State budget provides savings for utility customers: A bipartisan 2025-27 state budget deal was passed and signed by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers earlier this month. The agreement includes the full elimination of the state sales tax on residential electricity sales as of Oct. 1, 2025. The proposal was introduced as part of Gov. Evers’ budget and has been actively supported by MEUW (and through the association’s involvement in the Customers First Coalition). Officially known as Act 15, the compromise will benefit every residential utility customer in the state and represents an estimated savings of more than $178 million over the next two years. Read the Governor’s message here, including information on vetoed items. Reach out to MEUW Director of Legislative and Regulatory Relations Tyler Vorpagel with any questions.
Improve your leadership skills through summer workshop. Effective leaders know how to use influence and persuasion to drive high-performing teams and get the best out of their people. Learn how to hone your collaboration skills in this one-day class, part of MEUW’s Professional Development Program. Leading Through Collaboration participants will learn how to effectively establish and communicate expectations, recognize attitudes and behaviors necessary for effective collaboration, and understand communication tactics that foster (and hinder) collaboration. Join us in Mauston on Wednesday, Aug. 6, to increase your leadership effectiveness. Details and registration can be found here.
The July edition of Live Lines was distributed on July 1. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
Share your insights at the annual Accounting and Customer Service Seminar: MEUW’s annual gathering of municipal electric utility personnel involved in accounting, customer service, and utility billing is planned for Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the Lodge At Mauston. A portion of the seminar agenda will be dedicated to “member showcase” discussions to allow utility attendees to share insights about their accounting, rates, billing, or customer service practices and successes. Each showcase discussion will be limited to 15 minutes, and each utility chosen to share will be offered a 50% discount toward one seminar registration fee. To be considered, please complete the “call for presenters” form here by noon on July 16.
Learn from others and keep safety top of mind: Join fellow MEUW members for the discussion at the monthly safety call. The next member-driven call will take place at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5. The call gives members the opportunity to share important safety updates, provide details about near-misses and lessons-learned, or discuss other safety-related topics. For details about how to join, read the information here.
October class builds critical leadership skills: Mastering strategic communication and project management isn’t just useful — it’s the backbone of a thriving municipal utility. This one-day course, part of MEUW’s Fundamentals of Utility Leadership Management series, is designed to equip municipal utility professionals with essential communication and project management skills to enhance operational success. Participants will learn to effectively plan and prioritize tasks, provide constructive feedback, and track projects to ensure nothing is overlooked. The class emphasizes clear communication — both in giving directions and active listening — to foster meaningful feedback and understanding. Learn more and register for this Oct. 8 class here.
MEUW Weekly is on a summer schedule: A reminder that MEUW is not distributing an e-newsletter every week during the summer. Look for the next edition of MEUW Weekly in your inbox on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The August edition of MEUW’s monthly newsletter, Live Lines, will be sent on Aug. 5.