MMUA is pleased to partner with Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) on the 2024 Substation School.

NOTE: Members of MREA need to register through MREA.

Having the best distribution system in the world won’t matter if your substation isn’t operating properly. Recognizing that, MMUA presents a Substation School annually. This school offers instruction on a variety of important topics that can benefit anyone working in/on your substation—from the substation technician to the lineworker interested in learning more about substations.

Who should attend?

Location

VFW Post 4046
1201 3rd Avenue East, Shakopee, MN

Schedule 

Tuesday, March 19

12:00–1:00  Registration and check-in
1:00–1:15  Welcome and opening remarks
1:15–4:00  Substation maintenance and inspections

Wednesday, March 20

8:30–10:00  The basics of substation configuration
10:15–12:00  Cause and effect of improper inadequate preventative maintenance
12:00–1:00  Lunch
1:00–4:30  Group tours: West Shakopee Substation and Jordan Transformers

Thursday, March 21

8:30–10:00  The benefits of infrared technology for assessing your assets
10:00–12:00  Safety and security within substations

Schedule subject to change.

What you will learn 

Tuesday, March 19

Substation maintenance and inspections
Proper operation and maintenance of your substation is key to sustaining the heartbeat of your power distribution system and ensuring reliability to your customer base. We will cover the industry’s best practices on a variety of operational concepts and maintenance issues.

Wednesday, March 20

The basics of substation configuration
There are many different components and systems integral to the workings of a substation—knowing what they are and what they do is critically important for the safe operation of substations. Increase your understanding of the major systems and their associated components typically found in your substations.

Cause and effect of improper maintenance
Preventive maintenance is one of the most important aspects of maintaining substations. Learn about some of the most commonly found issues in substations and what could happen if they are not caught in time.

Tours
We will tour two facilities: West Shakopee Substation and Jordan Transformers. Tours will be led by the operators of the respective facilities.

NOTE: High-vis clothing, hard hat, safety glasses and safety toe shoes are required for tours.

Thursday, March 21

Benefits of infrared technology
Using infrared technology can be an effective way to keep your substations in check, and your utility can do it on your own. Discover the different ways this technology can improve safety. 

Safety and security within substations
There are a number of different hazards involved in substations. Knowing how to protect yourself from those is of the upmost importance. Are you wearing the proper equipment? What tools are available to better protect yourself? Find out the answers to these questions and more.

What to bring

Because some of the training will take place outside of the classroom, participants must have the proper PPE for the tours, including:

• High-visibility clothing
• Hard hat
• Safety glasses
• Safety footwear

Registration fee

Members: $535 per student
Non-members: $720 per student
All fees increase $50 on February 19, 2024. Deadline to register is February 29, 2024.

Registration fee includes: Tuition, materials and supplies, lunch on Wednesday, refreshment breaks, bus transportation for tours, and certificate of attendance. Participants are responsible for their own PPE and lodging.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations are subject to a $50 charge per person if received by 4:30 pm on March 8, 2024. Refunds issued to a credit card will be subject to an additional 3% fee. No refunds issued after March 8.

Lodging information

Holiday Inn Express & Suites
4550 12th Avenue Each
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: 952.445.2244

Reservations can be made online using our special link. Enter your arrival and departure dates and hit search to see room options. MMUA's room block rates start at $114 per night + tax. You can also call the hotel directly and ask for the “MMUA” room block. We suggest you make your reservation as soon as possible as availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed. The hotel block closes on February 25, 2024, or when sold out.

Certificates

Participants earn hours for attendance and a certificate of achievement will be available online. Participants should watch for an email notification from MMUA.

Photographs

By registering for this event I/we authorize Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) to photograph me at this event and use such photographs in MMUA marketing materials (both electronic and print). I/we understand that I/we will not be paid for giving this consent. 

Questions?

Contact Theresa Neddermeyer by calling 763.551.1230 or email tneddermeyer@mmua.org.
 

A printable version of the Substation School brochure is also available.