As summer temperatures rise, Muscatine Power and Water (MPW) leadership reminded the Board of Water, Electric and Communications Trustees that extreme heat can significantly strain the power grid due to increased energy demand.
Over the past several days, high temperatures underscored the value of local energy generation and additional capacity. Several advisories, warnings, and Maximum Generation Events were issued by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), of which MPW is a member. General Manager, Gage Huston, emphasized that hot, humid weather drives up electrical demand and stresses the grid.
Huston noted that MPW’s generation staff worked diligently to keep generating units operational, supporting the stability of the bulk electric system and ensuring uninterrupted service for the community.
“These extended high temperatures highlight the importance of dispatchable generating resources,” Huston said. “With more renewable, non-dispatchable energy sources coming online and many fossil fuel units being retired, reserve capacity is tightening. During periods of
high demand and low wind generation, dispatchable resources like those at Muscatine’s power plant help fill the gap.”
Huston also praised the Board’s decision to delay the retirement of Plant 1 (Units 7 and 8), originally scheduled for decommissioning in May 2022. The units now operate as “peaking units”, activated during times of high demand or grid instability.
“The Trustees should be commended for their foresight,” Huston said. “Delaying the retirement of Plant 1 has protected MPW customers from risk during a time of grid reliability concerns and high market prices.”
He encouraged the public to follow MPW on Facebook and Instagram for updates on power watches, warnings and energy conservation tips during extreme weather.
In other business, the Board welcomed new member Kelly McGriff, director of compliance at HNI Corporation, who has experience in finance and accounting. McGriff was confirmed by the Muscatine City Council to fill the seat previously held by Steven Bradford.
“Kelly brings a unique set of skills and insights that align with the Utility’s strategic goals,” Huston said. “We are confident his leadership will benefit MPW as we navigate the evolving utility landscape.”
Huston also thanked Bradford for his 12 years of dedicated service.
“Steven graciously contributed his time and knowledge for the betterment of MPW,” said Huston. “We are grateful to for his insight and dedication to the Muscatine community and to MPW’s customers. I am personally grateful for the guidance, insight, and wisdom that Steven
provided me as I transitioned into the General Manager role in 2019.”
MPW’s Customer Appreciation Day, held June 7, drew more than 600 guests. Attendees participated in hands-on-field demonstrations and engaged with various departments. The event, held every three years, is tentatively scheduled to return in 2028 to coincide with the
launch of MPW’s new generating unit, EcoGen 10.
MPW net income for May was $1.2 million, which was about $1.5 million better than budget. Much of the variance was driven by a one-time accounting adjustment that booked a portion of A&G costs to ongoing capital projects. MPW’s generation assets performed well in the
wholesale markets in May, providing wholesale revenues 6% better than budget and 36% higher than May 2024. This was driven primarily by higher natural gas prices, which drove wholesale market prices up. Revenues for the Water and Communications utilities were each
within 1% of budget for the month of May.
Lastly, Huston reminded Trustees of a customer survey launched on June 23. Residential customers with an email on file received invitations to participate, and the survey is also available in the MPW lobby.
“As a municipal utility, MPW values customer feedback,” Huston said. “It helps shape and improve our services, putting customers in the role of advisors in our continuous improvement journey.”
In other action, the Trustees:
- Approved payment for May 2025 expenditures and transactions for a total of $8,871,668.90
- Received the revised/updated Board Policy Manual for review
- Approved the recommendation to elect 2025/2026 Board Officers & appoint Board Committee members
- Approved a resolution recognizing Steven Bradford for years of service as a Trustee of the Board of Water, Electric and Communications of the City of Muscatine, Iowa