Minnesota Legislature amends energy regulations for cooperative electric associations.

Alongside the contested SB 156, the Senate passed a slate of bills: SB 168 (public nuisances), SB 288 (rural electric cooperatives), multiple public-records and Open Government Sunset Review items, consumer-protection measures, and modernization bills; most passed unanimously or by wide margins.

Trade groups, cooperatives and national labs urged Congress to reauthorize rural and municipal utility cybersecurity funding, expand Etech, and speed fund disbursement so small utilities can access upgrades, training and shared services to reduce vulnerability to cyber and physical attacks.

California Rural Water Association described a pooled financing vehicle that provides interim and fixed-rate construction financing for public agencies, with quick access to funds and no reserve requirement for borrowers.