Stay ahead of the rules to be a well-run utility: The “right to serve” electric customers is a privilege municipal utilities can’t take for granted. Understanding the complexities of utility regulation and the variety of rules required to comply with state and federal safety and employment laws is essential to effectively managing a utility every day. As part of MEUW’s “Fundamentals of Utility Management” training program, this one-day course explores the rules and regulations, the reasons many of those rules exist, and the risks and consequences when utilities fail to follow them. Participants will take away a deeper understanding of these important concepts and gain new insights to make compliance more efficient. The class will be held in Mauston on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. An outline of the training topics, the instructors, and registration details are here.
2025 Electric Operations Conference & Expo is just four weeks away! Don’t miss your chance to register for the 2025 Electric Operations Conference & Expo at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells on Jan. 15–17. The detailed agenda — including information about the specific presenters and breakout topics — is available here. The sold-out Expo, a five-hour trade show taking place on Thursday, Jan. 16, will present a great opportunity to learn about the goods and services offered by more than 100 utility suppliers. The event is co-presented by MEUW and the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA). Full details are available here. The reduced hotel room rate deadline has been extended to Dec. 21 (or until they’re all filled). Book your hotel room today to take advantage of the reduced rate — they’re going fast!
Celebrate apprentices at the graduation banquet: Get your tickets for the annual Apprentice Graduation Banquet, held in conjunction with the 2025 Electric Operations Conference & Expo on Thursday evening, Jan. 16. The event will include a reception, dinner, and brief program to recognize the Class of 2024 who completed the apprenticeship programs at Chippewa Valley Technical College and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. A list of all those who will be recognized is available here. To attend the event, you’ll need a separate ticket; details are here. Friends and family are welcome.
Register for new customer service training “The Power of One”: Customer interactions happen in every role, regardless of whether it’s a formal part of your job. In response to member feedback, MEUW has launched a new interactive, virtual training series to explore skills and insights to deliver exceptional customer service. The six-part monthly series called “The Power of One” acknowledges how individual employee actions contribute to customer satisfaction and a positive impression of the utility. All workers regardless of role, department, and experience level are welcome to attend and will take away valuable insights that lead to improved customer service for internal and external customers.
The classes will be held Thursdays from 10:00–11:30 a.m., once per month beginning Jan. 23. Register as an individual or participate as a small group at your location (groups of ten or fewer are recommended due to the interactive nature of the class). Registration is open now for the first session. There is also an option to register for the full six-part series with the “Early Bird” Bundle between now and Jan. 23. Those interested in the training are also welcome to enroll in the first class and then decide if you’d like to buy the rest of the series as part of the “Happy Learner” Bundle. Full details about the new program (including the registration options and fees) can be found at www.meuw.org/powerofone.
The MEUW Board of Directors met virtually on Dec. 11, 2024. Notes from that meeting are available here (member login is required).
Scholarship application period open for aspiring utility workers: MEUW’s “Powering Futures” Scholarship application period is now open for students pursuing careers in electrical power distribution. Applications for this year’s awards will be accepted through Jan. 24, 2025. To be eligible, students must reside in a Wisconsin public power community and must be pursuing post-secondary education to become a Field Service Technician, Groundman, Lineman Apprentice, Electric Meter Technician, Substation Electrician Apprentice or Utility Technician. For more information and to review the complete criteria, visit meuw.org/scholarships.
Help us spread the word: Member utilities are encouraged to customize this letter and share it with the high school principal or guidance office in your community.
Rice Lake Utilities would like to sell approximately 1,500 Sensus A Generation 3 2S class 200 meters with remote disconnects, manufactured from 2011- 2013. The price is negotiable. Contact Jimmy Smith for details at (715) 234-7004 or via email.
Get holiday discounts — all year long! Get great deals on safety equipment and products through MEUW-negotiated discount arrangements. Both Conney Safety Products and Verona Safety offer special pricing for MEUW members any time of year. To take advantage, do the following:
Conney Safety Products: Email sales@conney.com. The account name is under Municipal Electric Utilities, account # 100343434. Make sure to use your credit card to purchase.
Verona Safety: Email samie@veronasafety.com. Our contact is Samie Gossfeld, VP of Sales. He can also be reached by phone at (608) 204-5955. Let him know you’re a member of MEUW and which utility you’re from.
Share the public power story during “Day at the Capitol.” Join fellow members at the Capitol in Madison on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 (2/5/25) to inform and educate state lawmakers about public power’s unique needs and value. As a result of redistricting and the outcome of November’s elections, 28% of the state legislature has turned over, either with first-timers or lawmakers who have switched chambers for the new legislative session. This means there’s a huge opportunity for municipal utilities to make an impression on new (and returning) members of the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly. You’ll be representing not only your public power community, but also the more than 300,000 Wisconsinites who get their electricity from a community-owned utility. Full details are available here.
A room block is available for those who need lodging Tuesday, Feb. 4. Details are here.
MEUW Weekly will be on hiatus for the holidays: We will not distribute an e-newsletter on Dec. 24 or 31. Also, the January edition of Live Lines will be published on Tuesday, Jan. 7, so the first edition of MEUW Weekly in 2024 will be distributed on Jan. 14. 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!