Another successful EOCE is in the books! Thank you to all who attended this year’s Electric Operations Conference and Expo. Feedback about last week’s event has been very positive, in spite of the winter weather and travel challenges Mother Nature sent our way. More than 200 municipal and cooperative attendees and nearly 300 vendors (representing more than 120 exhibitors) participated. Please note that next year’s event will occur at a slightly different time because of the way the holidays hit the calendar — make plans to join us Jan. 15–17, 2025.
For those who had their pictures taken at our photo booth, we will share a link to the photo gallery in the very near future. If you attended the event, please take time to provide us with your feedback using the link sent to your email.
Leadership changes coming to Public Service Commission: Gov. Tony Evers announced Jan. 11 that PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq is stepping down as of Feb. 2. She was one of the Democrat Governor’s first appointments after his 2018 election and began serving as Chair in March 2019. Commissioner Summer Strand, who was appointed to a six-year PSC term in March 2023, has been chosen to succeed Valcq as PSC Chair. In the 10 months since her service began, Strand has joined the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the Mid-America Regulatory Conference (MARC). The state Senate formally approved her appointment today by a vote of 27-5. The Governor did not name a replacement for the vacancy created by Strand’s appointment as Chair.
Additionally, after the Senate Committee on Utilities and Technology voted Jan. 12 to reject the appointment of Tyler Huebner as PSC Commissioner, the Republican-controlled state Senate voted along party-lines today to reject his appointment. Huebner has served on the three-person regulatory agency without formal legislative approval since March 2020, and now immediately vacates the role. In order to “help prevent any disruption or delays at the Commission caused by today’s vote by the Wisconsin State Senate,” Gov. Evers appointed Kristy Nieto as PSC Commissioner, effective Feb. 2. Nieto is a 10-year PSC employee and currently serves as a Division Administrator for Energy Regulation and Analysis.
New safety-related offerings added in 2024: Recognizing that municipal utilities across Wisconsin count on MEUW for safety training and leadership, members of the MEUW Safety and Education Committee recommended adding two new offerings for 2024 — a monthly safety call and the “Foreman’s Roundtable.” Details were shared in the most recent edition of Live Lines. Join in to ensure safety stays top of mind at your utility.
Wisconsinites preparing for annual legislative rally in nation’s capital: In just six weeks, dozens of municipal utility folks from across the state will travel to Washington, D.C., for the yearly gathering organized by American Public Power Association (APPA). Wisconsin is always well represented at the APPA Rally, which is set for Feb. 26–28.
Based on prior participants’ feedback, MEUW is organizing a couple of virtual forums to help those participating in the Rally prepare for the experience. Rally registrants will be invited to join a videoconference on Thursday, Feb. 8. First-time attendees (or those wanting a refresher) will meet at 9:30 a.m. for a briefing about what to expect in D.C. At 10:00 a.m., all attendees will join the meeting to hear about key message points, discuss the meeting schedule, and get their questions answered. The group will meet again on Feb. 22 at 4:00 pm for the chance to discuss last-minute messaging updates and as a secondary option for people who aren’t able to attend the Feb. 8 session. APPA Rally registrants will receive full details by email. If you have any questions, please contact MEUW Director of Legislative and Regulatory Relations Tyler Vorpagel.
Register today for Everything Solar Workshop: This new two-day workshop will focus on the emergence of solar energy across Wisconsin, focusing on what utilities need to consider regarding utility-scale solar projects, as well as the impacts of customer-driven projects, including grid-connected renewables. This session will be led by Dave Krause, P.E., and will be held in Madison on Feb. 29 – March 1. Utility personnel who are looking to gain or improve their understanding of solar project requirements, drivers and operational impacts are encouraged to attend. Additional information and registration available here. Discounted room rates are available at the Concourse Hotel through Jan. 29 — register today!
New year, new look for MEUW invoices: To help reduce administrative expenses, we recently transitioned to a new online accounting software. The new approach means some of the routine invoices we send for program fees and other services have a new look. The online system also makes it easier to send invoices directly to your inbox via email, something we expect will become our standard process. If you typically receive and process MEUW invoices, be on the lookout for the changes. We anticipate some emails sent by our system may be impacted by spam filters, so we will send a separate email to alert you when the first set of mass invoices is sent.
The deadline to apply for MEUW’s “Powering Futures” scholarship is Tuesday, Jan. 23. Full details are available here. Applicants must be pursuing post-secondary education to become a Field Service Technician, Groundman, Lineman Apprentice, Electric Meter Technician, Substation Electrician Apprentice or Utility Technician.
Utility Planning and Risk Management course registration open: Electric utilities are complex businesses that require careful attention to detail and comprehensive planning to maximize efficient operations — understanding how utilities plan is an essential skill to effective management. As part of MEUW’s professional development programming, we’re holding a one-day training to focus on utility planning and risk management. This course will explain the basics of strategic and operational planning, why planning matters, and how well-thought-out plans and careful assessments of risks can contribute to long-term success. Held at The Lodge in Mauston on Feb. 14, registration is now open.
Sign up for an Underground Facility Locating Workshop near you: Choose from two convenient locations for this one-day workshop covering the National Utility Locating Contractors Association (NUCLA) Professional Competency Standard Manual Units 1-3. Both classroom training and hands-on application will be provided. Attendees learn locator theory, how to use a transmitter and receiver, how to overcome common obstacles, and how to evaluate difficult situations encountered in the field. Full details are available here. Date options include: Thursday, March 14, in Marshfield, or Tuesday, March 19, in Two Rivers.
Learn how to maximize your metering at Watt-Hour Meter Workshop: Don’t let mistakes, tampering, and improper operation turn your watt-hour meters into a large source of revenue loss. Participants will learn how to keep their utilities’ meters humming, learning both fundamental and advanced topics, recognizing the variety of metering equipment in use across municipal utilities. Held March 25–28 at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, the program will offer a solid review of the essentials, combined with an in-depth study of installation, troubleshooting, and meter tampering. Register today for all or part of the four-day workshop. Full details are available here.