Michigan Municipal Electric Association
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Key Benefits
The Spring and Fall Conferences provide an opportunity for MMEA Members to attend educational seminars on the latest trends in industry; meet with public power officials from across the state to discuss current issues; and network with providers of products and services to the electric utility industry. Fall Conference 2011: September 14 - 16, 2011 - (Comfort Inn and Suites) (Hosted by Coldwater BLP)
The monthly newsletter provides information to members about legislative and regulatory activities, as well as news of electric utilities in the state. In addition, it provides updates on the latest news among the state's public power cities. The newsletter is mailed to all members, associate and affiliate members, state and national legislators and others. Membership Directory: The membership directory lists member utilities, associate, and private and public affiliate members for easy reference. The directory format includes additional information on each city - including names of key staff and council members. The directory also lists Associate Members, and the products and services they provide. Private Affiliate members represent private utilities, marketers, and wholesale generators. Public Affiliate members include municipal joint agencies in Michigan. Mutual Aid Program: The mutual aid program provides member utilities with immediate, structured assistance during a natural disaster, major storm or other catastrophe. The mutual aid group members receive a mutual aid handbook that includes an inventory of supplies, equipment and personnel from each member utility. State and Federal Legislative Affairs: MMEA has on staff an attorney/governmental liaison that represents MMEA in both the state and federal legislative arenas. This includes monitoring newly introduced bills to determine if any proposed legislation has the potential to impact on municipal electric utilities. Once it has determined that specific legislation does or has the potential to notably impact municipal electric utilities, the MMEA Board of Directors develops policy and positions that MMEA takes on such legislation. When appropriate, MMEA staff coordinates a grass roots effort to promote its positions on issues to legislators and their staff. In addition, MMEA maintains a Lansing-based lobbying firm that works in conjunction with staff on state legislative issues. At the federal level, MMEA also coordinates its efforts with the American Public Power Association (APPA). National Legislative Rally & Workshop: Early each year, MMEA organizes a Washington, D.C. legislative rally in conjunction with APPA's Legislative Rally. meetings are set up with members of the Michigan delegation and their appropriate staff to discuss issues and concerns at the federal level. The rally is also an opportunity to develop relationships with federal elected officials. Regulatory Monitoring: MMEA staff monitors state and federal regulatory action for impact on municipal electric utilities. recently, there has been considerable action in the environmental area (and it is expected to continue in the near future) by both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to address the lowering of certain emissions from coal-fired generators. MMEA staff coordinates comments and lobbying in an effort to minimize the negative impact that such rules and their implementation will have on MMEA members. MMEA staff also continues to closely monitor all electric orders and cases before the Michigan Public Service Commission, including several restructuring orders issued by the MPSC as a result of PA 141. Legal Consultation Service: MMEA's staff attorney is available to answer many of your utility related questions without cost. Lansing Presence: MMEA through a joint agreement with Michigan Public Power Agency shares attractive office facilities and meeting rooms in Lansing, which provide the Association with permanent facility convenient to the interstate highway and the capitol. |