additional steps toward expanding the Utility’s renewable energy portfolio by authorizing
General Manager, Gage Huston, to enter into a land lease agreement with Blackhawk Capital
Investments, LLC. Once the lease is executed, assessments can begin to determine the
suitability for a solar development.
This lease is the latest in a series of lease agreements the Utility is pursuing to evaluate
additional solar generation for Muscatine. MPW is already committed to building a 24-megawatt
(MW) solar farm – dubbed Muscatine Solar 1 – on 250 acres of land near the Grandview
Avenue and Hwy 61 intersection. That project has been delayed as MPW seeks Midcontinent
Independent System Operator (MISO) approval of the interconnection of that capacity to the
MISO grid. The Utility is considering additional sites for possible future expansion of its
renewable energy portfolio.
The newest land lease – in conjunction with Muscatine Solar 1 – provides an opportunity for
MPW to have up to approximately 88 MW of solar capacity. The possible expansions in
renewable energy align with MPW’s Powering The Future initiative, which seeks to sustain a
reliable, low-cost and more sustainable power supply for Muscatine.
The Board approved a revised project summary form for an emergency generator replacement
for the Utility’s administration and operations center for a total cost of $315,900. The cost
increase is attributed to a change in the fuel tank design due to limited existing fire protection,
and a sharp increase in material costs.
The emergency generator at this location is part of a redundant power supply configuration that
serves critical utility equipment, including electric and water system controls and
telecommunications (internet, video, phone) delivery equipment. The existing generator –
installed in 1980 – has reached the end of its useful life and is recommended for replacement to
maintain power supply reliability.
The Utility will be commemorating Public Power Week, October 6-12, through various public
awareness activities. Sponsored by the American Public Power Association, the week-long
recognition is designed to honor municipal utilities and highlight the benefits public power
provides communities across the nation. Additional details will be available via the Utility’s
customer newsletter, social media, and MPW’s website.
MPW will once again be participating in the annual Community Block Party, scheduled for
Friday, September 13 at Discovery Park. Educational, fun activities will be offered by many local
organizations designed to inform the community about resources and services available in the
area. For the 2024 event, MPW will enhance its presence with the “MPW Fun Zone.” In addition
to the popular bucket-truck rides, Mr. Sparky and energy bike demonstrations, utility volunteers
will provide a “fix a water main” demonstration and activity, spinning prize wheel and a photo
booth with props offering.
MPW’s net income for the month was $441,000, outperforming budget ($6,000). The Electric
and Communications utilities performed better than budget; however, the Water utility
performed worse than budget ($177,000) due to lower sales (gallons) and the timing of
expenses for well and related pumps refurbishment. Weather was a partial driver for both lower
water and lower electric sales; wet and mild weather limited residential and commercial water
used during the month, and July on average was cooler than June, which reduced residential
electric sales.
In other business, the Trustees:
- Ratified payment of July 2024 expenditures and transactions totaling $8,924,033.94