The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) must assure that all Minnesotans have safe, adequate reliable energy at fair, reasonable rates.  Focusing on electric service, Chair Heydinger described some of the challenges presented by incorporating conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy into future planning, the development and operation of the regional transmission system, protecting the electric system from cyber attack, and the impact of change on customers’ rates.

President DAN McKEOWN opened the meeting on a spring day clearly not suitable for baseball.  Regrettably, the Twins are out of town, and the Saints not yet in ensconced in Lowertown.  Wait til’ next year! 

 

Dan invited JERRY FALETTI to lead everyone in singing America the BeautifulRay Charles was not available to accompany Jerry, so LEON GOODRICH filled in admirably.  Way to go, Leon!   

 

JEAN VUKAS ROBERTS delivered the invocation, during which your scribe wept openly.  (At the time, he was in the car, listening to Unbroken on the drive from Edina.  He affirms, however, he certainly would have wept had he heard the invocation live.)  JOHN CHANDLER introduced visiting Rotarians and guests of members.

 

President Dan thanked MIKE FRANKLIN was thanked for his service as a door greeter, with AL ZDRAZIL pinch‑hitting for the ne’er do well (your Scribe) who spent the noon hour in a rainstorm.

 

CAROL BUFTON provided a report on the upcoming District Conference.  Remember – No Tuesday Meeting Next Week, so sign up for the District Conference and show up to support District Governor JOE KOVARIK and experience a schedule chock full of interesting speakers and social opportunities.   The meeting is at the Holiday Inn across from the 3M campus

 

Later, DOUG HARTFORD noted that less than thirty Club 10 members are currently signed up, but that “leaves 150 who need to step up.”  Doug’s back was to your scribe at the time, thus he offers no insight here as to whether the accompanying body language conveyed humor in this statement or seething rage.  The sincere hope is that it was the former.

 

SCOTT VAN followed up with a report on Feed My Starving Children (“FMSC”).  There are still shifts available, so sign up here.  We checked Snopes, but can neither affirm nor deny the veracity of an email chain reportedly circulating that suggests MARK STUTRUD would be making samples of Summit’s Seasonal available for the volunteer team that packs the most meals during its shift.  (The Thursday morning “make up” group that meets at the Boy Scout Office on Marshall/Western will be disappointed if this is false, Mark!)

 

Next up at the podium, STEVE GERBER promoted Rotarian involvement with the Camp RYLA activities.  He reminded all that this year there is a change of pace.  The traditional barbecue will be replaced by Sunday lunch on April 28 at the Boy Scout Base Camp at Fort Snelling.  (RYLA campers will gather after spending the morning packing meals at Feed My Starving Children.)  We are also trying to determine if there is any truth to the rumor that the group who pack the least number of meals at FMSC will be forced to go through the high ropes course barefoot and backward.  Whether that is true or not, Rotarians are encouraged to join the RYLA Campers for lunch and ethical discussions during the meal.

 

ImageJIM MILLER then introduced new member JONATHAN STRICKLANDJonathan is with Black Rabbit Books, a Minnesota company that delivers 250 books of depth, diversity and imagination each year to the school and library, K-12 marketplace.  Welcome, Jonathan!

 

ALAN RUVELSON introduced this year’s Paul Harris Fellows.  They included KEN CRABB, SUE CAMMACK, JIM DELAMATER, CAROLE KRALICEK, DAN McKEOWN, ROGER NIELSEN, CHUCK WHITAKER AND AL ZDRAZIL.  Congratulations to all for putting your money where your mouth is!

CAROLYN BRUSSEAU introduced our speaker.  Beverly Heydinger, was appointed Chair of the Public Utilities Commission by Governor Mark Dayton, effective July 2, 2012. 

 

Commissioner Heydinger noted that the PUC ensures safe, adequate and reliable service at fair and reasonable rates for three critical service industries: Electricity, Natural gas and Local telephone service (limited rate regulation).  It determines the need for and physical location of large energy facilities, mediates consumer service issues and fosters effective telephone competition.

 

The five commissioners are appointed by the governor to staggered six‑year terms.  There may be no more than three per party, and one must be outside the Metro area.

 

The PUC is responsible for setting rates, resource and transmission planning, and approval of large energy facilities.  The Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) has two principal functions, planning and operating the energy market (i.e., “Day Ahead,” “Spot” and “Locational Marginal Price” – the cheapest next megawatt.   MISO is involved in wind generation, planning reserves (both winter and summer peak) and gas supply. 

Like all entities, the PUC faces challenges ahead.  A slow growth in demand impacts rates, as does a relatively high cost for infrastructure replacement and development.  Looking into the “Crystal Ball,” Commissioner Heydinger identified privacy/cyber security, grids (both “smart” and “micro”) and the interrelationship between gas and electricity as potentially important issues.

 

ImageDan McKeown thanked Commissioner Heydinger, and made a donation in her name to the “Read With Me Program” of the Saint Paul Public Library.

 

Joe Beckmann, Scribe