The biggest event of the year for Wisconsin utility operations folks is just four weeks away: Remember to register for the 2023 Electric Operations Conference & Expo, which will be held Jan. 11-13 at Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The annual gathering is organized by MEUW and the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) and features a large trade show showcasing vendors who are part of the Wisconsin Utility Suppliers Association (WUSA). The “early bird” registration discount (a savings of $20 per person) ends Thursday (Dec. 15). Full details are available here. The deadline to register is Jan. 6, 2023. This year’s event is presented by Milwaukee Tool, with additional support provided by other sponsors listed here.
Banquet to recognize recent apprentice graduates: The annual Apprentice Graduation Banquet will be held in conjunction with the 2023 Electric Operations Conference & Expo on Thursday evening, Jan. 12. The event will include a reception, dinner, and brief program to recognize the Class of 2022 who completed the apprenticeship programs at Chippewa Valley Technical College, Mid-State Technical College, and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. A list of all those who will be recognized is available here. A separate ticket and registration are required to attend; details are here.
The December edition of Live Lines was distributed last week. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
Upcoming workshop focuses on helping utilities troubleshoot their system: MEUW plans to host a one-day workshop to help member utilities learn more about how to proactively address problems on their electric-distribution system. Dave Krause, P.E., of EPS Engineering & Design, Inc. will lead the workshop and highlight types of system faults and equipment reactions as well as different types of protective devices for overhead, underground, and substation equipment. The workshop is planned for Wednesday, Feb. 1, and will be held at The Lodge At Mauston between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Further details and registration information is available here.
February seminar will detail 2023 changes to NESC Code: A new edition of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), the standard for safety in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of electric and communication systems, was published in August 2022 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). MEUW is hosting a members-only seminar to explain how NESC applies to electric utility transmission and distribution systems and review details about the important changes that are effective in the 2023 edition. The one-day seminar, which is being led by Bruce Beth of Forster Electrical Engineering, will include group discussions and Q&A around rule interpretations, compliance issues, and information about resources for help. The workshop is planned for Thursday, Feb. 23, and will be held at The Lodge At Mauston between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Further details and registration information is available here.
Join your public power colleagues in the nation’s capital: Make plans to attend the 2023 American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally taking place Feb. 27 to March 1, in Washington, D.C. The annual rally is crucial to ensuring that U.S. Senators and Congressional members hear the voices and concerns of MEUW municipal utility members and our communities. Wisconsin is traditionally well represented at the rally, enabling our members to help influence policy and to represent the public power community as a whole. Additional information and registration details are available on APPA’s Website. If you’ve never attended and are interested in learning more about the 2023 event, please call MEUW’s Director of Legislative and Regulatory Relations Tyler Vorpagel at (920) 265-7720.
MEUW Weekly will be on hiatus for the holidays: We will not distribute an e-newsletter on Dec. 20 or 27. Also, the January edition of Live Lines will be published on Tuesday, Jan. 3, so the first edition of MEUW Weekly in 2023 will be distributed on Jan. 10. As always, we welcome your feedback about the news you receive from MEUW. Please use the Comment section below to “leave a reply” and share your thoughts. Thank you … and happy holidays!