2024 Electric Operations Conference & Expo is just six weeks away: Registration is now open for our biggest event of the year. The Electric Operations Conference & Expo, a joint effort of MEUW and Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA), in partnership with the Wisconsin Utility Suppliers Association (WUSA), is set for Jan. 10-12 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The program is full of highly informative presentations, dynamic speakers, and a large trade show on Thursday, Jan. 11, featuring utility suppliers showcasing their latest products and services. The “Early Bird” registration discount ends Friday, Dec. 15. In addition, the rates for the hotel room block at the Kalahari Resort can only be guaranteed through Thursday, Dec. 7, so – if you haven’t already done so – please make your reservation now. Full details are available here and a link to the online reservation system is here.
Changes and appointments impact MEUW Board of Directors: Dean Bergstrom of Cumberland has resigned his role as Vice Chair of the MEUW Board of Directors, due to his planned retirement in the first half of 2024 and to enable a smooth transition on the Executive Committee. Board Chair Rick Wicklund has appointed Tim Aaby of Rice Lake to become Vice Chair, effective immediately. Jeremy Boe of Barron has been appointed as District 1 Alternate Director, succeeding Tim.
Additionally, Ryan Roehrborn of Plymouth has been appointed as District 7 Alternate Director for a term expiring at the MEUW Annual Meeting in May 2025. Ryan replaces Erin Salmon (Pardeeville), who recently accepted a new position outside the utility. The appointments are subject to approval by the full Board, which is expected in December. An updated listing of the MEUW Board is available here.
Spots still available in Leading Through Coaching class: Join your public power colleagues on Wednesday, Dec. 6, in Mauston for our final Municipal Utility Leadership Certificate Program session of the year, Leading Through Coaching. We’re offering a one-day leadership development course focused on the importance of effective coaching as an essential leadership skill for utility leaders. Part of MEUW’s professional development programming, class participants will take away practical ideas they can apply to setting a good example and becoming a leader who gets the most from others. Click here for more information and to register.
New cybersecurity funding opportunity for municipals: The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced a funding opportunity to provide $70 million to support public power utilities (among others) to improve their cybersecurity. Awards will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Full details are provided in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) found here (be sure to read the requirements information carefully).
Utility Line Design and Code Compliance Seminar registration now open: MEUW will host a one-day workshop covering design applications and decisions designers must consider when preparing designs that are safe, reliable, and in compliance with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requirements, including the most recent changes. Attendees will return to their work better prepared to help their utilities adopt design practices that comply with applicable professional engineering laws and regulations. Dave Krause, P.E. will lead the training. The training will be held Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Glacier Canyon Lodge in Wisconsin Dells. A full agenda and registration information is available here.
Utility Planning and Risk Management course available: A refreshed one-day course, part of MEUW’s professional development programming, focused on utility planning and risk management is being offered early in 2024. The course will explain the basics of strategic and operational planning, why planning matters, and how well-thought-out plans and careful assessments of risks can contribute to long-term success. Join your municipal utility colleagues in Mauston on Wednesday, Feb. 14 for this session that is part of MEUW’s Fundamentals of Utility Management series. Full details and registration are available here.
Register today for an Underground Facility Locating Workshop: MEUW is hosting a one-day workshop designed to cover the National Utility Locating Contractors Association (NUCLA) Professional Competency Standard Manual Units 1-3. Material is first covered in the classroom and then applied in the field. Attendees learn locator theory, how to use a transmitter and receiver, how to overcome common obstacles, and how to evaluate difficult situations encountered in the field. Full details are available here. Choose from two available dates: Thursday, March 14, in Marshfield, or Tuesday, March 19, in Two Rivers.