Customer Service Roundtable sessions continue through end of April: MEUW this month is continuing a tradition of bringing together member utilities to exchange ideas and information with their peers. The Customer Service Roundtables are free to attend and lunch is provided. It’s a great opportunity to share information and learn from one another. There are three more sessions planned — in Cumberland (April 13), Kaukauna (April 19), and Waunakee (April 26) — making it convenient to attend a session nearest you. Full details and registration info are here.
Upcoming workshops focus on underground and overhead line work: MEUW is holding two separate hands-on training sessions later this month to enable lineworkers to fine-tune their skills and deepen their knowledge.
- Underground School will take place April 21-22 at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC) in Fennimore.
- Overhead Rubber Gloving School will take place April 28-29 at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) in Green Bay.
Each of the workshops provides targeted training for all lineworkers, regardless of experience level or equipment. Participants will rotate through a series of workstations to safely practice different procedures and receive feedback. The cost for each workshop is $255 per person, with discounts available for multiple attendees from the same utility. Look for details at MEUW.org. Questions should be directed to Randy Larson at (715) 559-7542.
The April edition of Live Lines was distributed last week. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
Excavation Competent Person workshop planned for next week: A one-day, in-person workshop to learn the safety aspects of excavation and trenching and to understand protective systems and shoring options is planned for Thursday, April 21, in Chetek. The session will be conducted by Tim Palet, an instructor who brings decades of knowledge and experience. Upon completion, attendees will be certified as Competent Persons according to OSHA standards. Registration details are here.
92nd Annual Conference offers chance to connect, learn, and share our story: Public power leaders from across the state will gather in downtown Madison next month for MEUW’s 92nd Annual Conference. The event features a number of special guest speakers, a variety of breakout sessions, numerous opportunities to network, and the chance to celebrate our municipal utilities’ achievements. Conference events take place May 11-13, with visits to the State Capitol and meetings with state legislators planned for Thursday, May 12. This year’s conference kicks off with a visit and picnic lunch at the host utility (Waunakee) beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednedsday, May 11. The conference agenda and registration information are available here.
Nomination period for MEUW Board of Directors now open: MEUW is currently accepting nominations for interested individuals to serve on the association’s Board of Directors for a two-year term beginning May 13, 2022. This year’s election will be for Directors and Alternate Directors in even-numbered districts. The Nomination Form and additional information is available here. The deadline to nominate someone is Friday, April 15.
Save the date for upcoming forum on electric vehicle policy: Customers First! Coalition is holding a “Power Dialogue” session on Tuesday, May 3, regarding electric vehicles and policies impacting their adoption here in the Badger State. As Wisconsin faces policy decisions that impact the economics of electric vehicles for drivers, utility customers, and taxpayers, the forum is bringing together utility folks, regulatory and legislative staffers, as well as policymakers and other stakeholders to understand the changing transportation landscape. Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson is among those scheduled to speak. Registration information will be available soon. In the meantime, make plans to be in Madison for this important dialogue on May 3 from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. MEUW is a founding member of the Customers First! Coalition.
Last chance to send in pics of your line crews: National Lineman Appreciation Day is Monday, April 18, and we’re planning to shower a little gratitude on those who put their talents to work as electrical line workers. Together, MEUW member utilities employ more than 300 linemen across Wisconsin, and we want to use our website and social media pages to recognize those hard-working folks on “their day.” We’re asking all member utilities to send in a photo of their line crews so we can post and share them. Please send your pics to news@meuw.org.