Conference Sponsors
CONFERENCE
PRESENTING SPONSOR
ELITE-LEVEL SPONSORS
6:30a.m. Breakfast |Main Ballroom
SPONSORED BY
7:30a.m.
MEUW Annual Business Meeting
Member Comments Chair’s Remarks
Chief Executive’s Report Association Business
9:00 a.m.
Program Begins
Update from American Public Power Association
Mike Peters
APPA Chair -Elect
President & CEO WPPI Energy
SPONSORED BY
Each session will be repeated; choose two
Service Territory Extension and Protection
Julia Potter
Attorney Boardman and Clark
Review the current state of service territory disputes and litigation, and provide insight to those who are, or may be in the future, experiencing them to help extend and protect municipal utility boundaries.
Washington Ballroom
Relocating Utilities for State Highway Projects
Shane Smith Statewide Utility Project Coordinator Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Get new information and updates on the Utility Coordination Workshop and recently revised easement acquisition process.
MEUW Safety and Mutual Aid Updates
Mike Czuprynko
MEUW Director of Safety Services and Operations
During last year’s Annual Conference, severe weather throughout portions of the state prompted a mutual aid event to be called on the spot. Learn more about what happened, lessons learned from the response, and a review of MEUW notification and support processes.
Hosted by MEUW President and CEO Tim Heinrich
MEUW Honors recognizes individuals (and organizations) that have contributed to the success of public power in Wisconsin. The awards have been presented for more than two decades, and honorees have come from utilities large and small, including some from outside the membership.
SPONSORED BY
Wingra Room
Two Lakes Ballroom
ATC Update on the State of the Transmission Grid
Ellen Nowak
Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs ATC Program
3:00 p.m.
Cohort Discussions
Facilitated, participant-led, interactive roundtables to enable conference attendees to choose the topic that most interests them. There are three concurrent discussion groups:
2:00 p.m.
The Wisconsin Energy Institute (WEI) is the collaborative home of energy research and education on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. WEI is led by scientists and engineers committed to crossing traditional research boundaries to identify breakthroughs in the way energy is sourced and used. WEI fosters projects across disciplines, prepares the energy leaders of today and tomorrow, and enhances public understanding of energy issues.
Mary Blanchard
2:45 p.m.
Associate Director, Wisconsin Energy Institute
Dr. Michael Wagner
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dr. Giri Venkataramanan
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Director, Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium
Innovations and Successes from the Wisconsin Energy Institute Networking
SPONSORED BY
The Affordability of Public Power – Statewide data shows that residential public power customers in Wisconsin continue to benefit from electric rates that compare favorably to those of other utilities. As energy costs capture headlines, what strategies can municipal utilities use to effectively explain their cost advantages and help customers, regulators, and lawmakers understand the true affordability of public power?
Washington Ballroom
Cyber and Physical Security – Discussions will focus on MEUW’s new member-led Cyber and Physical Security Working Group, what they’re planning, and how they can best support member needs.
Two Lakes Ballroom
Lineworker Safety and Education – Sustaining high levels of member satisfaction with Job Training & Safety (JT&S) Program is a key priority for the MEUW Safety & Education Committee. Join the discussion to provide feedback about the strengths and weaknesses of the program and offer input to keep the training relevant, engaging, and valuable.
Wingra Room
4:00 p.m.
Keynote Presentation
Wayne Larrivee
Legendary Broadcast Professional and “Voice of the Green Bay Packers”
Since 1999, Wayne Larrivee has been the play-by-play radio voice of the Green Bay Packers, working alongside partner Larry McCarren on the Packers Radio Network. An award -winning broadcaster, he has also worked for the Big Ten Network on its coverage of conference football and basketball games and the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
2026 Awards Recipients
Donald L. Smith Distinguished Service Award
The highest honor bestowed by MEUW, the award recognizes exceptional leadership in and dedication to public power. Named to honor Donald L. Smith, who worked at Columbus Water & Light for 35 years, and was a very active MEUW member, serving as President in 1963-64 and part-time Executive Director from 1973-1980. His leadership contributed to the passage of legislation to form joint action agencies in Wisconsin.
Philip F. La Follette Public Official Awards
Tim Herlitzka Waunakee Utilities
Presented to individuals who have made a significant impact on public power throughan extraordinary commitment to service, this award is named to honor Wisconsin’s 27th and 29th Governor, who served from 1931-1933 and 1935-1939 a time when several significant laws were passed to support the growth of municipally owned electric utilities.
