2021 Electric Operations Expo is next week: Electric utility folks from all across Wisconsin will be gathering next week at the Sauk County Fairgrounds in Baraboo for the Electric Operations Expo, hosted by MEUW, Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA), and Wisconsin Utility Suppliers Association (WUSA). There’s still time to register and be part of this year’s event.
The Expo promises to be a great day of learning and networking, with two sets of informative breakout sessions, vendor demonstrations, and an expansive trade show featuring dozens of suppliers showcasing the latest products, materials, and technologies. After lunch, Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Mark Tauscher make the keynote presentation and discuss trust, teamwork, and resiliency.
The Expo officially opens at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 29. Events will take place mostly outdoors or under open-air tents and pavilions; some sessions are planned for indoors. The Expo will be held rain or shine.
You won’t want to miss out on the events of the day! You can review the list of vendors that have confirmed their plans to exhibit. You can also read about the learning topics for the breakout sessions and determine which ones are most relevant to your utility. For registration information, click here. The deadline to register is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27.
Already registered for the Expo? Please take a minute to text EXPO21 to 77222. We’re using text messaging to provide periodic updates for Expo attendees — before, during, and after the event. By signing up now, you’ll stay in the know. To preview the Expo event program, click here.
April 30 is deadline for next round of required PSC filings: All utilities are required to submit data to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to help state regulators assess the impact of the public health emergency on utility operations.
Early on in the coronavirus emergency, the PSC authorized all electric, gas, steam, and water public utilities to defer their COVID-19-related expenses (such as foregone revenue and carrying costs), and required utilities to report their costs on a quarterly basis (docket 5-AF-105). The PSC has provided a survey form to report those expenses from Jan. 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Every utility is expected to complete the survey by the April 30 deadline, even if they are not reporting any COVID-19-related expenses. The survey is available here.
The PSC also ordered all utilities to submit data related to customers’ arrears each quarter (docket 5-UI-120). The required reporting includes information regarding the utility’s plans for communicating with customers about collections and arrears management as well as the overall financial impacts of the utility’s arrears. The deadline to submit information pertaining to the first quarter of 2021 is April 30. The survey is available here.
Every utility in the state, regardless of size, is expected to provide responses to the PSC. A number of municipal utilities failed to comply with previous filing requirements (including those that were due Oct. 15, 2020, and Jan. 15, 2021). It’s important that everyone submit the required information to the PSC by the Friday, April 30 deadline.
Sign up now for upcoming Management Training Program: Effective skills for leadership and team building is the subject of the next session in MEUW’s Management Training Program – scheduled for Wednesday, June 2, in Wisconsin Dells.
The day-long session will explore the foundation of successful leadership, including a deep dive into the dynamics of leadership and how individuals can develop their team members regardless of where they are on their professional paths. For more information or to register, click here.
Start spreading the news: We’d like to share your utility’s news with other MEUW members. Please take time to let us know about new hires, promotions, retirements, honors and awards. Simply send an email to news@meuw.org. We will review and include it in our member communications.