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2021 Wage & Benefits Survey underway:  We are now collecting data for the association’s annual Wage & Benefits Survey. Each utility has received instructions to complete the online survey tool, which is due by Wednesday, June 30. A list of utilities that have responded to this year’s survey is being updated here. Only the utilities that provide information for the survey will receive a copy of the results when they are distributed later this summer.

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New “catalog” showcases training offerings: In response to member requests, MEUW has compiled a comprehensive listing of fee-based offerings available to members, including à la carte training classes, on-demand inspections, and other services. The new catalog is available here. Municipalities interested in taking advantage of any of the service offerings are encouraged to contact MEUW Manager of Safety Services Mike Czuprynko at (608) 478-2530 for scheduling.

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MEUW’s 2021 Annual Business Meeting was held via Zoom conference on May 14 in accordance with the association’s Bylaws. The draft minutes of the meeting are available here.

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91st Annual Conference offers chance to re-connect: Public power leaders from across the state will gather in Manitowoc in August for MEUW’s 91st Annual Conference. The conference, which was postponed multiple times due to the pandemic, features a number of special guest speakers, a wide variety of breakout sessions, numerous opportunities to network, and the chance to celebrate our municipal utilities’ achievements. Conference events take place Aug. 11 to 13, with the bulk of the program planned for Thursday, Aug. 12. Registration information is available here.

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Sign up now for MEUW golf outing: Whether or not you plan to attend the MEUW Annual Conference, you’re invited to participate in the pre-conference golf outing. The four-person scramble is planned for Wednesday, Aug. 12, with an 11:00 a.m. shotgun start. Sponsored in part by the Wisconsin Utility Suppliers Association (WUSA), the outing will take place at the Autumn Ridge Golf Club just west of Manitowoc. Click here for details and to access registration information.

If you have questions about the Annual Conference or golf outing, please contact MEUW Member Services Specialist Mallory Conradt at (608) 469-6009. 

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WPPI members have access to new grounds and hot stick testers: To help maximize line crew training provided by MEUW’s trainers, WPPI Energy has purchased new equipment for its member utilities to share. This will allow WPPI members to reserve the testing equipment and use it on their own rather than take MEUW training time for testing. A Hastings Electrical Grounding and Jumper Assembly Tester and a Hastings Hot Stick Tester are available for WPPI members to share; the testers will travel together. The Phase Trakker, used to identify correct phasing of your distribution system, is also available. The units can be reserved by contacting Melody Tadych or through WPPI’s “equipment reservation calendar” here.

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Hi-vis shirts discounted to just $25: High-quality Bulwark arc-rated, hi-visibility, long-sleeved work shirts are available to MEUW members at a deeply discounted price. Available for $25 (typically retails for $139) in sizes XL and XXL, the shirts are for sale exclusively online here. Payment by credit card is required.

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Virtual roundtable planned for June 30 to discuss electric vehicle adoption: As electric vehicle (EV) demand and charging infrastructure increases throughout the state, MEUW is partnering with RENEW Wisconsin to hear from municipalities and electric utilities about thoughts and concerns to plan for EV adoption in your communities. This is your chance to share your concerns, ask questions, and offer input about your needs! All are welcome for this one-hour virtual roundtable on Wednesday, June 30, at 10:00 a.m. Pre-registration is necessary to help plan for the discussion. Click here to register.

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