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Iowa’s electric distribution systems are increasingly vulnerable to flood-related disruptions, posing challenges to the reliability of power delivery and community safety. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in collaboration with the Iowa State Energy Office, Grid Deployment Office, Iowa Flood Center, and Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, is leading a Grid Resilience Technical Assistance Project to support Iowa’s utilities in addressing these challenges.
The project will develop case studies and a comprehensive guide to help utilities make informed, data-driven investments in flood resilience. Participating utilities will benefit from: · Identifying vulnerable assets by integrating flood risk data with utility infrastructure locations. · Accessing advanced resilience modeling and evaluation strategies to mitigate flood risks. · Receiving actionable guidance tailored to their specific needs. We are currently looking for utilities in counties affected by recent flooding (including those in the May 2024 Presidential Major Disaster Declaration: Calhoun, Cerro Gordo, Johnson, Keokuk, Marion, Scott, Shelby, Union, Washington, and Wright Counties) or other flood-impacted areas to partner with us on this important initiative. Participation will involve sharing insights and relevant data to create actionable case studies and investment frameworks. The project timeline is January–June 2025, with flexibility to align with utility priorities. Call to Action: If your utility is interested in participating or learning more, please contact Gayathri Krishnamoorthy at [email protected] by January 10, 2025. Ashley comes to us with over 8 years of experience working as a high school teacher at Murray Community School District in English, Speech and Drama, as well as teaching English in Seoul, South Korea. She possesses a Bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Secondary Education. Ashley’s responsibilities will include working with Safety Services to help administer the ISEP program, individual agreements, calendar management, and many other administrative duties. Please introduce yourself and welcome Ashley to the team when you are in the office. Ashley will be working with Ashley Ulrich and Alyssa over the next several weeks learning the duties of the position to assist safety.  Join other municipal energy professionals for the annual IAMU Energy Conference on
February 18-20, 2025 at the Courtyard by Marriott, Ankeny, Iowa. Learn more about the latest happenings in the industry and network with others during this much anticipated yearly event. The annual Legislative Reception is also planned during this time, taking place on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Ken’s – a not so speakeasy, in Des Moines’ East Village. Article Provided by EMC Insurance  Driving is a daily responsibility, and staying safe on the road is essential. Follow these practical driving tips to keep you and others safe.
Read more One of the biggest challenges municipal gas utilities faces is the ever-changing landscape of regulatory compliance. With limited financial resources and Staff, it is difficult for many municipally owned gas utilities to understand the regulatory requirements and processes carried out by the Iowa Utilities Commission under guidelines and mandates set forth by the Department of Transportation and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. While recognizing our members face these challenges, IAMU offers Compliance Assistance Programs to help reduce the burden of understanding the complex nature of regulatory compliance.
IAMU Staff can provide assistance (as needed) with the following: Understanding Operations & Maintenance and Emergency Plan & Procedures Requirements IAMU Staff will sit down with your operator personnel and develop a schedule and plan of action to complete all of the requirements prescribed by the O&M Plans.This will also include a detailed review of the recordkeeping requirements that must be maintained in order to remain compliant. Pre-Iowa Utilities Commission Audit IAMU Staff will conduct an audit using the same inspection form as the Iowa Utilities Commission.This will allow your personnel to become familiar with the inspection process and potentially find violations that could be corrected before the audit conducted by the Commission. Post-Iowa Utilities Commission Audit IAMU Staff will aid in generating a plan of action to correct probable violations cited during the Iowa Utilities Commission.This will include drafting the formal response letter that is required to be filed within 30 days of the Notice Letter sent by the Commission. Distribution Integrity Management Plan (DIMP) Audit IAMU Staff will conduct an audit of your DIMP and provide aid in correcting any deficiencies found.Upon request, IAMU Staff can also update and complete your DIMP reviews and evaluations using the APGA SHRIMP program. Public Awareness Program Audit IAMU Staff will conduct an audit of your Public Awareness Program including reviewing/updating your written plan and informational mailers to ensure compliance with the regulations. IAMU Staff can also provide aid in completing your 4-Year Effectiveness Assessment and annual program review. Interested ?All Compliance Assistance Programs are completed for members at significant savings comparative to IAMU construction rates. Please contact Nick Vandegriff, Gas Services & Compliance Specialist, at 641-919-8411 or by email at [email protected] for specific details and to schedule your on-site visit.  The application period is open for the LTAP Work Zone Sign Package Program is open through
December 31, 2024 More information and link to the application can be found at https://iowaltap.iastate.edu/iowa-ltap-work-zone-sign-package-program/ This free Iowa DOT funded program is open to cities with less than 10,000 in population to make work zones safer to their workers and residents. It is anticipated that 10 winning cities will be selected. If you attended our 30th Water and Wastewater Training Workshop (November 20-22) - you probably went to the session on IDNR Updates. This session was one of our most popular, if you missed it - good news, we have the presentation on our website. Many of the participants asked if the presentation could be shared as well--. You will find the full presentation on our website. These updates cover :
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