MISO says power grid is ready for winter, but risks remain: During its annual readiness workshop, the Midcontinent ISO (MISO) reported adequate resources are in place for this winter, and also warned about challenges from extreme cold and storms. Forecasts show near- to below-normal temperatures in the North and Central regions, above-normal in the South, and increased precipitation around the Great Lakes. Peak demand is expected at 103 GW, possibly reaching 109 GW — similar to last winter’s 108 GW during Winter Storm Enzo. MISO is enhancing forecasting, reserves, and outage coordination to maintain reliability for the 45 million customers in its footprint, amid growing demand and changing generation.
New Cyber/Physical security working group forming, seeking members: As cyber threats continue to evolve, small municipal utilities across Wisconsin face increasing pressure to strengthen their overall security posture. However, most available guidance is tailored for large, investor-owned utilities, making it difficult to implement in smaller environments with limited staffing, budgets, and technical capacity.
Although most small utilities are not subject to formal cybersecurity compliance frameworks, the risks remain significant. Voluntarily adopting baseline security practices can greatly enhance resilience, but doing so without peer support or right-sized guidance can feel overwhelming.
Physical security is a critical component of utility protection. Safeguarding key facilities— such as substations, control rooms, and data centers—through controlled access, surveillance, perimeter barriers, and intrusion detection systems helps prevent unauthorized entry and reduce overall risk. Importantly, cybersecurity and physical security are closely linked: a weakness in one area can expose vulnerabilities in the other.
MEUW members are seeking to form a self-managed Cybersecurity/Physical Security Working Group to provide a peer-driven forum for utilities to network, learn from each other, and collaborate. Those interested in participating are asked to email the MEUW office, and we will organize a kickoff meeting.
The December edition of Live Lines was distributed on Dec. 2. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
Broadband permitting package including expanded pole attachments regulations passed: The U.S. House of Representatives’ Energy & Commerce Subcommittee advanced H.R. 2289, now including provisions from H.R. 278, which set timelines (“shot clocks”) for broadband permitting and pole attachments. The American Public Power Association (APPA) opposes the measure, citing concerns that utilities may not have enough time to review requests if not properly notified. APPA will continue advocating for local control, and MEUW will share updates as they develop.
Full agenda for 2026 Electric Operations Conference & Expo now available: There’s still time to register for the 2026 Electric Operations Conference & Expo at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells on Jan. 14 and 15. The detailed agenda — including information about the specific presenters and breakout topics — has been added to the event website here. The Expo, a five-hour trade show taking place on Thursday, Jan. 16, has sold out of exhibitor spaces and will be a great opportunity to learn about the goods and services offered by more than 135 utility suppliers. The event is co-presented by MEUW and the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA). Full details are available here. The deadline to book your hotel room to take advantage of the reduced rate is Monday, Dec. 15, so don’t miss out.
Get your tickets for the apprentice graduation banquet: The annual Apprentice Graduation Banquet will be held in conjunction with the 2026 Electric Operations Conference & Expo on Thursday evening, Jan. 15. The event will include a reception, dinner, and brief program to recognize the Class of 2025 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.
Scholarship available for aspiring utility workers: MEUW provides its “Powering Futures” Scholarship to support students pursuing careers in electrical power distribution. Applications for this year’s awards will be accepted Dec. 16, 2025 through Jan. 27, 2026. 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.
Register for February Apparatus Workshop: Join fellow utility workers at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire for this two-day workshop focused on providing both classroom and hands-on training. Planned topics to be covered include Jobsite Safety, Capacitors, Voltage Regulators, Reclosers, Trip Savers, Meters, and Connectors/ Connections. (Final topics may change depending on presenter availability.) The class will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 10 and 11. For registration and hotel information, click here.
Learn essential skills at Utility Accounting & Finance class: Begin or continue your professional development by attending this class, part of MEUW’s four-part Fundamentals of Utility Management Training Program. Understanding the various financial aspects associate with utility operations is essential for anyone in a management position. This course is designed to provide attendees with the fundamentals of public utility accounting, a clear understanding of business operations, how to review and efficiently manage budgets, as well as a base-level knowledge of utility regulations. Held on Feb. 11 in Mauston, registration and instructor information are located here. Register today!