Mike Eberl Marshfield Utilities Commission
Scott Sawle City Utilities of Richland Center Commission
Dan Hornung Manitowoc Public Utilities Commission
Carroll Sheafor Brodhead Water & Light Utility Commission
Charlie Bradburn Pillars of Public Power
Presented to individuals who have served for at least 10 years as a member of a public power governing body (e.g., utility commission, city council, or village board). Member utilities must nominate governing board members for recognition.
Alex Allie Manitowoc Public Utilities Commission
John Collins City Utilities of Richland Center Commission
Andy Moss Cedarburg Light & Water Commission
Pennie Thiele Kaukauna Utilities Commission
Municipal Utility Leadership Certificate Program
Ten municipal utility employees completed the requirements to earn MEUW’s Municipal Utility Leadership Certificate in 2025
Bryan Breuning – Sturgeon Bay
Sue Hennes Kaukauna Utilities Commission
MEUW Meritorious
Antoine Tinnes Menasha Utilities Commission
Service Award
The award is presented to individuals to recognize outstanding service/achievement, or other recognizable acts while an employee of an MEUW member utility, or in service to MEUW.
Andrew Hirvela Sun Prairie Utilities
George Morrissey Cuba City Light & Water
Scott Gald – Richland Center
Kim Ganz – Trempealeau
Dalton Hiley – Columbus
Scott Hoffman – Sturgeon Bay
Max Mayer– Plymouth
Ryan Roehrborn – Plymouth
Tyler Sneen – Wisconsin Rapids
Jake Tanner – Columbus
Josh Wellmann – Oconomowoc
Excellence in Line Work Award
Celebrates individuals who consistently demonstrate dedication to their profession as alineworker. MEUW had provided this award for many years and brought it back for 2024 to recognize worthy municipal utility employees for their commitment to the trade.
Tony Luell
Plymouth Utilities
Next Generation Leader Award
Recognizes employees who may be new to public power and have made significant contributions to their municipality; awarded to individuals with fewer than eight years of service to their utility to highlight the importance of emerging leaders who demonstrate accelerated understanding of or skill in their area of expertise.
Tyler Mosser
Clintonville Utilities
Isaac Pooler
Trempealeau
Municipal Utilities
Presentedto recognize outstanding service/ achievement or other noteworthy acts, including contributions to MEUW through committee meetings and groups. Exemplary Service Award
Randy Larson
Public Power Partnership Award
Recognizes a municipal electric utility that has demonstrated exceptional collaboration, partnership, and mutual support in advancing the goals of public power.This award is being presented for the first time.
Safety Achievement Awards
Presented annually since 1999 to recognize safety performance and to encourage proactive safety activities. Recognition is based on voluntary reporting and celebrates each municipal utilities’ dedication to employees’ on-the-job focus following safety rules, using safe work practices, and looking out for one another.
GOLD Category
Boscobel Utilities
Brodhead Water & Light
Columbus Water & Light Department
Eagle River Light & Water
Elroy Electric Utilities
Evansville Water & Light
Fennimore Municipal Utilities
Florence Municipal Utilities
Gresham Municipal Utility
Hartford Utilities
Hustisford Utilities
Juneau Utility Commission
Kaukauna Utilities
Lodi Utilities
Manitowoc Public Utilities
Marshfield Utilities
Medford Electric Utility
Menasha Utilities
New Holstein Utilities
Rice Lake Utilities
Prairie du Sac Electric Utility
Plymouth Utilities
Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities
Oconomowoc Utilities
New London Utilities
New Lisbon Utilities
City Utilities of Richland Center
Sauk City Utilities
Sun Prairie Utilities
Trempealeau Municipal Utilities
Two Rivers Water & Light
Waunakee Utilities
Waupun Utilities
Wisconsin Rapids Water Works & Lighting Commission
SILVER Category
Arcadia Electric Utility
Clintonville Utilities
New Glarus Utilities
River Falls Municipal Utilities
Shawano Municipal Utilities
Stoughton Utilities
Vanguard Electric
BRONZE Category
Cuba City Light & Water
Membership Benefits
Formed in 1928, Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin (MEUW) is a statewide association providing focused services to support its members, including:
▪ Careful monitoring and regular updates on any state or federal legislative proposals or regulatory rule changes that may impact municipal utilities, including specific advice and guidance to address emerging issues; MEUW tracks proposed legislation, advocates for municipal electric utilities and regularly shares the details with members
▪ Opportunities to ask questions, get advice, and share leading practices with public power professionals from utilities like yours through “Member Polls” and other networking forums
▪ Recognition of your utility for operational achievements and eligibility for awards honoring safety, leadership, and service
▪ Access to share and receive valued information and insights compiled for annual Wage and Benefits Survey
▪ Complimentary job postings on MEUW.org and in LIVE LIVES to reach prospective applicants for open positions at your utility
