MEUW files comments in PSC docket exploring changes to individual metering requirements: In 2023, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) began the process of scoping a proposed rulemaking to amend regulations that require individual metering for each tenant space in multi-dwelling unit residential buildings and mobile home parks. The rulemaking, which was highlighted in a recent Live Lines article, seeks to update PSC 113.0803, rules that originated in 2002 and have been the subject of an increasing number of waiver requests. In February, the three-person Commission approved draft amendments and opened the docket (1-AC-257) for public comment.
Recognizing that the rulemaking could have ramifications from both a utility cost and customer affordability standpoint, MEUW has been collaborating with the Wisconsin Utilities Association (WUA), which represents the investor-owned utilities, as well as other stakeholder groups. In comments filed on March 24, MEUW expressed support for the rulemaking but cautioned the PSC to be mindful of unintended consequences. MEUW also endorsed the highly detailed comments submitted by WUA, which provided alternatives to various aspects of the proposed amendments offered by PSC staff. MEUW also said it would be willing to work with the PSC and WUA to provide a utility perspective on proposed amendments. Watch for further updates as the rulemaking process moves forward.
Friday is the deadline to nominate individuals for MEUW Honors: Don’t miss your chance to recognize individuals who are making a difference in public power. We are currently accepting nominations in a number of categories, including two new ones. Full details are available at MEUW.org/awards. It’s easy to nominate someone from your utility or community. Just fill out the brief nomination form and submit it by Friday, March 28. Awards will be presented at MEUW’s Annual Conference on May 15.
Spots still available for next week’s leadership training course: Don’t miss your chance to learn essential skills for any municipal utility leader. Part of MEUW’s three-part Municipal Utility Leadership Certificate program, Leading Through Coaching showcases knowing how and when to coach is an essential leadership quality that can benefit both you and your organization. Good coaches understand what causes them frustration, negative self-talk, and unproductive emotional reactions. To register for this one-day course on Wednesday, April 2, click here.
Excavation Competent Person workshops scheduled: Learn safe excavation operation to avoid a common hazard faced by utility employees. As with any hazard, a well-trained employee is the best defense against injuries on the job. MEUW is pleased to offer Excavation Competent Person training that includes both classroom and hands-on field training. Attendees will review OSHA’s 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P Excavation Standard (adopted and enforced by the state under SPS 332) and learn safety aspects, potential hazards, protective systems and planning for safe excavation and trenching. Choose from among six locations ― Medford (April 16); Florence (April 24); Kaukauna (May 29); Waunakee (June 3); New Holstein (June 4); or Shawano (June 5). Full details can be found here. Space is limited; early sign-up is encouraged!
Annual Wage & Benefits Survey is underway: Every year, MEUW collects information about the pay and perks provided to public power employees across the state. The data-collection phase of the annual process kicked off last week. Instructions for completing this year’s survey were recently shared with key contacts at each utility. Full details about this year’s Wage & Benefits Survey are available here. Details about which utilities have responded are here. As a reminder, only those utilities that provide information for the survey are able to receive the results. The deadline to respond is noon on Thursday, April 17.
Stored energy + trees = need to learn safe chainsaw techniques: Stored energy in trees represents a significant danger for line workers. Understanding the dynamics of stored energy, and how to safely work with and around it, is critical for every line worker. MEUW’s Stored Energy/Chainsaw workshop will cover how to recognize stored energy, and how to control and mitigate it when working at trees with chainsaws.
This workshop is recommended for electric line workers, line clearance workers, and Department of Public Works employees who work with and around live wires. Material is first covered in the classroom and then applied in the field. Attendees learn how to identify and control stored energy, selecting the right tools to use, chainsaw safety, remote cuts, and how to evaluate difficult situations encountered in the field. Full details about the workshop, which is planned for Thursday, April 24, in Kaukauna, are available here.
Learn tips and techniques to provide exceptional customer service: We all know that customer service is critical to municipal utilities. This 90-minute virtual training focuses on providing exceptional customer service, offering insights to elevate your customer service skills with strategies that align with the mission and values of your organization. This course explores methods to assess and improve service processes while offering practical tools for handling difficult people and challenging service situations. Learn how to frame and present options effectively to create positive outcomes. Held Thursday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m., this class has something for everyone. Find out more here.
Nomination period for MEUW Board of Directors now open: MEUW is currently accepting nominations for interested individuals to serve on the association’s Board of Directors for a two-year term beginning May 16, 2025. This year’s election will be for Directors and Alternate Directors in odd-numbered districts. The Nomination Form and additional information is available here. The deadline to nominate someone is Friday, April 18.
Help us celebrate your line crews: Together, MEUW member utilities employ more than 300 linemen across Wisconsin. In celebration of National Lineman Appreciation Day on April 18, we plan to use our website and social media pages to recognize those hard-working folks to shower a little gratitude on those who put their talents to work as electrical line workers. We’re asking all member utilities to send in a current photo of their line crews so we can post and share them next month. Send the pictures to news@meuw.org and help us recognize Wisconsin’s public power lineworkers.
Registration for Annual Conference opens next week! The 95th gathering of MEUW members is set to take place in La Crosse from May 14 to 16. You won’t want to miss the chance to connect with municipal utility leaders from across Wisconsin and hear from speakers on a wide array of timely topics at MEUW’s Annual Conference. The event includes a golf outing and facility tours at Dairyland Power Cooperative, as well as a riverboat cruise welcome reception. The bulk of the program will occur on Thursday, May 15, with informative sessions about key issues facing municipal utilities, as well as time to connect and collaborate. Full details and registration information can be found here. Registration will open Tuesday, April 1.
Reserve your hotel room for MEUW’s Annual Conference. Secure your hotel room at a group rate by calling the Radisson Hotel in La Crosse at (608) 793-5014 and mentioning MEUW 2025 Annual Conference, or book online with our group rate here.