Updated Wisconsin Public Power Directory now available: MEUW has published an updated directory of public power utilities in the state. The directory – which includes the name, phone number and email address of a key contact at each utility plus facts and figures about customer count and governance – is available electronically on MEUW.org. One printed copy is being sent to the key contact at each MEUW member utility (if it was not already claimed at last week’s Joint Sups Conference). Additional printed copies are available upon request from the MEUW Office; please send an email to office@meuw.org or call (608) 837-2263.
New alternate directors join MEUW Board: At its Jan. 18 meeting, the MEUW Board of Directors approved the appointment of two Alternate Directors to fill vacancies on the Board: Weston Arndt, Electric Superintendent in New Richmond, and Troy Murphy, Director of Public Works in Prairie du Sac, have joined the Board serving as alternates representing Districts 1 and 6, respectively. A complete list of the MEUW Board of Directors is available here.
New guidebook available to address post-electrical contact and arc-flash injuries: Electrical contacts and arc-flash injuries can occur when least expected, and even the best training doesn’t always prepare you for what to do if an accident happens. MEUW has compiled a new guide to help municipal utilities prepare a response plan that works for their community. The guide, which includes detailed information to properly assess a burn patient, was developed in cooperation with the UW Health University Hospital Burn Center in Madison and is available for download at MEUW.org. Additionally, Andrea Wipperfurth, Manager of Burn and Wound Healing Services for UW Health, was among the speakers at the Joint Superintendents’ Conference on Jan. 17, and her presentation also is available at MEUW.org.
Diggers Hotline safety meetings happening around the state: Every year, between January and April, Diggers Hotline and the Damage Prevention Council of Wisconsin hold a series of Utility Damage Prevention Meetings throughout the state for utility workers, contractors, landscapers, plumbers, homebuilders and other professional excavators working in Wisconsin. These meetings promote safe digging practices and the importance of using Diggers Hotline services. Each meeting includes the safety-focused program, a buffet meal and door prizes. The meetings run approximately two hours and are free of charge. For a complete list of meeting sites and to register, click here.
Scholarship applications due Jan. 31: Applications for MEUW’s new “Powering Futures” scholarship, which was created to support students pursuing careers in electrical power distribution, are due next week.
To be eligible, students must reside in one of over 80 Wisconsin communities operating an electric utility 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 a full list of the scholarship criteria and additional information, please click here.
Communication, Time and Project Management training is Feb. 27: The MEUW Management Training Program kicks off another two-year rotation in educating municipal electric utility employees about the fundamentals of management next month. Session A, which deals with topics related to Communication, Time and Project Management, is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 27, in Marshfield.
Darla Leick, an experienced educator and business professional, will be leading this day-long session that teaches participants how to track projects to assure nothing falls through the cracks as well as how to prepare for effective/efficient meetings and proven ideas for knowing what information to share with whom and when. Leick founded and designed communication programs based on her teaching experience and business communication research. Her sessions are presented using activities to reinforce concepts, to immediately apply the material, and to assist in recall.
MEUW’s Management Training Program provides education for existing managers, mid-level managers and future management prospects. Participants may start at any point in the six-session (A-F) program. MEUW awards certificates to all those who complete the program.
For more information or to register, click here.
Lineworker “U” offers refresher for experienced lineworkers: On Feb. 4, 5 and 6 MEUW will host Lineworker “U” at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire. This three-day seminar provides refresher training for experienced lineworkers (it is not recommended for Apprentices, as it is geared toward experienced lineworkers).
When registering, participants will be asked to choose classes that best match their training needs and interests for six break-out sessions. There will also be several general sessions, hands-on training, an introduction to the latest equipment, and time for networking. The seminar agenda — with course choices and details — is now listed on MEUW’s website. Registration is open through Feb. 1.
Watt-Hour Workshop set for March: MEUW will hold its annual Watt-Hour Meter Workshop on March 18-20, 2019, at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. This three-day workshop is a must-attend event for meter technicians as industry leaders will explain new technologies and approved work practices. Other agenda highlights include verifying and identifying metering inaccuracies, and choosing the correct metering equipment.
Registration for the workshop will open soon – please look for it on MEUW.org.
Send us your job postings: Remember that MEUW welcomes the opportunity to help you attract qualified applicants to your utility’s job openings. In fact, a recent review of our website activity showed that our “Employment” page is the most visited page on MEUW.org!
Send your open job postings to info@meuw.org whenever they become available. We will work to post your position in a timely fashion and also publicize it in the next issue of Live Lines (if the position is not filled before its monthly publication date).