Reminder of deadlines for certain filings: To help MEUW members stay on top of reporting requirements and deadlines, MEUW recently updated a handy reference guide and posted it on our Website. You’ll find information about key contacts as well as the timeframe to ensure your utility complies with the reporting needs. Of particular note is a March 2 deadline for an annual Department of Revenue filing related to license fees.
Beware of scam involving OSHA compliance manuals: Enterprising scammers are back at it – attempting to confuse municipalities into purchasing a “Compliance Manual” that is not needed or required. The company perpetrating the scam goes by either PV Business Solutions or Safety Compliance Publication Inc. They send a three-ring binder of OSHA regulations unsolicited to a municipality, which later receives a bill for $298 or more. If you receive the manual, you are advised to mark it “Return to Sender” and ignore any invoice that may arrive. Additional information about this scam is available from the Better Business Bureau here.
PSC shares information about municipal rate application changes: In an effort to process electric municipal rate applications more quickly and efficiently, the Public Service Commission will now be including a list of initial data request (IDR) questions as a component of the rate application process. The IDR is being included in the rate application, effective immediately and moving forward. If your utility is currently working on a rate application and you wish to include the IDR, please contact the PSC at (608) 266-0699. Filed applications that fail to include IDR responses may require longer processing time.
Utility Accounting and Finance training next week: This Friday (Feb. 21) is the deadline to register for the next session in MEUW’s six-session Management Training Program. Training on topics related to Utility Accounting and Finance will take place Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Marshfield. Click here to learn more and to sign up.
Training session focuses on improving workplace communications: MEUW is offering a one-day training session about interpersonal communications and the impact verbal and non-verbal cues have on everyday conversations. “That’s Not What I Said … or Was It?” will be held on Thursday, March 12, in Wisconsin Dells. To learn more about the program, click here.
Registration now open for two safety workshops this spring: MEUW has added an Underground Facility Locating Workshop (April 14 in Eau Claire) and Excavation Competent Person Workshop (April 16 in Waupun) to the training schedule. Each is a one-day workshop open to all MEUW members. Details about registration are available on the “Event Calendar” of MEUW’s Website.
MEUW offers flagger training to meet new state requirement: All flaggers working on Wisconsin state highways are now required to be trained and certified in a state-specific flagger training curriculum, and MEUW is offering a half-day training course that meets the need. The new requirement came into effect Jan. 1, 2020, after Wisconsin Department of Transportation inspectors observed a number of work zone safety issues, including inattentive flaggers and improper use of personal protective equipment. The new training is designed to provide for the safety of flaggers and the traveling public.
Training sessions are now planned for Waunakee (April 13) and Medford (May 5), and additional dates and locations will be added soon. Registration information is available on the “Event Calendar” of MEUW’s Website.
MEUW members can take advantage of group discount for safety supplies: Wisconsin-based Conney Safety offers a wide assortment of products and equipment designed to help keep people safe in the workplace. Conney is offering discounted pricing to all MEUW members on a variety of supplies. To take advantage of the reduced prices and online ordering, start by contacting David Vincent, Conney Safety Account Manager, at (608) 288-5871 and reference Municipal Electric Utilities and account number 100343434.
Change to MEUW Board: MEUW District 6 Director Dale Bender has resigned from the Board of Directors due to his upcoming retirement. MEUW Board President John Murphy appointed Scott Gald of Richland Center to serve the remainder of Dale’s term, which expires at the MEUW Annual Meeting in May. The Board approved Scott’s appointment at a meeting last month.
MEUW members invited to attend co-op training session: Dairyland Power Cooperative is hosting a two-day “Key Person Workshop” on March 11 and 12 in Tomah. A complete agenda and registration information is available here.
Applications for Safety Awards are due March 2: MEUW enjoys recognizing member utilities for taking steps to improve their overall safety performance. We are now accepting applications for 2019 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.
Nominations are also being accepted for MEUW’s Association Honors and Awards that recognize individual contributions and achievements toward advancing public power. Awards are presented in a number of categories and those that meet specific criteria will be reviewed by the Awards Committee. To nominate someone in your area, please visit MEUW.org/awards, complete the nomination form and submit it by the March 31 deadline.
Awards will be presented at MEUW’s 91st Annual Conference in May.
Register now for March Watt-Hour Metering Workshop: MEUW’s annual Watt-Hour Metering Workshop will be held March 16-19 at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) in Green Bay. The workshop combines classroom education with practical, hands-on experiences, and is a “must-attend” for meter technicians who want to stay up to date on new technologies, approved work practices, and proper procedures.
A half-day pre-workshop session on Monday, March 16, covers metering basics for those who may be new to metering or would like a refresher. The agenda also include techniques for verifying and identifying metering inaccuracies, and instruction on choosing the correct metering equipment. Suppliers will also be on hand to showcase the latest in metering technology and equipment at the Tuesday evening Vendor Show. Registration and a complete agenda are available here.