State legislature will reconsider ROFR bill: A new version of the “Right of First Refusal” (ROFR) bill was introduced in the Wisconsin legislature last week. The bill, SB-028 and AB-025 (Transmission Facilities), addresses the rights of incumbent transmission facility owners to construct, own, and maintain certain transmission lines, especially those shared regionally. Although lawmakers considered an earlier version in the last session, the bill was never presented for a vote by the State Senate. There are three notable changes from last session’s bill, including (1) a revised definition of “incumbent” transmission provider aimed at resolving legal challenges in other states; (2) a requirement that incumbent transmission owners report project costs charged to energy consumers outside Wisconsin to various government stakeholders; and (3) a provision that will allow the bill to sunset after 10 years.
ROFR was among the topics MEUW members discussed with lawmakers during the association’s “Day at the Capitol” on Feb. 5. Municipal utilities support ROFR because, among other benefits, ROFR ensures Wisconsin’s power grid decisions remain within the state and keeps critical grid-operation centers local; the Public Service Commission (PSC) would continue to oversee the grid with consumer interests in mind; and the approach maintains competitive bidding for transmission project construction. Supporters of ROFR have estimated Wisconsin ratepayers could save up to $1 billion over the life of the transmission lines if in-state transmission companies are allowed to build Wisconsin’s transmission infrastructure. The details shared with legislators are available here. If you’d like to ask your legislators to support these bills, you can find contact information for your state representatives here.
How strong is your Emotional Intelligence? There’s still time to register for this week’s Emotional Intelligence virtual training class. By developing your Emotional Intelligence (EI), you can strengthen your ability to connect with others on a deeper, more empathetic level, leading to more positive and productive interactions and relationships ― with both internal and external customers. Through MEUW’s new “Power of One” virtual training series, you’ll have a chance to focus on building self-awareness, recognizing and understanding the emotions of others, and effectively managing your emotions, especially if it gets tense.
This 90-minute virtual training class is the second of six training classes designed to explore different aspects of customer service. The training is Thursday, Feb. 20, at 10:00 a.m. All workers regardless of role, department, and experience level are welcome to attend. Full details can be found at www.meuw.org/powerofone.
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 2024 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 3.
- 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 Friday, March 28.
All awards will be presented at MEUW’s Annual Conference May 16 in Marshfield. Submit your applications and nominations today!
Member Inquiry: Wisconsin Dells Water & Light Utility is seeking insights, advice or recommendations regarding inventory tracking software currently being used by other member utilities. Please contact Monica Dorow-Leis by email or at (608) 253-2542 ext. 402.
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 19 Milford Hills in Johnson Creek to enable electric utility foremen to share ideas, learn from one another, and develop leadership and communication skills, especially regarding safety. Registration information and meeting details are available here.
Refresh your knowledge at Credit and Collections Seminar: MEUW will once again be hosting a Credit and Collections Seminar ― held every other year ― to bring together municipal electric utility staff to exchange ideas and get the very latest information about what’s happening with credit and collections. This year’s program addresses a wide variety of topics to help refresh your knowledge and provide timely reminders about the rules and regulations around disconnections, deferred payment agreements, and using collections agencies, among others. The program is designed to help strengthen the public power utilities’ collection process, with timing targeted at the end of the cold weather moratorium on electric service disconnections.
This year’s seminar will be held Wednesday, March 19, in Mauston. The agenda includes a refresher from the Public Service Commission (PSC) about disconnections, deferred payment agreements, deposit and foreclosures. Attendees will also have a chance to discuss best practices in handling bankruptcies. There will be topical discussions and updated details about resources available to help customers who qualify for energy assistance. Details and registration are available here.
How effective are your coaching skills? Knowing how and when to coach is an essential leadership quality that can benefit both you and your organization. Good coaches understand what causes them frustration, negative self-talk, and unproductive emotional reactions. Knowing yourself will help you be more effective as a leader and serve as a strong role model for others. Register today for Leading Through Coaching, which is part of MEUW’s three-part Municipal Utility Leadership Certificate Program. The course will be held in Mauston on Wednesday, April 2 ― details and registration can be found here.