The new operations center for Minnesota public power utility ALP Utilities is nearing completion and in a Q&A with the American Public Power Association, Ted Cash, General Manager for ALP Utilities, discussed the key benefits that the new Operations Center will provide to ALP Utilities and its customers.
“This new Operations Center represents more than just a building; it’s a strategic investment in the future of our community,” he said. “For over 130 years, we’ve been committed to providing safe reliable electric and water service. This facility ensures we can continue meeting the needs of a growing Alexandria, responding faster to emergencies and continue to serve our customers for decades to come.”
The new Operations Center "is a significant investment in strengthening ALP Utilities’ ability to reliably serve the Alexandria community for decades to come. Our current headquarters was built in 1967, when the population was less than half of what it is today. As Alexandria has grown, so has the demand for safe, dependable electricity and water services. The new facility will allow us to better meet that need while improving efficiency, safety and reliability,” he said.
“One of the major benefits is the consolidation of four aging storage buildings into one modern location. This will streamline our operations and better protect millions of dollars’ worth of critical equipment currently being stored in outdated structures vulnerable to severe weather or structural failure,” Cash said.
The new operations center is designed as a hardened facility, capable of functioning independently from the electricity grid during major transmission interruptions thanks to onsite backup generation, he noted.
“This means that in the aftermath of storms or other emergencies, ALP crews will have immediate access to undamaged equipment, allowing for faster response times and more resilient service restoration. The facility could even serve as a community-wide emergency staging area if needed,” Cash said.
Beyond improving emergency preparedness, the operations center will enhance long-term reliability, safeguard essential assets for the next 50+ years, and provide ADA accessibility for both customers and employees, he noted.
“Ultimately, this project ensures ALP Utilities can continue to provide exceptional service, meet the demands of a growing community and remain ready to respond in all circumstances,” Cash said.
The move-in date is planned for the last week of August and the new Operations Center will officially open its doors to the public on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
“We’re excited to welcome our customers to the new space, which has been thoughtfully designed to better serve our growing community. From improved accessibility to enhanced operations, this new facility reflects our commitment to delivering reliable service and staying connected to the people we serve,” Cash said.
The utility is looking forward to welcoming the community “into our new home for a special Open House on Monday, October 13, 2025. While it takes place the Monday following Public Power Week, it will still carry the same spirit of celebration,” Cash said.
“This year’s event will be extra special as it also serves as the official dedication ceremony. It’s our way of celebrating this milestone with the people we proudly serve and giving everyone a chance to see firsthand how this new space will help us provide even better service for years to come,” he said.
Cash also detailed what types of activities are planned for the open house at the new operations center.
“We’re excited to host a family-friendly Open House, with activities designed for customers of all ages. We truly hope there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Activities that are planned at the Open House include:
• Kids’ Coloring Contest
• Storytime with a Line Worker, a fun way for kids to learn about public power
• Touch-a-Truck experience, a chance for customers to see bucket truck and diggers up close
• Building Tours, guided walkthroughs of the office and garage facilities
• Photo Station, complete with ALP props and hard hats for memorable snapshots
• Interactive “Ask ALP” booth, to get questions answered or to sign-up for SmartHub
• Customer Appreciation Table, with giveaways and a thank-you for the community
• Catered Refreshments, to be provided by a local catering partner
“It’s more than just an open house; it’s a chance to celebrate with the community we’ve been proudly serving for over 130 years and share how this new space helps us better serve Alexandria well into the future.”
