Register today for 2025 Electric Operations Conference & Expo: MEUW and the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) will hold the 2025 Electric Operations Conference & Expo at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells on Jan. 15–17. Employees at all levels are welcome and encouraged to attend this year’s event, which features a full agenda with a great lineup of speakers, including Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Gilbert Brown, who will share insights around teamwork, inspiring others, overcoming adversity, and the importance of community. There will also be breakout sessions and cohort discussions on important topics, as well as an Expo utility suppliers and service providers that will run for five hours on Thursday, Jan. 16.
There are three different options for registration passes – Kilowatt, Megawatt, and Gigawatt. The Gigawatt pass provides access to all sessions on both days, the Welcome Reception, the Expo, and all meals (except for the Apprentice Graduation Banquet, which requires a separate registration). However, those most interested in the trade show, for example, can opt to purchase a Megawatt pass, which offers access to the Wednesday Welcome Reception and Thursday’s conference sessions, meals, and the Expo. MEUW members who register by Dec. 1st will only pay $325 for the Gigawatt pass or $225 for the Megawatt pass.
Full details about the event are available here. Don’t forget to book your hotel room today to take advantage of the reduced rate.
Banquet to recognize recent apprentice graduates: The annual Apprentice Graduation Banquet will be held in conjunction with the 2025 Electric Operations Conference & Expo on Thursday evening, Jan. 16. The event will include a reception, dinner, and brief program to recognize the Class of 2024 who completed the apprenticeship programs at Chippewa Valley Technical College and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. A list of all those who will be recognized is available here. To attend the event, you’ll need a separate ticket; details are here. Friends and family are welcome.
The November edition of Live Lines was distributed last week. In case you missed it, you can find it online here.
Lead through collaboration by taking upcoming class: Leaders skilled in collaboration understand how individuals impact one another and how to foster creative thinking and effective problem-solving to drive results. Collaborating involves using influence and persuasion to drive high-performing teams. Build up your leadership skills by joining the “Leading Through Collaboration” class, part of MEUW’s three-part Municipal Utility Leadership Certificate series. Attendees will learn practical ideas and skills they can bring back to their workplace. The class will be held in Mauston on Wednesday, Dec. 4. More information and registration are available here.
Inform and advocate during “Day at the Capitol.” Spread the public power message in Madison, especially to newly elected legislators. You’ll be joining fellow members in representing not only your public power community, but also the more than 300,000 Wisconsinites who get their electricity from a community-owned utility. Full details are available here.
A room block is available for those who need lodging Tuesday, Feb. 4. Details are here.
Register today for Regulation, Compliance & Safety course: As a highly regulated business, utilities must comply with dozens of operating rules to retain the “right to serve” electric customers. Part of MEUW’s “Fundamentals of Utility Management” training program, this class will explore the wide array of regulations, compliance, and safety rules every municipal utility leader must follow. Offered Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Mauston, the course will explore the reasons behind the rules and provide insights to make compliance easier. An outline of the training topics, the instructors, and registration details are here.
What’s your plan for cold weather workdays? As we head into the winter season, it’s the perfect opportunity to plan for maximizing staff productivity during chilly indoor days. How about learning more about solar power?
With the growing demand for solar power, it’s critical operators understand how solar panels affect utility systems. Earlier this year, MEUW hosted the “Everything Solar Seminar,” which delved into the essential rules, best practices, and key information to share with customers. Led by Dave Krause, P.E., this training is invaluable for utility personnel at any level. Portions of the seminar were recorded and are available for on-demand viewing, making it easy to fit into your schedule. For details on purchase options, call the MEUW Office at (608) 837-2263.
Happy Thanksgiving: Due to the upcoming holiday, we will not distribute the Weekly on Nov. 19 or Nov. 26.
All of us at MEUW are grateful for your support as we focus on our mission to unify and strengthen Wisconsin’s community-owned utilities. We send best wishes to you and your family for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.