Blue Earth Light & Water

The meeting addressed onsite engineering reports concerning data center sound levels, resulting in an agreement to construct a berm using excess soil from a pond project to mitigate noise. An update on IT system protections was presented. The Board reviewed and approved the accounts payable for September 2025, totaling $1,442,423.30, with significant allocations to Energy/capacity and Transmission, and the water treatment project. The Power Cost Adjustment was noted at $.0095 per kWh. Project updates included progress on Lead Line Replacement and the Linton Street project, completion of Tennis Court Lighting, and plans for equipment delivery and substation upgrades. In New Business, the Board approved the Reimbursement Resolution 2025-10-1 for generation pre-purchase costs and Resolution 2025-10-2 for the 2025 B bond issuance for Lead Line Replacement. The Board elected to adopt the state coverage for small entities regarding paid FLMA at a rate of 0.66%. Discussion on the 2026 Preliminary Budget Report was also held.

The meeting commenced with the review and approval of the August 13 and September 10, 2025 Board minutes. Key discussions included a review of the PCA based on August 2025 energy figures, and a review of the monthly financials, including Income and Balance sheets. Project updates were provided for the Water Treatment Project, Linton and Water Looping project, Lead line replacement project, and North Substation upgrade project. The Board also reviewed and approved the Collection and Write Off report. In Old Business, the Board approved the electric rate increase as determined by the rate study completed by UFS, to be implemented across Demand and Energy categories for Residential and Commercial users. New Business involved scheduling a future review of the reserve policy.

The meeting commenced with a report on the 2025A Bond sale issuance, with an expected closing date of December 2nd. The Board reviewed October financials, including the Balance Sheet and Income Statement, and approved accounts payable totaling $2,627,560.11, with significant amounts allocated to the NE Generator #2, Energy/Capacity and Transmission, and the Water Treatment Project. The Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) for October billing was $0.0056 per kWh. Project updates included progress on the Lead Line Replacement and Linton Street project, completion of Tennis Court Lighting, and planned installations for the bucket truck and NE Generation addition in December 2025. Old business covered receiving Xcel Energy approval for an additional 100 MW of load and a grant from the MN Dept of Commerce for a 39.5 Kw solar array on the water plant garage roof. The Board passed a resolution recommending the sale of $9,500,000 Electric Revenue Bonds, Series 2025A. New business included reviewing proposals for Solar and Battery Storage, and the approval of the contract purchase of water meters.

The meeting covered financial reports, including the review and approval of the November 2025 Treasurer's Report and Accounts Payable totaling $1,398,899.28, which included significant amounts for Energy/Capacity and Transmission and the Water Treatment Upgrade Project. The Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) for November billing was determined to be a slight credit of $.0022 per kWh. The Board reviewed and approved the Write off/Collection report. In Old Business, the Board approved the funding source for the 1 MW Solar and 1 MW Battery project, funded by 2025A proceeds, with construction starting in Summer 2026. New Business items included the Board approving recommendations set by the personnel committee for the 2026 Wage review and potential organizational chart changes. The long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the Bingham Lakes Wind Contract was approved. Finally, the Board directed Bolton and Menk to proceed with engineering for the West Industrial Park addition, funding the engineering costs up to $100,000 to qualify for 2026 grant funds.

The Board reviewed financial statements, the monthly EAA, and project status, including a power outage report. They discussed FTR/ARR Credit Management, which was tabled for further information. The 2015 Capital Budget was reviewed and approved, covering projects like New Generation, East Water Plant emergency Well Upgrade, Faribault County 6 Watermain and Lighting, and Royal Acres Watermain. The board also approved the 2015 Wage Increase and the 2015 water rate increase as presented in the 2014 Rate Study. Additionally, they reviewed the BELW Water Policy and requested an addition to the Blue Earth City code regarding the Prohibition of New Private Water Wells.