MEUW - Live Lines

Electric customers in Waupun who wonder what utilities are doing about the need for clean, renewable energy don’t have to look farther than their locally-owned electric utility. Waupun Utilities recently installed two 2.8-kilowatt photovoltaic solar arrays at its main office building.

"It is our objective to be a model for cost-effective conservation initiatives and the efficient use of energy,” says Zachary Bloom, General Manager. “Waupun Utilities’ new solar installation demonstrates our commitment to the use of clean, renewable energy.” Waupun Utilities’ solar panels, which became operational in late August, are mounted on poles and equipped with sunlight-tracking technology so they can move and tilt with the sun’s path across the sky, increasing the system’s efficiency by as much as 30%.

The installation will provide approximately 9,000 kWh of emissions-free electricity each year, or enough energy to power three energy-conscious homes. Waupun Utilities Energy Services Representative Eric Kostecki says that although the system cost approximately $60,000, the average homeowner might spend less than half that for a smaller system. “In addition, federal tax credits and utility incentives for the use of solar can help offset project costs for individuals and businesses,” says Kostecki. “Solar technology is a good option for any individual or business interested in reducing their carbon footprint.”

Waupun Utilities also offers a number of energy efficiency and energy conservation options for its customers, including several incentives to local businesses and governmental entities for efficient lighting upgrades. “We’re working hard to lead by example,” says Bloom. “The use of renewable energy, whether by installing a solar electric system at home or by purchasing from utility green power programs, is a simple step anyone can take to help create a cleaner energy future.”

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October 7-13, 2007
MEUW Members Celebrate Public Power Week

Governor Jim Doyle signed a proclamation recognizing October 7-13 as “Public Power Week,” a time when Wisconsin’s community-owned electric utilities take a bow. Throughout the State, MEUW Members invited their customers to open houses for refreshments and door prizes.

Rice Lake Utilities gave back to the community in multiple ways during their Public Power Week activities. On Wednesday, October 10, employees made root beer floats for fifty cent donations to the local Red Cross chapter. On Thursday, a hot dog stand drew donations for local food pantries. Electric crews performed live demonstrations during both fundraising drives.

Because 2007 is also the 75th anniversary of Oconto Falls' electric utility, they held both celebrations at once during their fifth annual conservation expo. All customers whose bills are not deferred or past due (an excellent opportunity to get people caught up before the moratorium!) were invited to come in and build a conservation kit from numerous products available. Customers were allowed to take $25.00 worth of product, free of charge. The products included compact fluorescent bulbs, LED crank flashlights and weather radios, LED Christmas lights, various styles of low-flow shower heads, LED night lights, insulation products, weatherstripping, faucet aerators, water heater tank wraps, and power strips. Then, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., they were invited to come back for a free cookout, with utility staff and commissioners doing the cooking. In honor of their 75th anniversary, Oconto Falls gave away two high-efficiency front-load clothes washers as door prizes, as well as commerative coffee mugs and a 2008 calendar, featuring old photos and history on the utility and the city. WPPI’s plug-in hybrid car was on display as well. About 250 customers (over 15% of Oconto Falls’ customer base) came to the conservation expo, and about 225 of them attended the cookout.

River Falls kicked off their POWERful Choices (formerly known as Leading By Example) community-wide energy efficiency and renewable resource development initiative. They had some “heroic” assistance from Mayor Don Richards.

Muscoda Utilities celebrated their centennial this year, so their Public Power Week activities were implemented with that observance. The celebration included a picnic, bounce house, strolling magician, bucket truck rides with a canned food donation, door prizes, giveaways, WPPI’s hybrid car, and Power Town Pedal Power (a bicycle-powered generator).

Thanks to all of the members who let us know how they celebrated Public Power Week. Keep those stories coming!

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Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and the Role They Play in MEUW Member Utilities
By Shari Baumann, MEUW Receptionist

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are used for treating causes of sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical malfunction of the heart. A person in cardiac arrest who receives a shock from an AED unit within the first few minutes has a better chance of having the heart’s natural rhythm restored.

AEDs, first used by medical professionals in ambulances and emergency rooms, can now be found in some MEUW Member Utilities. MEUW gave members a brief survey at the end of July 2007, inquiring about the role AEDs have or need to have in our utilities. Forty-eight members responded to our survey and 20 of those members have AED units.

