The following is a transcript of the April 15, 2024, episode of Public Power Now. Learn more about subscribing to Public Power Now at Publicpower.org/Podcasts. Some quotes may have been edited for clarity. Paul Ciampoli Welcome to the latest episode of Public Power Now. I'm Paul Ciampoli, News
Sioux Center Municipal Utilities is taking the next steps toward installing local standby electric generation, the city of Sioux City, Iowa, reported in late March. The project would involve the construction of about 12 megawatts of diesel generation. The Sioux Center City Council voted last month to pursue next steps after taking several months to listen for public feedback and receiving favorable comments.
Martin Adams, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s General Manager and Chief Engineer, was recently appointed by President Biden to serve on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, a group of approximately 30 experts nationwide who address issues on national security related to infrastructure and reliability.
Minnesota public power utility Rochester Public Utilities, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative recently unveiled plans to build a new transmission line in southern Minnesota. The new infrastructure will, among other things, reduce transmission system congestion, Xcel Energy said.
Connected Homes, the residential demand response program offered by Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company for municipal light plants in Massachusetts, is successfully piloting broader expansion into the electric vehicle market with Telematics, MMWEC reported on April 10.
The Federal Aviation Administration has granted the New York Power Authority license to fly unmanned aircraft systems beyond the visual line of sight of the pilot in command in a one-mile radius in any unrestricted, or Class G, airspace without prior approval. FAA regulations require pilots to maintain visual contact while operating a drone. The waiver allows operators to conduct missions without the requirement for the pilot or an observer to see the unmanned aircraft.