Member Directory updates due this Friday: MEUW is updating its member directory to ensure members have easy access to each other’s contact information. Directories will be available later this spring in both print and online books, containing key facts, and names, numbers, and email addresses for all MEUW member types. Emails were sent on Jan. 26 to one contact for each utility requesting a review of their utility’s information, and to provide updates on any missing or incorrect information. Responses are due back by Friday, Feb. 13. Make sure your information is correct. Thanks to those who have already returned their updates! If you have questions, need assistance, or want to confirm that your information has been received, please contact MEUW Manager of Communications and Events Sharon Wolf at swolf@meuw.org or (608) 837-2263.
Let your voice be heard at the Legislative Rally! Dozens of municipal utility folks from across the state are headed to Washington, D.C., for the American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally Feb. 23–25. Those participating in the Rally will be briefed on several key issues that will be discussed with our representatives in the U.S. House and Senate. If you’re not able to attend the Rally, but have a specific story from your utility related to any of these issues, please contact MEUW Director of Legislative and Regulatory Relations Tyler Vorpagel to include your story in the packet of information shared with our federal representatives.
Dates set for Customer Service Roundtables this spring: Every other year, MEUW organizes a series of roundtable meetings where member utilities can gather and exchange ideas. Six sessions at locations across the state are planned for March and April, offering municipal utility employees to learn from one another and discuss leading practices, service trends and emerging issues. There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome! Learn more at MEUW.org/csr. The dates and sites are:
- Wednesday, March 18: Rice Lake
- Wednesday, March 25: Oconomowoc
- Thursday, March 26: Menasha
- Wednesday, April 8: Wisconsin Dells
- Tuesday, April 7: Stoughton
- Tuesday, April 14: Merrillan
The February edition of Live Lines was distributed last week. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
Switching and communications training offered Feb. 25: Effective lockout/tagout depends on clear communication among crews, dispatchers, and transmission providers. This two-hour session on Wednesday, Feb. 25, covers key requirements, OSHA hold‑card standards, and the essentials of accurate three‑way communication. While procedures vary by provider, the training highlights common expectations and practical guidance you can use across systems. The training is free and can be attended in-person (in Sun Prairie) or virtually. Advance registration is required; learn more here.
Apply to be recognized for working safely: MEUW enjoys recognizing member utilities for taking steps to improve their overall safety performance. We are now accepting Safety Award applications for 2025 performance measures. Each utility is encouraged to take time to compile the necessary information and submit the application spreadsheet, which is available at MEUW.org/safetyawards. The deadline to submit the required documentation is Monday, March 2. The awards will be presented at the Annual Conference in May.
Keep your leadership skills sharp, fresh: Leadership skills need to be kept current and fresh to stay on top of ever evolving situations and challenges. Next month, MEUW will host a two‑day interactive Leadership Workshop to support the next generation of public power leaders. The program will be led by two long-time utility industry leaders and focuses on communication, leadership skills, and managing change. Participants will learn strategies to build trust, communicate effectively, and strengthen team collaboration. Full details are here. The workshop will be held March 12–13 at Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells. Registration is now open.
MEUW members invited to attend co-op training workshop: Dairyland Power Cooperative and the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association are hosting “Lineman University” March 17–19 in La Crosse. Details about the program agenda and registration information is available here.
Foreman’s Roundtable is unique opportunity to share and learn: The foreman role is important to safety and efficiency when operating a utility. The people leading utility line crews face common challenges and often don’t have an opportunity to talk with others facing those same challenges. For the third consecutive year, MEUW is bringing crew leaders together to share ideas, learn from one another, and develop leadership and communication skills, especially regarding safety. The one-day forum is planned for Wednesday, March 25, at PinSeekers in DeForest. The day’s agenda will include discussion on topics most important to the participants. Following the Roundtable, attendees will have the chance to take part in an optional teambuilding and networking activity at the at the hybrid golf facility. Learn more and register here.
Save the Date for MEUW’s Annual Conference! MEUW will host its 96th Annual Conference on May 12–14 in Madison and Sun Prairie. The week’s activities will include a Day at the Capitol, golf outing, tours of host utility Sun Prairie’s new facility, a vendor trade show, a Utility Governance Roundtable, conference programming, and more! Mark your calendars now — and get a jump on booking your discounted hotel room! Registration will open on or around March 1.