Award application deadlines approaching: MEUW enjoys recognizing member utilities, their employees and power promoters. Please submit your applications and nominations before the deadlines listed below.
- Safety Awards recognize steps member utilities are taking to improve their overall safety performance. We are now accepting applications for 2025 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 Monday, March 2.
- MEUW Honors recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed to the success of public power in Wisconsin. Each award has criteria that should be achieved for a candidate to be considered, detailed here. There is no cost to nominate someone for the awards; just complete this short and simple nomination form. The deadline to submit nomination forms is Monday, March 30.
All awards will be presented at MEUW’s 96th Annual Conference on Thursday, May 14, in Madison. Submit your applications and nominations today!
Wisconsin lawmakers introduce multiple bills to regulate data centers: Data centers are the topic du jour in the utility industry these days, and legislators on both sides of the political aisle have introduced bills in recent months to address the developments. The legislation aims to increasing oversight of large data center projects amid growing concerns about impacts on energy infrastructure, water use, and utility costs.
Legislation from Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin (D-Whitefish Bay) and Rep. Angela Stroud (D-Ashland) (SB 729 and AB 722) proposes construction wage requirements, sustainability standards, water use regulation, new large energy customer fees, a “very large customer” rate class, renewable energy tariffs, and expanded reporting requirements.
A separate proposal from Sen. Romaine Quinn (R-Birchwood) and Rep. Shannon Zimmerman (R-River Falls) (SB 843 and AB 840) would prevent utilities from shifting data center infrastructure costs to other customers, require on-site renewable energy and closed-loop cooling systems, mandate water use reporting, and require site restoration if projects are not completed. This bill has passed the State Assembly with a substitute amendment.
Additional legislation circulated by Sen. Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) and Rep. Darrin Madison (D-Milwaukee) would establish a statewide data center planning authority, prohibit cost shifting to residential customers, require 100% new renewable energy use, mandate usage reporting, and require referendums prior to construction.
As with all legislative proposals impacting the utility industry, MEUW is monitoring these developments and will provide members with updates as necessary.
Member Inquiry: Arcadia Electric Utility is looking for policy manual language pertaining to employees on volunteer fire departments and how fire calls are handled during working hours or when an employee is on-call for the utility. If you can help, please contact Arcadia Electric Superintendent Tim Putz.
Share your story at the Legislative Rally! Dozens of municipal utility folks from across the state are headed to Washington, D.C., for the American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally Feb. 23–25. Those participating in the Rally will be briefed on several key issues that will be discussed with our representatives in the U.S. House and Senate. If you’re not able to attend the Rally, but have a specific story from your utility related to any of these issues, please contact MEUW Director of Legislative and Regulatory Relations Tyler Vorpagel to include your story in the packet of information shared with our federal representatives.
Switching and communications training offered Feb. 25: Effective lockout/tagout depends on clear communication among crews, dispatchers, and transmission providers. This two-hour session on Wednesday, Feb. 25, covers key requirements, OSHA hold‑card standards, and the essentials of accurate three‑way communication. While procedures vary by provider, the training highlights common expectations and practical guidance you can use across systems. The training is free and can be attended in-person (in Sun Prairie) or virtually. Advance registration is required; learn more here.
Surplus equipment for sale: Sturgeon Bay Utilities is selling a 2003 55-foot Versalift bucket truck and other equipment. The full list of items for sale can be found here. Contact Jason Bieri at (920) 746-5972 for additional information and photos.
Register for the Foreman’s Roundtable: The people leading utility line crews face common challenges and often don’t have an opportunity to talk with others facing those same challenges. We are holding a Foreman’s Roundtable on Wednesday, March 25, at PinSeekers in DeForest to enable electric utility foremen to share ideas, learn from one another, and develop leadership and communication skills, especially regarding safety. Following the Roundtable, attendees will have the chance to take part in an optional teambuilding and networking activity at the at the hybrid golf facility. Learn more and register here.
Keep your leadership skills sharp, fresh: Leadership skills need to be kept current and fresh to stay on top of ever evolving situations and challenges. Next month, MEUW will host a two‑day interactive Leadership Workshop to support the next generation of public power leaders. The program will be led by two long-time utility industry leaders and focuses on communication, leadership skills, and managing change. Participants will learn strategies to build trust, communicate effectively, and strengthen team collaboration. Full details are here. The workshop will be held March 12–13 at Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells. Registration is now open.
New Cyber/Physical Security working group seeks your input: MEUW’s new member-led Cybersecurity/Physical Security working group was formed to support Wisconsin’s municipal electric utilities as they navigate evolving security risks. The peer-driven group is a resource for member utilities to collaborate on practical, right-sized approaches to security, particularly the smaller utilities that may have limited staff, budgets, or technical capacity. To help guide the effort and areas of focus, the group is seeking input through a brief survey. Please take a few moments to complete the survey to anonymously share your top cybersecurity and physical security topics. MEUW members interested in joining or learning more are encouraged to contact working group Chair Don Krause at Kaukauna Utilities or email the MEUW office.
Save the Date for MEUW’s Annual Conference! MEUW will host its 96th Annual Conference on May 12–14 in Madison and Sun Prairie. The week’s activities will include a Day at the Capitol, golf outing, tours of host utility Sun Prairie’s new facility, a vendor trade show, a Utility Governance Roundtable, conference programming, the awards luncheon, and more! Mark your calendars now — and get a jump on booking your discounted hotel room! Registration will open on or around March 1.
