Have you registered for the Annual Conference? Time is running out to register for this year’s Annual Conference in Madison and Sun Prairie! The “early bird” discount ($25 savings) is available through Wednesday, April 1 (tomorrow). You won’t want to miss the great agenda or the opportunity to connect with your colleagues from across the state. The Annual Conference will take place May 12–14 in Madison and Sun Prairie, with the bulk of the programming (and the awards ceremony) set for Thursday, May 14. You’re invited to attend as much or as little of the conference as your schedule allows. Join in the “Day at the Capitol” advocacy day on Tuesday, golf outing or Utility Governance Roundtable on Wednesday, a tour of Sun Prairie Utilities’ impressive new facilities Wednesday afternoon, the trade show, and then a welcome reception Wednesday evening, May 13. Click here to learn more.
Applications now open for new cybersecurity offering: The American Public Power Association (APPA) just launched a new designation program designed to help public power utilities assess and strengthen the maturity of their cybersecurity programs. Applications are now open for the Cybersecurity Accelerator Program (CAP), which evaluates both the I.T. (information technology) and O.T. (operational technology) cybersecurity posture of a public power utility, as well as other policies and practices that support electric system and grid security. There is no fee to apply for the 2026 cycle, and applications are due by June 30.
MEUW members interested in applying are encouraged to consult with MEUW’s Cyber/Physical Security Working Group, which is available to assist with the application process, or with other physical and cyber security questions or information. Contact the group’s Chair Don Krause to learn more.
Wage & Benefits Survey data collection happening now: 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. 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 Friday, April 17.
One more chance to attend a Customer Service Roundtable: If you haven’t already attended one, don’t miss your chance to sign up for the last Customer Service Roundtable of the year, Tuesday, April 14, in Merrillan. Sponsored by Focus on Energy, these Roundtables offer an opportunity to share and learn customer service leading practices, service trends and emerging issues with other member utilities. There is no cost to participate but advance registration is required. Everyone is welcome — register today!
Nominations being accepted for MEUW Board of Directors: MEUW is currently accepting nominations for interested individuals to serve on the association’s Board of Directors for a two-year term beginning May 14, 2026. This year’s election will be for Directors and Alternate Directors in even-numbered districts. The Nomination Form and additional information is available here. The deadline to nominate someone is Friday, April 10.
Register today for April Overhead Workshop/Hotline School: MEUW and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) are once again partnering to present the Overhead Workshop/Hotline School. This training offers an ideal setting for hands-on training both in the classroom and in the training building on the campus of CVTC. The workshop will be held April 28−30 in Eau Claire and will include a vendor trade show. Information on planned topics can be found here. Registration is open now.
Companies that are able to send a bucket truck for use during the Workshop will receive one complimentary registration. Please email Kendal Schmidt at CVTC to coordinate sending a truck.
Make plans to attend the Utility Governance Roundtable on May 13: Effective utility governance matters more today than ever before. MEUW’s Utility Governance Roundtable brings municipal leaders together for a practical, peer‑driven look at how to oversee strong, sustainable community‑owned utilities. The highly interactive forum will happen in Sun Prairie in conjunction with the 96th Annual Conference and will focus on oversight, finances, and leading practices in public power utilities. Learn more here.
Make plans to attend Regulation, Compliance & Safety course in June: Utilities are highly regulated businesses and there are more than 100 specific rules utilities must follow to retain the “right-to-serve” electric customers. This one-day class helps explain why the rules exist and how to navigate the complexities of compliance — skills fundamental to success as a utility manager. Led by John Andres, an expert on utility regulations, and Melissa Barnes, a seasoned Human Resources Manager, participants will walk away from this class with a greater understanding of utility regulations and how to comply. You won’t want to miss this popular (and highly recommended) training that is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, in Mauston. Registration is now open — sign up today!
Pictures, please! 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.