Scholarship Application deadline extended: The third-party provider used to process applications for MEUW’s Power Futures Scholarship has experienced a system-wide technology outage. The issues means the deadline to apply for MEUW’s scholarship will be extended beyond the original date. Please check the website for details.
Utility Accounting & Finance class teaches essential skills for utility operations: Understanding the various financial aspects associate with utility operations is essential for anyone in a management position. Part of MEUW’s four-part Fundamentals of Utility Management Training Program, Utility Accounting & Finance helps provide attendees with the fundamentals of public utility accounting, a clear understanding of business operations, how to review and efficiently manage budgets, as well as a base-level knowledge of utility regulations. Held on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Mauston, registration and instructor information are located here. Register today!
MEUW’s Board of Directors held a regular meeting in Wisconsin Dells on Jan. 14, in accordance with the association’s Bylaws. The draft minutes of the meeting are available here (member login is required).
Keep safety top of mind and join MEUW’s monthly Safety Call next Tuesday: Join fellow MEUW members for the next member-driven safety call at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The call gives members the opportunity to share important safety updates, relay near-misses and lessons-learned, or discuss other safety-related topics. For details about how to join, read the information here.
Register today for the February Apparatus Workshop: MEUW and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) have organized an Apparatus Workshop to be held Feb. 10 – 11. Held at CVTC’s campus in Eau Claire, this workshop will cover topics like: jobsite safety, capacitors, voltage regulators, reclosers, trip savers, meters, and streetlights. (Final topics may change depending on presenter availability.) Details and registration information are located here.
Annual legislative rally happening next month: MEUW is preparing to accompany dozens of municipal utility folks from across the state to Washington, D.C., for the American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally Feb. 23–25. To kickstart the effort, MEUW will host a virtual forum to help those participating in the Rally prepare for the experience. Rally registrants will be invited to join one of two scheduled videoconferences: Monday, Feb. 9, at 4:30 p.m. or Monday, Feb. 16, at 11:00 a.m. The purpose of each one-hour Teams meeting is to review what to expect in D.C., discuss the meeting schedule, and answer questions. 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.
Switching and communications training offered in-person and virtually: Effective lockout/tagout depends on clear communication among crews, dispatchers, and transmission providers. This two-hour session on Wednesday, Feb. 25, covers key requirements, OSHA hold‑card standards, and the essentials of accurate three‑way communication. While procedures vary by provider, the training highlights common expectations and practical guidance you can use across systems. The training is free and can be attended in-person (in Sun Prairie) or virtually. Advance registration is required; learn more here.
Submit a photo we can use for the cover of MEUW’s next member directory: As we update our MEUW Membership Directory, we’d like to feature a picture taken by a MEUW member on the cover. Just like we did for the 2024 edition of the MEUW Membership Directory, featuring a photo taken by Arcadia Electric Utility Line Foreman Sam Sobotta. If you or someone you know has a great shot you think we should use, please submit it by March 1. Full details are here.
Is your information correct? MEUW is updating its member directory to ensure members have easy access to each other’s contact information. Directories will be available later this spring in both print and online books, containing key facts, and names, numbers, and email addresses for all MEUW member types. Emails were sent on Jan. 26 to one contact for each utility requesting a review of their utility’s information, and to provide updates on any missing or incorrect information. Responses are due back by Friday, Feb. 13. Make sure your information is correct. Thanks to those who have already returned their updates! If you have questions, need assistance, or want to confirm that your information has been received, please contact MEUW Manager of Communications and Events Sharon Wolf at swolf@meuw.org or (608) 837-2263.
March workshop focuses on utility leadership skills: MEUW will host a two‑day interactive Leadership Workshop to support the next generation of public power leaders. The program will be led by two long-time utility industry leaders and focuses on communication, leadership skills, and managing change. Participants will learn strategies to build trust, communicate effectively, and strengthen team collaboration. Full details are here. The workshop will be held March 12–13 at Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells. Registration is now open.
Don’t miss March 25 Foreman’s Roundtable: The foreman role is important to safety and efficiency when operating a utility. The people leading utility line crews face common challenges and often don’t have an opportunity to talk with others facing those same challenges. This meeting will enable crew leaders to share ideas, learn from one another, and develop leadership and communication skills, especially regarding safety. The day’s agenda will include discussion on topics most important to the participants. Following the Roundtable, attendees will have the chance to take part in an optional teambuilding and networking activity at the hybrid-golf entertainment facility. Details and registration are located here. Register today!