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2026 Generation School

Tuesday, April 7, 2026
to Thursday, April 9, 2026

Best Western Fairmont Hotel & Event Center


1201 Torgerson Dr Fairmont, MN 56031 United States
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Category: Technical Schools and Workshops
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Generation School is a once-a-year training opportunity for generation plant operators and other personnel who may be called on to work in the plant.

This school is unique in that it offers a combination of classroom instruction as well as one day of hands on training inside the plant.

Participants will select their preference for hands-on training from the following options:

  • Caterpillar—training will take place at the Blue Earth power plant.
  • Cooper/Enterprise—training will take place at the Fairmont Energy Station.
  • Fairbanks—training will take place at the Madelia power plant.

Note: Participant is responsible for their own transportation.

NEW for 2026—we are offering a Pre-conference Workshop: Diesel Generation Fundamentals. Separate registration is required. Click here for more information.

Registration fee includes workshop tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch on Wednesday. Participant is responsible for transportation and lodging.

Registration fees increase $50 on March 7, 2026. Advance registration closes on March 18, 2026.

Please bring work attire and personal protective equipment appropriate for a generation plant including:

  • Safety glasses
  • Safety footwear

Hearing protection will be provided.

Participants earn hours for attendance. Continuing education information can be found in the participant's Member Compass after the event. 
Cancellations are subject to a $50 charge per person if received by 5:00 pm on March 18, 2026. Refunds issued to a credit card will be subject to an additional 3% fee. No refunds issued after March 18.
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. 

Registration Options

Credits Price
Regular member registration (early bird)
Ticket includes tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch on Wednesday.

Note: This school takes place at multiple locations. Participant is responsible for their own transportation. Registration Ends 3/6/26 at 11:59 PM CDT
13.00 (Contact Hours) $585.00
Regular member registration
Ticket includes tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch on Wednesday.

Note: This school takes place at multiple locations. Participant is responsible for their own transportation. Registration Opens 3/7/26 at 12:01 AM CDT
13.00 (Contact Hours) $635.00
Non-member registration (early bird)
Ticket includes tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch on Wednesday.

Note: This school takes place at multiple locations. Participant is responsible for their own transportation. Registration Ends 3/6/26 at 11:59 PM CDT
13.00 (Contact Hours) $880.00
Non-member registration
Ticket includes tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch on Wednesday.

Note: This school takes place at multiple locations. Participant is responsible for their own transportation. Registration Opens 3/7/26 at 12:01 AM CDT
13.00 (Contact Hours) $930.00
Affiliate Member registration (early bird)
Ticket includes tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch on Wednesday.

Note: This school takes place at multiple locations. Participant is responsible for their own transportation. Registration Ends 3/6/26 at 11:59 PM CDT
13.00 (Contact Hours) $685.00
Affiliate Member registration
Ticket includes tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch on Wednesday.

Note: This school takes place at multiple locations. Participant is responsible for their own transportation. Registration Opens 3/7/26 at 12:01 AM CDT
13.00 (Contact Hours) $735.00
Associate Member registration (early bird)
Ticket includes tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch on Wednesday.

Note: This school takes place at multiple locations. Participant is responsible for their own transportation. Registration Ends 3/6/26 at 11:59 PM CDT
13.00 (Contact Hours) $685.00
Associate Member registration
Ticket includes tuition, materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch on Wednesday.

Note: This school takes place at multiple locations. Participant is responsible for their own transportation. Registration Opens 3/7/26 at 12:01 AM CDT
13.00 (Contact Hours) $735.00

Agenda

April 7
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Registration/check-in
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Cooling tower maintenance
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Break
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM Water treatment best practices
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM Governor maintenance and operation
April 8
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Hands-on engine training
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Caterpillar training is held at the St. James power plant;
Cooper/Enterprise training is held at the Fairmont Energy Station;
Fairbanks training is held at the Madelia power plant.
April 9
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Physical and cyber security for generation facilities
Christian Torkelson, League of Minnesota Cities
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM Break
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM Accident review: Lessons learned
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Developing a generation plant Emergency Action Plan
Mike Willetts, MMUA
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM Group discussion and recap
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Lodging information

Best Western Fairmont Hotel & Event Center
1201 Torgerson Dr
Fairmont, MN 
507-238-4771

MMUA has arranged for discounted lodging. Rates start at $110 per night + tax. Please use this link: tinyurl.com/3kh3ww5p to make a reservation or call the hotel directly and ask for the MMUA reduced rate. We suggest you make your reservation as soon as possible as availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed. The hotel block closes on March 17, 2026, or when sold out.

For More Information:

Theresa Neddermeyer

Theresa Neddermeyer

Safety Services Coordinator, Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association

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(763)746-0713