Help shape the future of MEUW communications: We’re currently surveying members about the communication tools MEUW uses to share information. Your feedback will directly inform future decisions about how we keep you informed and stay connected in a time when change is happening more rapidly and cutting through the noise is increasingly difficult. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Respondents are eligible for a random drawing for one of two $50 gift cards. Complete the survey here.
ICYMI — PSC takes action on We Energies data center tariff: The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) on April 24 approved major changes to We Energies’ proposed data center tariff, adding stronger protections for existing customers and improving transparency. After a year‑long review, the PSC extended the minimum contract term to 15 years, lowered the eligibility threshold to include smaller data centers, and eliminated an option that would have allowed large customers to pay less than their full share of generation costs. The Commissioners acknowledged the significance of the decision, emphasizing that data centers must fully and transparently cover their own energy costs, keeping other customers financially protected.
MEUW’s Board of Directors Meeting was held in Wisconsin Dells on April 15. The draft minutes of the meeting are available here (member login is required).
Hurricane Preparedness Week is a good time to plan for out-of-state mutual aid: The last time Wisconsin crews were needed, the first call for mutual aid came on Monday afternoon and by early Wednesday morning dozens of linemen and equipment were on the way to help Florida recover from Hurricane Milton in 2024. Having a plan for how your community would respond to a call for out-of-state mutual aid is critical to a timely response. MEUW is encouraging members to use National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 3-9) to complete a checklist and prepare in advance for the resources you can offer for an extended, out-of-state mutual aid event. MEUW has developed this checklist utilities can use to prepare. Making the effort to pre-plan will help to expedite the process to mobilize and deploy Wisconsin resources when they’re needed. Please direct questions about the mutual aid process to Mike Czuprynko, MEUW’s Director of Safety Services and Operations.
Have you registered for the Annual Conference? Time is running out to register for this year’s Annual Conference in Madison and Sun Prairie! You won’t want to miss the great agenda or the opportunity to connect with your colleagues from across the state. The Annual Conference will take place May 12–14, with the majority of the programming (and the awards ceremony) happening on Thursday, May 14. You’re invited to attend as much or as little of the conference as your schedule allows. Join in the “Day at the Capitol” advocacy day on Tuesday, golf outing or Utility Governance Roundtable on Wednesday, a tour of Sun Prairie Utilities’ impressive new facilities Wednesday afternoon, the trade show, and then a welcome reception Wednesday evening, May 13. Click here to learn more.
Be sure your utility’s vote is counted: Elections for Directors and Alternate Directors in even-numbered districts are currently underway. Instructions have been provided to a contact at utilities eligible to vote this year. Voting closes on May 1, and the results will be announced at the association’s Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, May 14.
Member Inquiry: Arcadia Utility is seeking examples of utility disconnect and reconnect policies, along with examples of deferred payment agreements (DPA’s). If you have examples to share, please contact Electric Utility Superintendent Tim Putz.
New faces since the recent election? Make sure they’re connected to MEUW to receive our communications and updates. We’d like to add newly elected or appointed commissioners, alders, or mayors as new contacts to your utility’s account so they can receive MEUW communications. Contact the MEUW Office at (608) 837-2263 for assistance.
Are you up to date on Regulation, Compliance & Safety? Utilities are complex businesses. With more than 100 specific rules utilities must follow to retain the “right-to-serve” electric customers, utilities are highly regulated businesses. Join this one-day class which helps explain why the rules exist and how to navigate the complexities of compliance — skills fundamental to success as a utility manager. Led by John Andres, an expert on utility regulations, and Melissa Barnes, a seasoned Human Resources Manager, participants will walk away from this class with a greater understanding of utility regulations and how to comply. You won’t want to miss this popular (and highly recommended) training that is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, in Mauston. Registration is open — sign up today!
