We know from member feedback that winter is a preferred time for training, so MEUW is offering a number of workshops and seminars in February and March. This week’s newsletter has the highlights and full details are on the “Event Calendar” at MEUW.org. As always, if you have trouble getting signed up, just send your specific request in an email to office@meuw.org and we can take care of it for you.
Safety first! Participate in new safety-related offerings in 2024: To best support our members, 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 January edition of Live Lines. Keep your safety focus strong by participating in these offerings.
There’s still time to register for next week’s Line Design and Coding Compliance Seminar: Are you in compliance? Led by Professional Engineer Dave Krause, this one-day course will cover design applications and decisions that must be considered when preparing designs that are safe, reliable, and in compliance with National Electric Safety Code (NESC) requirements, including the most recent changes. Held in Wisconsin Dells on January 31, the course will prepare attendees to adopt design practices that comply with applicable professional engineering laws and regulations. Details can be found here.
Sign up today for Utility Planning and Risk Management course: Understanding how utilities plan is an essential skill to effective management. The complexity of electric utilities requires careful attention to detail and comprehensive planning to maximize efficient operations. As part of MEUW’s professional development programming, this one-day training will focus on utility planning and risk management, explaining 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.
Member Inquiry: Tim Putz, Superintendent of Arcadia Electric Utility, is seeking an RFP example from anyone who has used one to find ArcGIS support. If you have an example to share, please contact Tim directly by email.
Learn about Everything Solar: As interest in solar energy continues to grow throughout Wisconsin, this new “Everything Solar” two-day workshop will share 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. 30 — register today!
Underground Facility Locating Workshops available: Leveraging both classroom and hands-on application, this one-day workshop covering the National Utility Locating Contractors Association (NUCLA) Professional Competency Standard Manual Units 1-3. Choose from two convenient locations. Attendees will 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.
Maximize your metering by attending the Watt-Hour Meter Workshop: Keep your utilities’ meters humming! Don’t let mistakes, tampering, and improper operation turn your watt-hour meters into a large source of revenue loss. This workshop will cover 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.
MEUW’s Board of Directors Meeting was held in Wisconsin Dells on January 12, in accordance with the association’s Bylaws. The draft minutes of the meeting are available here (member login is required).
Save the date for Overhead Workshop/Hotwire Training this Spring: MEUW is partnering with Chippewa Valley Technical College for this year’s Overhead Workshop, which will take place April 23-25 in Eau Claire. The hands-on training is intended for all lineworkers – regardless of experience level – to sharpen their skills and practice vital tasks in a safe and controlled environment. Full details will be available soon.