The number of units vary at each utility along with where these units are located. Those utilities that have AEDs also give employees training on how to use AEDs on a regular basis. Most utilize local avenues for training, which include but are not limited to local EMS, hospitals, fire departments and police departments.

The cost of an AED unit ranges from $900-$1900. Sixteen of the 20 members that have AED units have either the same brand as their local EMS or have units that are compatible with EMS AED units. This not only saves time when EMS personnel arrive; it also spares the patient from having one unit removed and another unit applied before they are transported to a medical facility.

Still unsure about the role AED units play in MEUW Member Utilities? A line crew from Richland Center knows first hand how an AED unit can play a major role in the outcome of a sudden cardiac arrest victim.

While waiting for EMTs to arrive on the scene at a local Mobil-Mart in December 2002, the 3-man crew determined the victim had no pulse. One lineman was able to administer chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth while another was hooking up the AED unit that he retrieved from the bucket truck. The unit immediately informed them that a shock was advised; they cleared and pushed a button to administer the shock. They received a pulse and breathing from the victim.

Around that time the local EMTs arrived. They simply unplugged the leads from the utility’s AED unit and hooked it to theirs (which was the same by no coincidence). A complete article on this heroic event was published in the January 2003 issue of Live Lines.

For those utilities interested in purchasing AED units, we urge you to contact your local EMS. The knowledge they can share with you will help you make an informed decision. MEUW is also here to help. For more information on AED units or results from the July 2007 Member survey, please contact MEUW Receptionist, Shari Baumann (608/837-2263 or sbaumann@meuw.org).

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Poor Freight Railroad Service to New London Spurs Action
Congressman Kagen Supports Federal Bills to Reign in Railroad Abuses

Congressman Steve Kagen (D-WI 8th CD) brought the concerns of New London Mayor Wayne Toltzman and New London area industries regarding poor freight railroad service to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee at a September 25, 2007, hearing on freight railroad competition.

Two bills cosponsored by Rep. Kagen, H.R. 1650, the Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act, and H.R. 2125, the Railroad Service and Improvement Act, would subject the railroads to antitrust laws that all other industries in the country (except Major League Baseball) must comply with and streamline the process for shippers to file com- plaints about poor railroad service with the Surface Transportation Board. Kagen signed on to both bills at the urging of Mayor Toltzman and business owners in Northeast Wisconsin, and made the following statement in support of the bills at the hearing:

In Northeast Wisconsin, many family farmers, small business owners and manufacturers depend on rail to ship their products. Many of these communities are served by only one railroad, which can set rates and schedules as they choose, and are under no obligation to get an adequate number of rail cars to farmers and producers in a timely manner.

For example, the State of Wisconsin, a few years ago, granted $350,000 to the City of New London, which is located in my congressional district, to construct a rail spur to new Wolf River Lumber facility. During my several meetings with New London Mayor Wayne Toltzman, I was informed that the company was effectively utilizing rail delivery until the Canadian National assumed control of local traffic. Unfortunately, only three cars shipped last year as the rail rates became so cost prohibitive that Wolf River Lumber began delivering their products to Chicago via truck.

Sturm Foods, which is located 12 miles west of New London in the City of Manawa, is currently finishing a major expansion of its facility and intends to add 200 employees over the next several years. Lack of adequate rail service would significantly impede this progress.

Additionally, the branch line serving New London ends in Manawa and originates 22 miles to the south at the main line serving Appleton. New London is the home of two Bemis plants that receive roughly 250 cars of plastic resin pellets annually. The State of Wisconsin granted $200,000 for a spur into their plant two years ago. These plants seek to increase their rail usage as well.

As such, I share the concerns of Mayor Toltzman that the railroad will request in the near future that this line be abandoned due to continuing losses of revenue. This would be a crippling blow to the economy of New London, and would likely result in the displacement of another industry. Unfortunately, many areas in Wisconsin are similarly held captive by one large railroad that will provide service only when necessary.

Improving rail competition where one railroad is dominant will lead to better prices and rail service for shippers across Wisconsin. Helping our farmers, small business owners and manufacturers move their products faster and more cost-effectively will open more markets and improve the local economies nationwide.

To this end, I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 1650, the Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act, which was introduced by my friend and colleague Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI 2nd CD), and H.R. 2125, the Railroad Service and Improvement Act, which is sponsored by Committee Chair Oberstar. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance these measures.”

