MEUW files comments in response to PSC extending disconnect moratorium: After the Public Service Commission’s recent vote prohibiting utilities from disconnecting residential customers for nonpayment until at least Sept. 1, the Commissioners asked for comments before they discuss the topic again on Aug. 20. In comments filed on Aug. 10, MEUW joined with WPPI Energy in suggesting that the PSC restore utilities’ ability to disconnect on Sept. 1, noting the effectiveness of disconnect notices in spurring customer action to make arrangements or pay their utility bills. The comments also provide background information about the tax roll process and the impact transferring delinquent utility bills has on landlords. To read the filing, click here. MEUW will provide an update after the PSC’s Aug. 20 Open Meeting.
The August edition of Live Lines was distributed last week. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
Registration is now open for Accounting and Customer Service Seminar: MEUW is hosting its annual gathering for municipal accounting and customer service personnel on Tuesday, Sept. 22. This year’s seminar will be held virtually to ensure the safety of attendees. As always, the program includes a presentation and Q-&-A with staff at the Public Service Commission. There will also be a roundtable discussion about the coronavirus response, a review of meter-to-cash processes, and other presentations. The full agenda and registration details are available here.
Sign up for next week’s MEUW/WUSA golf outing: The weather forecast for New Lisbon calls for sunny skies and temps in the mid-70s on Wednesday, Aug. 19. It should be a great day to hit the links with your public power colleagues in a safe, outdoor setting. There are limited number of spots available for the “Public Power Fore-ward.” Sponsored in part by the Wisconsin Utility Suppliers Association (WUSA), the outing will take place at the Castle Rock Golf Course. Click here for full details and to access registration information.
Carolyn Hoeth from Bangor Municipal Utility would like to know what municipal utilities do about NSF checks. Are cash payments required after a check is returned for insufficient funds? If so, for what length of time? Please share your insights by calling Carolyn at (608) 486-2151, Ext. 3, or send her an email.
If you have a questions you’d like shared with other MEUW member utilities, please send your request to communications@meuw.org.
Discounted hi-vis shirts on sale: A limited quantity of Bulwark arc-rated, hi-visibility, long-sleeved work shirts are on sale to MEUW members at a deeply discounted price. Thanks in part to VF Workwear’s sponsorship and support of MEUW, the shirt is available for $40 (typically retails for $139). Sizes XL and XXL are still available. These shirts were purchased for the 2020 Watt Hour Meter Workshop and Underground Distribution School that were canceled due to COVID-19. The shirts are for sale exclusively online at MEUW.org. All orders must be purchased using a credit card.
MEUW Staffing News: Joe Moore has joined MEUW as a Safety Training Specialist. He is a Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) and brings more than 10 years’ safety-related experience, working most recently at M.J. Electric since 2012. Joe is an Iraq War Veteran and was a Staff Sergeant for the Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing and 128th Air Refueling Wing from 2003 to 2013.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Univ. of Wisconsin-Whitewater. In addition to the CUSP, Joe holds numerous other training certifications that will provide immediate value to MEUW members, including MEDIC First Aid/CPR/AED, ATSSA Certified Flagger, OSHA Construction as well as Qualified Rigger and Signal Person and Competent Person Excavation training. Joe will have a dual role with MEUW, providing safety services for entities in northeast Wisconsin, while also supporting the Electric Utility Safety Training program through the delivery of workshops and seminars he’s qualified to lead.
Joe lives in Mukwonago with his wife Janette and two daughters. He started with MEUW today and reports directly to Manager of Safety Services Mike Czuprynko, joining our team of safety professionals across the state. Joe can be reached by email at jmoore@meuw.org.
Board of Directors’ Meeting: MEUW’s Board will meet via Zoom conference on Friday, Aug. 21, at 8:30 a.m. As a membership organization, the Board Meeting is open for any member utility to attend, however, only Board members (or their alternates) will be able to vote on any items brought for action. The complete agenda, including instructions to join the virtual meeting, will be posted to MEUW’s Website one week prior to the meeting. A listing of the current MEUW Board of Directors is available here.