Wisconsin is well-represented at this week’s APPA legislative rally: Hundreds of public power leaders from across the country are gathering in Washington, D.C., this week to educate federal lawmakers about public power’s policy priorities and the work they do in their communities. Sixty delegates representing 24 Wisconsin municipalities are joining their fellow mayors, alders, utility commissioners, general managers, and others for scheduled meetings with Wisconsin’s Members of Congress, U.S. Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin, and their staff members. The American Public Association (APPA) stages the rally every year to advocate for municipal electric utilities and provide a forum to engage legislators and policymakers about topics important to public power. Wisconsin’s delegation — which includes representatives of WPPI Energy and Great Lakes Utilities — is typically among the largest to participate. Check out the next edition of Live Lines for a full recap of this year’s Rally.
Use your voice to advocate for public power: As noted in last week’s MEUW Weekly, a revised transmission “Right of First Refusal” (ROFR) bill was recently introduced in the Wisconsin legislature. A version of this bill was considered by lawmakers in the last session, but was never presented for a vote by the State Senate. Manitowoc Public Utilities took the initiative to advocate in favor of the bill and educate its large industrial customers to ensure they understood the issue and the potential impacts a decision could have on them. Their messaging asserted that approval of ROFR will appropriately allocate costs and save Wisconsinite’s money.
The bill addresses the rights of incumbent transmission facility owners to construct, own, and maintain certain transmission lines, especially those shared regionally. Supporters of ROFR have estimated Wisconsin ratepayers could save up to $1 billion over the life of the transmission lines if the Wisconsin incumbent transmission owners are allowed to build Wisconsin’s transmission infrastructure versus out-of-state transmission companies.
MEUW encourages its member utilities to ensure their largest customers are similarly educated on the bill and its potential impacts. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact MEUW’s Director of Legislative and Regulatory Relations Tyler Vorpagel.
Award deadlines approaching: Don’t miss your chance to nominate your utility, leader, or co-worker for MEUW Award. Deadlines are fast-approaching for MEUW’s annual awards. 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.
Online class focuses on “Moments of Truth”: The next class in our new “Power of One” customer service training series focuses on “Moments of Truth” in customer service. The 90-minute virtual training course, held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, will explore how every interaction shapes the customer experience. Participants will learn how to identify internal and external customers and explore how small, pivotal moments (so-called “Moments of Truth”) create lasting impressions.
Learners can expect to gain insight into taking ownership of situations, avoiding blame, and optimizing their influence to deliver exceptional service. After completing the training, participants will understand the ripple effect of their actions and how the “Power of One” contributes to customer loyalty.
You can find details and registration here ― registering either as an individual learner or have one person from your municipality register for group viewing.
Connect with other utility crew leaders at Foreman’s Roundtable: It’s not often that the people leading utility line crews have the chance to get together to share ideas, learn from one another, and develop leadership and communication skills, especially regarding safety. We are holding a Foreman’s Roundtable on Wednesday, March 19, Milford Hills in Johnson Creek to offer just that opportunity. Registration information and meeting details are available here.
Credit and Collections Seminar provides information, connections: Bringing together municipal electric utility staff, MEUW will once again be hosting a Credit and Collections Seminar ― held every other year ― for 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.
Sharpen your coaching skills at upcoming class. Good coaches understand what causes them frustration, negative self-talk, and unproductive emotional reactions. Knowing how and when to coach is an essential leadership quality that can benefit both you and your organization. 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.
Save the dates — MEUW Annual Conference: Make plans to join your public power colleagues in La Crosse for the 95th gathering of MEUW members. This year’s Annual Conference will take place Wednesday, May 14–16 and includes a golf outing on Wednesday, May 14. You won’t want to miss the chance to connect with municipal utility leaders from across Wisconsin and hear from speakers on a wide array of timely topics. Bookmark this page and watch for a full agenda soon. In the meantime, room reservations are currently being accepted under a special room block rate at the Radisson La Crosse, the conference hotel. Conference registration will open April 1.