The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program webpage is now available on IEDA’s website. Along with the webpage launch, there is a policies and procedures handbook available in the “Resources” section of the webpage with further details. Click the below link for more details.
 
Link: https://www.iowaeda.com/iowa-energy-office/energy-block-grant/
 
Here’s some highlights:

• The grant is estimated to open in January 2024
  • Eligible projects - The funding provided through this program may be used to implement a wide range of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.
  • Community fund
    • Eligible entities – cities and local governments
  • Innovation Fund
    • Eligible entities – cities, counties, nonprofits, or for profit entities in Iowa.
  • Timelines:
    

 

IAMU has installed a new phone system. Please see below for changes to be aware of:

• Phones are answered with an automated message; Press 1 for the Directory; Press 0 or remain on the line for the Receptionist
• Phones are answered between the hours of 8AM and 4PM
• You may leave a message and staff will forward it to the appropriate person or respond back within 24 hours
• The fax number and 1-800 number are no longer valid. Please contact the IAMU main line at 515-289-1999 or email webmaster@iamu.org if needing to contact someone via the previous means
  

We look forward to assisting you and appreciate your continued support to the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities.

IAMU has exciting news:  the Apprenticeship program is going 100% online!

During the last few years, our program has grown significantly, which has put a strain on the current testing system through Google Classroom.  As a result, we began the search for a new learning system that will accommodate our growing program.   IAMU has teamed up with Canvas, a learning management system that will become the one stop source for all things apprenticeship. 

Canvas gives us the ability to put program material, testing, and skills assessments all in one place. Managers and apprentices will be able to monitor progress through the program easily from a single location. The system also gives us the ability to enhance the apprenticeship program with some additional trainings, such as instructional videos and voice over PowerPoint presentations.

As with any implementation of new technology, there comes an increase in cost.  IAMU has been able to avoid a price increase for the apprenticeship program since 2020, however we will be applying a small price adjustment effective March of 2024.

Beginning March 2024, the yearly program fee will go from $1200 currently (additional fees apply to first year apprentices who complete placement testing, etc.) to $1300 per completed year.  Additionally, there will be a $100 technology fee billed annually per apprentice starting March 1, 2024.

We will be conducting instruction on the new system to make the transition to Canvas seamless for you and your apprentices.  Be looking for that in the near future.

As always, IAMU and the Electric Training Team are committed to providing an exceptional, high-quality apprenticeship program and we truly appreciate your continued support.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jared Masker jmasker@iamu.org or Troy Dejoode tdejoode@iamu.org .

Registration is open for the Complete Watt-Hour Metering Workshop!
January 22 – 26, 2024

Mistakes, tampering, and improper operation can turn your watt-hour meters into a large source of revenue loss! Gain valuable information on how to keep your meters humming with this workshop.

This workshop will be conducted by Larry Chapman of Chapman Metering Consultants. Mr. Chapman is a highly regarded expert on watt-hour meters, and is a strong supporter of IAMU and Iowa’s municipal utilities.
 
Learn how to keep your meters “in the black” with this workshop. A solid review of the Basics, combined with in-depth study of installation, troubleshooting, and tampering.

* Participants should bring their laptop computers to take full advantage of this opportunity *
 
For additional information about the workshop, including full agenda and registration, please click HERE.
 
Questions?
Contact Jared Masker at 515-289-5223 or jmasker@iamu.org

Registration is open for the 2024 IAMU Superintendent & Foreman’s Meeting! This year’s meeting will take place February 7 – 9, 2024 at the Courtyard by Marriott, 2405 SE Creekview Dr., Ankeny, IA 50021
 
* This workshop is specifically designed to cover topics of interest to electric superintendents and foremen *
 
The 2024 meeting highlights include:

• De-Escalation
• Forest Health Update
• Manager’s Tool Kit
• Beirer Metering
• Board Relations
• Responding to Trauma

 
Also returning is the Product Show & Reception.  Come socialize with fellow utility personnel and meet with exhibitors to see their latest products, technology, and services.
 
For additional information in regards to the meeting, including full agenda and registration, please click HERE.
 
Questions?
Contact Jared Masker at (515) 289-1223 or jmasker@iamu.org

Mark Your Calendars! The 30th Annual Water and Wastewater Operators Training Workshop will be held November 20-22, 2024 at Prairie Meadows Hotel and Casino in Altoona, Iowa.
 
Note that the 2024 Workshop is Wednesday- Friday. Details will be available in Fall 2024. We hope to see you there!

Thursday, December 7, 2023
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Still wondering if you are correctly entering illness or injury information on your company's OSHA
log? Are you confident of when to record and when not to? This webinar will explain the regulatory
requirements of OSHA's illness and injury recording and reporting standard. Attendees will be able
to assess injuries, or illnesses, and determine whether or not it meets the criteria of a new case
and when to keep a case open and what to do when the case is completed.

Webinar discussion will include first aid, employee involvement in your reporting system, and how
to inform employees of their right to report work-related injuries, or illnesses, free from
retaliation. The webinar will also include electronic reporting requirements, applicability, and
updates to the standard. Attendees will also learn how to complete the OSHA 300, 301, and 300A
forms and whose signature must be on the annual summary.

Who Should Attend the Webinar:

• If you are responsible for the entry of employee illness or injuries on the OSHA 300 log
• If your signature is on the 300A form
• If you have 11 or more employees at any time throughout the year (the threshold for reporting)
• If you have 20 employees in your utilities (water, electric, sewer, gas) departments (threshold for electronic reporting)
• If you are the person that needs to report a recordable injury to the staff person managing the OSHA 300 log

Don't wait, sign up now - CLICK HERE to register!

