Friday is deadline for required PSC filings: All utilities are required to submit filings related to the public health emergency to the Public Service Commission (PSC) by the January 15 deadline. An Arrearage Management Plan filing in docket 5-UI-120 and the Quarterly Reporting filings for both docket 5-UI-120 (information on customer protections) and 5-AF-105 (financial impacts of COVID-19) are required from every utility in the state, regardless of size. A large number of municipal utilities failed to comply with previous filing requirements (in fourth quarter 2020). It’s important that everyone submit the required information to the PSC on time.
Full details about these filing requirements are provided in the Commission Order issued on Oct. 29. Commission staff provided filing instructions (and a format) to utilities on Dec. 22; the content of the email can be found here.
MEUW last week hosted a members-only Q-&-A call with staff from the PSC to address specifics related to the filings. The hour-long call was recorded for anyone who wishes to listen in on whatever they might have missed. To access the recording, dial 1-888-899-7904 and enter Archive ID 318-082-005. Unfortunately, you cannot fast-forward through the recording and it begins with seven minutes of silence as participants called in.
The January edition of Live Lines was distributed last week. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
Register now for next week’s one-day Transformer Workshops: In an effort to maximize cold-weather days for in-person training, MEUW has organized a one-day workshop on the fundamentals of single-phase transformers. MEUW’s Randy Larson will lead each session. An overview of the topics to be covered is available here.
The workshop will be held in four locations across the state, with the goal of allowing utility crews to attend a session at a site nearer them to avoid an overnight hotel stay. Each session will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 2:30 p.m. Training will take place in the shop at each utility, and an extended lunch break will be on your own in order to safeguard against the spread of the virus.
The cost to attend is $25 per person, and the number of attendees will be limited to support social-distancing guidelines. Click on the date/location below to complete the online registration process at MEUW’s website.
- Monday, Jan. 18 – Fennimore Electric Utility
- Tuesday, Jan. 19 – Waupun Utilities
- Wednesday, Jan. 20 – Plymouth Utilities
- Thursday, Jan. 21 – Florence Utilities
Last call to sign up for virtual legislative rally: The 2021 American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally is shifting to an online event because of ongoing concerns surrounding the pandemic. The “virtual rally” is set for March 1-2, 2021. MEUW intends to again work closely with the WPPI Energy Government Affairs team to ensure participation from Wisconsinites is as strong as usual. The virtual format for 2021 offers those who have always wanted to take part to do so without the cost of travel or the burden of time away. There is no cost to participate.
If you’re interested in participating in the virtual rally, please fill out this form and submit it to MEUW so we can share more details when they’re finalized. (WPPI Energy members should send an email to Rebecca Kraemer instead of using the MEUW form). Please call the MEUW Office at (608) 837-2263 with any questions.
Member Inquiry: Rick Wicklund, Utility Manager at Sun Prairie Utilities, is interested in connecting with fellow MEUW members who have implemented AMI and are using Badger water meters with Honeywell remote transmitters. If that describes your utility, please reach out directly to Rick at (608) 960-4047 or by email.
Remind your friends about MEUW scholarship: MEUW provides its “Powering Futures” Scholarship to support students pursuing careers in electrical power distribution. Applications for this year’s awards will be accepted until Jan. 28, 2021. To be eligible, students must reside in a Wisconsin public power community and must be pursuing post-secondary education to become a Field Service Technician, Groundman, Lineman Apprentice, Electric Meter Technician, Substation Electrician Apprentice or Utility Technician.
For more information and to review the complete criteria, visit meuw.org/scholarships.
Online “Lineman University” set for Feb. 2: As some MEUW members continue to deal with pandemic-related travel restrictions, we’re hosting the 2021 “Lineman University” session as an online training. Lineman U is open to all MEUW members and is especially targeted for lineworkers to help educate them on timely topics and trends in the electric industry.
The online training is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 2 and will begin at 8 a.m. There are a total of seven presentations planned, with a 30-minute break for lunch. The complete agenda can be found here. Cost is $95 per person. The registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 29.
