There’s still time to sign up for next week’s virtual roundtable about EVs: 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.
Responses to 2021 Wage & Benefits Survey due June 30: We are now collecting data for MEUW’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.
June 30 is deadline to nominate individuals for MEUW awards: Throughout our 92-year history, MEUW has proudly recognized individual contributions and achievements toward advancing public power through awards presented at the Annual Conference. We are currently accepting nominations in a number of categories. Full details are available at MEUW.org/awards. To nominate someone from your utility or community, please complete the nomination form and submit it by June 30. Those nominations submitted by the deadline that meet specific criteria will be reviewed by the Awards Committee. Awards will be presented during a luncheon at MEUW’s Annual Conference on August 12.
Save the date for 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 Thursday, Sept. 23, at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The seminar is designed to provide updates on regulatory and legislative issues that affect utilities and to discuss leading practices to improve back-office operations. While the pandemic moved to last year’s seminar to a virtual format, based on member feedback, the 2021 seminar will take place in its usual in-person format. Due to costs and additional logistics associated with staging a hybrid event and to encourage member networking and information sharing, the event will be exclusively in person.
The agenda will be available later this summer. Part of the time 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. COVID-19 led many utilities to reconsider their policies and procedures, and this will be a great opportunity to talk about lessons learned and new ideas that emerged. Showcase topics does not necessarily need to focus on COVID response, and a wide variety of discussion topics and ideas are welcomed. Those chosen to share will make their presentation and respond to questions in front of the full audience of attendees. 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 Friday, July 16.
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. 11, 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.