help your family and friends become energy insiders!

Pass along this application.

Opportunities for Supporting Members

Join now to take advantage of the following:

? FREE Meeting attendance to ALL of our meetings for your household (valued well above the cost of an annual membership!)

? Free Edward Jones Selected Utility Data chart updated annually

? Opportunities to go on EXCLUSIVE MUI Member Energy Plant Tours

? Quarterly print newsletter delivered to your home

? Print invitations for all MUI events and opportunities

Gremaetm3b-eyresharip gifts!

TO JOIN simply complete this form and return with payment. Or call MUI at 1-888-850-5171 or 651-227-7902.

NAME

SPOUSE'S NAME (IF APPLICABLE)

ADDRESS

CITYSTATEZIP

PHONE

EMAIL

Member Dues

Two people per household included per membership. (Select one)

Annual Membership ($20) 3-year Membership ($50)*

*3-year Membership Gift Those that select 3-year Membership earn a free gift. (Select one)

MUI Collapsible Tote MUI Fabric Cooler

Membership Qualification

I have investments in the one or more of these Minnesota Investor-Owned Energy Utilities: (Check all that apply)

ALLETE CenterPoint Energy MDU Resources Group Otter Tail Corporation WEC Energy Group Xcel Energy

How to Join

Complete this form and return with a check (make payable to MUI) or call us to pay with a credit card at 651-227-7902 or 1-888-850-5171.

Please Mail to: Minnesota Utility Investors

3460 Washington Drive #210 Eagan, MN 55122

Our Supporting Members are Informed, Involved, and Engaged Investors.

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