Free webinar to explore federal grants available for municipal utility projects: Power System Engineering (PSE) is holding a one-hour webinar to provide an in-depth overview of numerous funding opportunities that will soon be available to Wisconsin municipal utilities. The funding is provided mainly through grants coming out of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. Potential eligible projects include LED street lighting, hydro generation modernization and/or repair, modernization of load management resources (diesel and/or natural gas), substation modernization/ replacement, distribution system reliability, behind-the-meter solar projects, broadband, cybersecurity, and more. The webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 9 a.m. More details are available here. There is no cost to attend. Pre-registration is not required.
There’s still time to register for next week’s Lineman University: MEUW’s “Lineman University” training seminar returns to an in-person format this year, on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 24-25 at The Lodge At Mauston. Topics to be covered are useful for anyone who works in the field of electric power systems, construction, and maintenance. Individuals of all levels of experience are encouraged to attend. The training has been expanded to one-and-a-half days based on feedback from members who said an overnight stay supports more networking. The full agenda and registration details are available here. Questions should be directed to Randy Larson at (715) 559-7542.
Applications for Safety Awards are due March 1: MEUW enjoys recognizing member utilities for taking steps to improve their overall safety performance. We are now accepting applications for 2021 performance measures. Each utility is encouraged to take time to compile the necessary information and submit the application spreadsheet, which is available at MEUW.org/safetyawards. The deadline to submit the required documentation is Tuesday, March 1. The awards will be presented at the Annual Conference in May.
Tell us what you think! MEUW is currently conducting a member survey to gather feedback about the services and future direction of the association. Responses will be accepted through Friday, March 18. The survey link has been sent directly to key contacts at each of our member utilities.
Anyone associated with one of our member utilities is also invited to complete the survey, which is available here. The survey is an important part of the association’s planning efforts, and the input provided is used to shift priorities and assess progress toward achievement of strategic goals. Please take time to give us your feedback.
“Catalog” showcases training offerings: MEUW has a comprehensive listing of fee-based offerings available to members, including à la carte training classes, on-demand inspections, and other services. The catalog is available here. Municipalities interested in taking advantage of any of the service offerings are encouraged to contact MEUW Manager of Safety Services Mike Czuprynko at (608) 478-2530 for scheduling.
Watt-Hour Metering Workshop returns next month: For the first time since 2019, MEUW will hold the Watt-Hour Metering Workshop March 15-17 at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. The three-day workshop is a must-attend event for meter technicians, as industry leaders will explain new technologies and approved work practices. Other agenda highlights include verifying and identifying metering inaccuracies and choosing the correct metering equipment. There is a half-day “Pre-Workshop Session” beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 14, that covers basic metering for those who are new to metering or would like a refresher. The registration fee for the Workshop is $495 per person; the Pre-Workshop session is an additional $75. Click here to learn more and to sign up.
Send us your job postings: Remember that MEUW welcomes the opportunity to help you attract qualified applicants to your utility’s job openings. In fact, we know our “Employment” page is among the most visited pages on MEUW.org!
Send your open job postings to info@meuw.org whenever they become available. We will work to post your position in a timely fashion and also publicize it in the next issue of Live Lines (if the position is not filled prior to its monthly publication date).