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Session D to Be Held on December 5 in Marshfield
Continuing Six-Part MEUW Management Certification Program

Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin is continuing our program to provide education for municipal utility management personnel. The curriculum was designed by the MEUW Management Certification Program Committee, and is designed for both existing managers and future management prospects. Participants may start at any point in the program and may attend just those sessions they feel they need, although MEUW Management Program certificates will only go to those who complete all six sessions (A-F). Certificates will be presented at the Annual Conference following the completion of all six sessions.

We are offering this six-part series for the second time, based on the highly successful 2004-2006 series in which we had over 150 MEUW member employees register for one or more of the sessions, 19 of whom received certificates at the MEUW Annual Conference in 2006 for attending all six sessions. Another six received certificates at the 2007 Annual Conference after completing the sessions that they missed the first time around.

Each session will take place at the Marshfield Holiday Inn, will run from approximately 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the fee is $225 per person per session, which includes breaks, lunch and handout materials that will be sent to each registrant prior to the session.

Session D (Utility Accounting, Finance and Negotiations) will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, at the Marshfield Holiday Inn. Session D topics will include: how to read financial statements; how to develop and track your department budget; how proper invoice coding/inventory tracking affects the bottom line; why decisions are made from a financial perspective; our responsibility to ratepayers and community leaders; internal control methods; audits and regulatory reports (PSC uniform system of accounting); financial tools for assessing utility health; electric and water rates (wholesale and retail); Public Service Commission of Wisconsin regulations; other in-dustry regulations; understanding utility tariffs; and nego-tiation skills and considerations. The instructors for Session D will be John Andres and Jamin Friedl of Virchow, Krause & Company.

Registration materials were sent out in mid-October. Individuals wishing to reserve an overnight room should call the Marshfield Holiday Inn at 715/486-1500. The registration deadline for Session D is November 21, 2007.

Session E (Personnel Issues) will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2008. Attorney Steve Zach and Jennifer Mirus of The Boardman Law Firm will lead this session. An after lunch presentation titled “Supervisory Safety Responsibilities” by MEUW Northwestern Regional Safety Coordinator Leo Diehl will be included in this session and the session will end with a short primer on Wisconsin “Open Meeting” and “Open Records” laws. Registration materials for this session will be sent out in mid-December.

Session F (Customer Service and Public Relations) will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. This session will include topics that cover customer service issues (dealing with difficult customers and situations, how to deal with customers when it is really YOUR fault, how to deal with customers when it is really THEIR fault and inspiring a customer-oriented attitude in all your employees), public relations (dealing with the media and other interests and improving and maintaining utility relations with the City or Village) and political involvement (at the local, state and national levels). We will send out registration materials for this session in early March.

Please consider taking advantage of this series of management certification sessions. For a brochure containing more details or to obtain Session D registration materials, contact MEUW Receptionist Shari Baumann (608/837-2263 or sbaumann@meuw.org). The brochure and Session D registration materials are also on the MEUW website. Visit www.meuw.org and click on the link at the bottom of the page for the brochure or go to www.meuw.org/events.htm for Session D registration materials.

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Applications Due December 7, 2007
Community-Based Economic Development Funding Available

Community-based organizations and local officials seeking to promote business growth and development will want to apply for project funding through Community-Based Economic Development (CBED) Program in the Department of Commerce (Commerce). The application deadline is December 7, 2007.

“The CBED Program is a key tool for developing strong organizational capacity to support local economic development activities,” said Commerce Secretary Mary P. Burke. “We want to support activities that will have the greatest impact on local economies and the state as a whole.”

The CBED Program assists community-based organizations with development and business assistance projects, and can help them plan, build, and create business and technology-based incubators. The grants can also play a role in capitalizing an incubator tenant revolving-loan program. Counties, cities, villages, townships and tribes may apply for CBED grants assistance to develop an economic development plan for diversifying the local or regional economy, attracting new businesses and jobs, and promoting economic development.

Commerce will show preference to applications that address the following program priorities:

● Support activities designed to develop or expand tech-based incubators;

● Target promising and innovative community-based projects that promote entrepreneurship; and

● Promote a regional approach to community development and encourage collaboration between multiple organizations to implement a unique or innovative solution to a local development problem.

To apply, visit http://commerce.wi.gov/CD/ CD-bcf-cbed.html. For additional program information, call Doug Thurlow, Wis. Dept. of Commerce, 608/266-7942.

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