The State of Iowa received a direct federal allocation of funding to establish an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The EECBG program will be a competitive grant program consisting of a Community Fund and an Innovation Fund.
 
It is anticipated the EECBG program application will open early 2024 (January/February) in iowagrants.gov and will have a short application window. Therefore, potential applicants should be considering potential projects at this time. Here is a quick overview of the Community Fund and Innovation Fund. More details will be available when the application window opens in iowagrants.gov. Please share this information with potential applicants. Thank you.
 
Community Fund
Eligible applicants for the Community Fund are cities and counties that are not eligible to receive a formula EECBG direct allocation from the federal government.1 The Community Fund has a total of $1.2 million available for competitive grant awards to Iowa local governments for community-driven energy efficiency retrofit projects. Project awards may range from $50,000-$300,000. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. Project examples, include, but are not limited to, the following:
 

• Building energy assessment or audits plus energy efficiency upgrades
• Energy efficiency upgrades at wastewater or water supply facilities
• Replacement of traffic signals and streetlights to improve energy efficiency 

 
Cost share is not required for Community Fund applications, but applicants providing cost share will receive a scoring preference during application review. Project costs incurred before the approval of a grant award are not eligible. Eligible project costs include:
 

• Energy assessments/audits
• Developing and installing energy efficiency improvements
• Contracting for project development and/or implementation
• Direct administration costs
• Contracting for federal regulations compliance assistance

 
In support of the federal Justice40 Initiative, projects benefitting federal identified disadvantaged communities will receive a significant scoring preference during application review.
 
Construction or purchase of equipment cannot occur ahead of award selection and federal requirement clearance. The following federal requirements may apply to EECBG funded projects:

• National Environmental Policy Act
• Davis-Bacon Act
• Federal Procurement (2 CFR 200)
• Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
• Build America, Buy America

 
Questions may be directed to Jeff Geerts, jeff.geerts@iowaeda.com or 515.348.6211.
 
1 Local governments receiving a direct federal allocation of EECBG funds and therefore NOT eligible to apply to the State of Iowa’s EECBG Community Fund are: Ames, Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Cerro Gordo County, Council Bluffs, Clinton County, Dallas County, Davenport, Des Moines , Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa City, Johnson County, Linn County, Marion, Marshall County, Muscatine County, Polk County, Sioux City, Urbandale, Waterloo, Warren County, and West Des Moines.
 
Innovation Fund
Eligible applicants for the Innovation Fund include local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit entities. The Innovation Fund has a total of $600,000 available for competitive grant awards ranging from $50,000 up to $600,000. Eligible project types include innovative energy efficiency and innovative renewable energy demonstration projects taking place in Iowa. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026. Project examples may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 

• Demonstrating an innovative energy efficiency or renewable energy project, program, or technology new or underutilized in Iowa that is replicable and will share project information publicly
  
• Reducing fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and, to the maximum extent practicable, maximizes benefits for local and regional communities
• Reducing total energy use
  
• Improving energy efficiency in transportation, building, or operations
  
• Building a clean and equitable energy economy that prioritizes disadvantaged communities and promotes equity and inclusion in workforce opportunities and deployment activities

 
A 50% cost share is required. Cost share may be a combination of cash and in-kind but must be at least 50% cash. Project costs incurred before the approval of a grant award are not eligible. Eligible costs include:
 

• Energy assessments/audits
• Developing and installing energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems
• Contracting for project development and/or implementation
• Direct administration costs
• Contracting for federal regulations compliance assistance

 
In support of the federal Justice40 Initiative, projects benefiting federal identified disadvantaged communities will receive a significant scoring preference during application review. Applicants are strongly encouraged to utilize any project applicable U.S. Department of Energy provided EECBG Blueprint. Blueprints outline key activities to drive project success. Following a Blueprint may also streamline National Environmental Policy Act requirements.
 
Construction or purchase of equipment cannot occur ahead of award selection and federal requirement clearance. The following federal requirements may apply to EECBG funded projects:

• National Environmental Policy Act
• Davis-Bacon Act
• Federal Procurement (2 CFR 200)
• Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
• Build America, Buy America

 
Questions may be directed to Jeff Geerts, jeff.geerts@iowaeda.com or 515.348.6211.

On November 16th, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a $70 million Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Program Advanced Cybersecurity Technology funding opportunity to enhance the cybersecurity posture of electric cooperative, municipal, and small investor-owned utilities. The funding is made available through the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will result in a more secure and resilient energy grid that is better prepared to meet the cybersecurity threats facing electric utilities. 
 
Click here to read the full announcement.

Thursday, December 7, 2023
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Still wondering if you are correctly entering illness or injury information on your company's OSHA
log? Are you confident of when to record and when not to? This webinar will explain the regulatory
requirements of OSHA's illness and injury recording and reporting standard. Attendees will be able
to assess injuries, or illnesses, and determine whether or not it meets the criteria of a new case
and when to keep a case open and what to do when the case is completed.

Webinar discussion will include first aid, employee involvement in your reporting system, and how
to inform employees of their right to report work-related injuries, or illnesses, free from
retaliation. The webinar will also include electronic reporting requirements, applicability, and
updates to the standard. Attendees will also learn how to complete the OSHA 300, 301, and 300A
forms and whose signature must be on the annual summary.

Who Should Attend the Webinar:

• If you are responsible for the entry of employee illness or injuries on the OSHA 300 log
• If your signature is on the 300A form
• If you have 11 or more employees at any time throughout the year (the threshold for reporting)
• If you have 20 employees in your utilities (water, electric, sewer, gas) departments (threshold for electronic reporting)
• If you are the person that needs to report a recordable injury to the staff person managing the OSHA 300 log

Don't wait, sign up now - CLICK HERE to register!