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.
There’s still time to sign up for next week’s workshop that focuses on troubleshooting your system: MEUW is hosting a one-day workshop to help member utilities learn more about how to proactively address problems on their electric-distribution system. Dave Krause, PE, of EPS Engineering & Design, Inc. will lead the workshop and highlight types of system faults and equipment reactions as well as different types of protective devices for overhead, underground, and substation equipment. The workshop is planned for Wednesday, Feb. 1, and will be held at The Lodge At Mauston from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Further details and registration information is available on MEUW’s website here. Employees from the cooperative utilities will be attending, so there will be an opportunity to network outside of municipal utilities as well.
Don’t miss lineworker training opportunity next month in Eau Claire: Every year, Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) hosts a two-day workshop focused on important topics essential to lineworker safety and training. Through a new collaboration, MEUW is now helping to organize the training topics and presenters. The 2023 version of the Apparatus Workshop will cover jobsite safety, capacitors, voltage regulators, reclosers, trip savers, meters, and streetlights, among other topics. CVTC’s third-year electric line apprentices will attend the training, which is also open to lineworkers of all experience levels. The interactive group sessions allow for hands-on training and valuable networking. Training is planned for Feb. 14 and 15 at CVTC’s Energy Education Center in Eau Claire. The cost is $150 per person. Full details and registration info are here.
Communications & Project Management training is Feb. 15: MEUW is launching a new approach to its professional development programs this year. The first course in the new four-part “Fundamentals of Utility Management” training series will teach participants about effective communications and project management and why they are important to operating a successful municipal utility. The one-day training is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 15, in Mauston, and is designed for municipal workers of all skill levels and backgrounds as a foundation for understanding the public power industry. The discussion will be especially helpful for newcomers and those who aspire to expanded responsibilities. Full details are available here.
NESC Code changes are topic of February seminar: The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) is the go-to standard for electric and telecom utility companies. The code is updated every five years (the 2023 edition was released last August and will become effective Feb. 1). MEUW is holding a one-day seminar to enable members to learn about the fundamental applications of the NESC to electric utility transmission and distribution systems and be informed about the important 2023 updates. The seminar is planned for Thursday, Feb. 23, at The Lodge At Mauston and will be led by Bruce Beth and Justin Franz from Forster Electrical Engineering. The program will include group discussions and Q&A around rule interpretations, compliance issues, with information about resources for help. Full details and registration information is available on MEUW’s website here.
Registration is now open for Watt-Hour Meter Institute: MEUW will host its annual metering workshop March 14-16 in Green Bay, and the program has a new focus for 2023. The yearly training helps meter technicians learn more about new technologies and approved work practices. Recognizing that lineworkers are often tasked with installing meter sets, this year’s workshop will provide a back-to-basics understanding for anyone who needs to expand their knowledge about the intricacies of meter installations and why the details matter. Through classroom and hands-on training, the program will benefit the beginner, intermediate, and experienced utility lineworker, covering topics like verifying and identifying metering inaccuracies, and choosing the correct metering equipment. The workshop is planned for Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay and there will be options to attend all or part of the three-day workshop. Full details and registration info are here.
Save the date for Underground School this Spring: MEUW is partnering with Chippewa Valley Technical College for this year’s Underground School, which will take place April 25-27 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.
PSC launches new web-based municipal rate application: Staff at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) have finished a new web-based electric and natural gas rate application that includes enhanced security features and integrates the utility’s historic data. The new tool was launched Dec. 27, 2022, and is designed to streamline the application process and helps to limit errors by requiring less data entry. The application link can be accessed via the Commission’s website through the E-Services Portal.
Municipal utilities can begin using the new rate application now. While the PSC will continue accepting the current Excel application through April 30, 2023, as of May 1, the PSC will require that all rate applications be filed using the web-based application. Please contact us at (608) 266-0699 or PSCEnergyAnnualReports@wisconsin.gov with any questions.