Madelia Municipal Light & Power: Embracing resilience and innovation on its 85th anniversary

October 7, 2024

By MMUA; Originally published in October 2024, Volume 29, No. 8 Issue of The Resource; reprinted with permission

As Madelia Municipal Light & Power (MMLP) celebrates its 85th anniversary, the utility’s commitment to resilience and progress stands out.

Reflecting the city’s spirit of renewal and strength, MMLP continues to advance, embodying the motto, “Madelia comes back bigger and better.” This year’s milestone underscores the utility’s dedication to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities for growth.

A legacy of resilience. Madelia has a rich history of bouncing back from adversity. In the late 1990s, when the town’s major industrial players, including a chicken processing plant and a frozen dough factory, faced significant disruptions, the closure of the dough factory was a substantial setback. “They closed the
business and relocated,” recalls Chris Trembley, General Manager at MMLP. “That left a mark on Madelia.”

Yet, true to its resilient nature, Madelia rebounded. By 2020, Tony Downs Food Group acquired and revitalized the old frozen dough factory, transitioning it
into a facility for meat and frozen food packaging. As demand grew, MMLP faced its own set of challenges, including aging infrastructure and a shift in personnel.

Enhancing infrastructure for future growth

Upon reviewing substation inspection reports and test results, Trembley and his team identified troubling signs of deterioration in their sole transformer. “We observed rising levels of dissolved gases, localized heating, and signs of insulation degradation,” Trembley explains. “Control wires were operating at 105-112 percent of capacity on peak days.” Recognizing the urgency, MMLP consulted with high-voltage equipment experts, confirming the need for action.

This photo series shows the completion of Madelia’s new substation. In this first photo, taken in June 2023, the initial excavations are shown. At this stage, Madelia was preparing for the delivery of the 15/28 MVA transformer, which was expected in two weeks. Photo courtesy MMUA.

In response, MMLP embarked on a major project to build a new substation, aiming not only to address current issues but also to enhance the system’s capacity and resilience. The construction process, which began in July 2021, faced various challenges, including supply chain delays and site preparation issues. Despite these hurdles, the team’s adaptability and commitment ensured steady progress. “We switched engineers partway through the process, which initially slowed things own but ultimately accelerated our timeline,” Trembley notes.

Teamwork and innovation

The project has been a significant learning experience for the MMLP team. With many team members taking on new roles and responsibilities, the dynamic has fostered collaboration and innovation. “We’ve had many firsts since 2019, and our team has come together with new viewpoints and ideas,” Trembley says. Each member brings something special, and our collective effort has driven the success of this project.”

The new substation, located 300 feet east of the old facility, was strategically placed for ease of interconnection and cost efficiency. It is scheduled to commence operations in the fall, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned to celebrate the achievement with staff and contractors.

Supporting the community

MMLP’s resilience extends beyond infrastructure. This summer, flooding impacted city amenities, necessitating power cuts to the park and campgrounds. “The river overflowed its banks, and unfortunately, the golf course’s clubhouse was damaged,” Trembley recounts. The city plans to rebuild the clubhouse in a more flood-resistant location, continuing its tradition of coming back better.

Madelia’s history of recovery and improvement is evident in its response to past challenges. After a devastating downtown fire in 2016, the community rebuilt with enhanced structures, including LaPlaza Mexican Restaurant and Grocery as well as several businesses. In addition to these improvements, a larger and more efficient city hall, a modernized police department, and an expanded fire hall were constructed under one roof. The old city hall site now hosts a two-story complex with apartments and retail spaces. Together with ongoing investment in the electrical grid, these enhancements aim to bolster community services and ensure a thriving, well-equipped city, reflecting Madelia’s ongoing commitment to progress.

In this image from June 2023, the pad where the new transformer would be placed has been poured. The forms behind the pad are for the switchgear building, scheduled to arrive in July 2023. Photo courtesy MMUA.

This photo, from December 2023, captures several details: Manholes are positioned to the right, ready for placement. Footings are being poured for the north wall. A-frame foundations have been set in place. A recently installed PMH 9 switch sits near the fence next to a metering enclosure. Photo courtesy MMUA.

The value of municipal utilities

Reflecting on MMLP’s role and the broader significance of municipal utilities, Trembley emphasizes the importance of adaptability. “In this industry, we talk about resiliency, especially in today’s world,” he says. “The resilience of this town says a lot. Since December 1939, when energy first flowed from two engines in this plant, MMLP has faced opposition and challenges but has continually improved. We have fostered community growth and been part of the town’s entire journey. I am proud to work with a great team in a great town and to be part of something so historic.”

As Madelia Municipal Light & Power marks its 85th anniversary, its story of resilience, teamwork, and innovation is a testament to the city’s enduring spirit. With ongoing projects and a commitment to excellence, MMLP continues to set a benchmark for progress and community support, ensuring that Madelia remains a model of growth and resilience.