Place your order for a new-edition safety manual: The American Public Power Association (APPA) has released the 17th edition of its Safety Manual, which features more than 200 changes (detailed here) and the addition of several new sections. This is the first new edition since 2017. APPA’s Safety Manual is the basis of the work practices in use at municipal utilities across the country, including in Wisconsin. It is strongly recommended that all utility line personnel and management have their own copy. As a service to member utilities, MEUW plans a bulk purchase of the updated manual for a price better than what an individual utility could get from APPA on its own. Orders should be placed through the MEUW Online Store. Manuals purchased from MEUW will be delivered to purchasing utilities during regular on-site safety training visits later this year.
The February edition of Live Lines was distributed last week. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
MEUW among those urging Congress to support LIHEAP: As electric-utility providers, MEUW members understand the importance of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the critical, life-saving support it offers the most vulnerable households in America. The National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) is holding its annual LIHEAP Action Day this week, lobbying Congress to maximize funding in fiscal year 2024. MEUW, along with more than 250 other organizations across the country, signed a letter to members of the U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees to urge for more federal LIHEAP funding, which has become increasingly strained in the wake of rising prices and weather-related disasters.
Training to highlight NESC Code changes planned for Feb. 23: The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) is the go-to standard for electric and telecom utility companies. The code is updated every five years (the 2023 edition was released last August and will become effective Feb. 1). MEUW is holding a one-day seminar to enable members to learn about the fundamental applications of the NESC to electric utility transmission and distribution systems and be informed about the important 2023 updates. The seminar is planned for Thursday, Feb. 23, at The Lodge At Mauston and will be led by Bruce Beth and Justin Franz from Forster Electrical Engineering. The program will include group discussions and Q&A around rule interpretations, compliance issues, with information about resources for help. Full details and registration information is available on MEUW’s website here.
The Executive Committee of MEUW’s Board of Directors held a regular meeting on Feb. 1. The draft minutes of their discussions are here (member log-in required).
Applications for Safety Awards now being accepted: MEUW enjoys recognizing member utilities for taking steps to improve their overall safety performance. We are now accepting applications for 2022 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 Wednesday, March 1. The awards will be presented at the Annual Conference in May.
Registration is now open for Watt-Hour Meter Institute: MEUW will host its annual metering workshop March 14-16 in Green Bay, and the program has a new focus for 2023. The yearly training helps meter technicians learn more about new technologies and approved work practices. Recognizing that lineworkers are often tasked with installing meter sets, this year’s workshop will provide a back-to-basics understanding for anyone who needs to expand their knowledge about the intricacies of meter installations and why the details matter. Through classroom and hands-on training, the program will benefit the beginner, intermediate, and experienced utility lineworker, covering topics like verifying and identifying metering inaccuracies, and choosing the correct metering equipment. The workshop is planned for Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay and there will be options to attend all or part of the three-day workshop. Full details and registration info are here.
“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.