MPW Solar Project One Step Closer to Securing Interconnection Agreement

Muscatine Power and Water’s (MPW) Powering the Future initiative took another step forward Tuesday when the Board of Trustees authorized General Manager Gage Huston to finalize negotiations with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and execute the generator interconnection agreement required for Muscatine Solar 1.

The agreement is the next milestone in the MISO interconnection process, establishing technical, operational, and financial obligations associated with connecting to the regional power grid, and allowing the project to continue toward construction completion and commercial operation.

Muscatine Solar 1 was originally submitted to the MISO interconnection queue in July 2021. The project faced delays related to the volume of projects awaiting evaluation, changing federal incentives and financing uncertainties. Earlier this year, MPW Trustees authorized an alternative ownership structure that enabled the Utility to acquire the project through a membership interest purchase agreement.

“This milestone represents years of planning, analysis and collaboration,” said Huston. “When the interconnection agreement gets fully executed, Muscatine Solar 1 can continue moving forward to deliver renewable energy and further diversifying our power portfolio.”

Located at MPW’s Grandview Wellfield, the solar facility is expected to generate approximately 53 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually while supporting MPW’s sustainability goals and diversifying energy resources.

To commemorate the milestone, MPW plans to hold a groundbreaking ceremony during Public Power Week, observed nationally October 4-10. The annual event, organized through the American Public Power Association, highlights the value of community-owned utilities and their role in serving residents and businesses.

“Holding the groundbreaking during Public Power Week provides an opportunity to celebrate not only this project’s progress, it also provides a visible example of public power in action – local leadership, long-term planning, and practical investment in a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for our community.” Huston said.

In a separate action supporting the Powering the Future initiative, Trustees approved a project summary form for MPW’s Unit 9 flue gas desulfurization water and bottom ash transport water effluent limitations guidelines project for a total of $14.6 million. The project is required to comply with updated US Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

“As we invest in the future of power generation, we must also maintain existing systems that provide reliable and affordable energy today,” Huston said. “Meeting environmental compliance requirements ensures we can continue generating power safely and responsibly for the community.”

July financial results remain strong, with net income of approximately $1.2 million, $33,000 favorable to budget, supported by strong wholesale market performance and favorable interest results. Energy Adjustment Clause (EAC) credits to customers totaled approximately $593,000 in July, marking 13 consecutive months of credits totaling about $3.1 million year to date. “The EAC program continues to provide meaningful savings for our customers,” said Jim Odean, director, finance & administrative services. “Strong wholesale results and sound financial management helped offset the lower retail revenue and keep July performance near budget.”

The Board of Trustees also:

• Approved July 2026 expenditures and transactions for a total of $10,926,919.68
• Approved a resolution recognizing Director Mark Roberts for his years of service at Muscatine Power and Water
• Approved a resolution asking the Muscatine City Council to designate October 4-10 as Public Power Week in the City of Muscatine