▪ Assistance from staff knowledgeable about safety, communications, customer service, marketing, and more and if our staff doesn’t have the answers, we’ll connect you with someone who can find them
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING
▪ Practical and relevant professional education and training opportunities through conferences, workshops, seminars, webinars, and roundtables
▪ Connections with utility suppliers that support the timely and efficient procurement of equipment, supplies, and services by linking utility personnel to vendors experienced in serving municipal utilities
▪ A collaborative, judgment -free network for sharing leading safety practices and lessons learned to improve hazard awareness and develop a safetyfocused culture in our members’ utility operations
SAFETY TRAINING AND MUTUAL AID
▪ Access to MEUW’s reputable on-the-job safety and training program, delivered onsite by highly experienced instructors who build rapport and establish credibility with lineworkers
▪ Automatic enrollment in the public power Mutual Aid Network, enabling utilities to both give and receive help during a disaster one call to MEUW’s Mutual Aid Hotline opens the door to statewide resources and a coordinated response to help safely restore electric service after a devastating storm or major outage event
▪ Expert advice and support from safety professionals and fellow utility operators who understand the full scope of safety rules and professional standards
▪ Weekly safety messages, monthly safety calls, and regular updates regarding near -miss accidents and critical alerts
FORWARD -LOOKING ADVOCACY
MEUW helps to influence legislators and regulators at the state and national level on behalf of its utility members. This includes organizing legislative meetings, educating lawmakers, developing talking points, and coordinating strategies with key allies and stakeholders who support municipal electric utilities, including the state’s joint -action agencies.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RESOURCES
▪ MEUW provides regular member communications with up-to-date information about issues affecting municipal electric utilities, as well as developments, innovations and trends in the utility industry.
▪ MEUW Weeklyis an e-newsletter distributed each Tuesday throughout the year, featuring updates on MEUW initiatives and the latest news affecting municipal utilities in the state
▪ LIVE LINES is published monthly and offers more indepth articles, feature stories, and member profiles plus safety information and reminders
Member Engagement Principles
These guiding principles serve as the foundation for professional conduct by and between Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin (MEUW) members, affiliate members, associate members, employees, contractors, and all those who represent public power utilities in the state of Wisconsin.In short, these principles define the manner in which those associated with MEUW engage with and treat one another.
Accountability and Compliance
Members accept responsibility for their own conduct and hold each other accountable to follow all applicable laws and regulations. Members understand the role of the Board of Directors and the mutual respect and trust essential to ensuring staff and organizational effectiveness. Members always act in good faith for the greater good of MEUW and all its stakeholders.
Professionalism and Respect
Members stay up to date on all aspects of the electric-utility industry and public power specifically, applying their knowledge, skill, and professional competence to support MEUW’s strategic priorities and to serve their employers, customers, community, and fellow members to the best of their ability. Members acknowledge the importance of welcoming all, staying positive, always demonstrating respect for others and their opinions, and avoiding conflicts that could disrupt MEUW’s success.
Adopted by MEUW Board of Directors, January 2026
Future MEUW Events
Annual Accounting & Customer Service Seminar
September 23, 2026
2027 Electric Operations Conference & Expo
January 13 & 14, 2027
97th Annual Conference
May 12−14, 2027
98th Annual Conference
May 10−12, 2028
Confidentiality and Integrity
Members act with integrity and protect sensitive, confidential, or proprietary information concerning the business affairs of the association and its member utilities. Members conduct themselves in a way that establishes and maintains trust and confidence in the value and integrity of MEUWand all municipally owned electric companies, while also actively supporting and encouraging others to follow these guiding principles.
2024-25 Board of Directors
2025-26 Board of Directors
Members of MEUW’s Board of Directors are elected to serve a two-year term representing the utilities in their respective district. Each district has one Director and an alternate (listed in italic).
Executive Committee
Board Chair: Nicolas Kumm, Marshfield
Chair -Elect:
Tim Aaby Rice Lake
Secretary/ Treasurer: Tim Herlitzka Waunakee
** District 1
Vice Chair:
Weston Arndt New Richmond
At-Large Member: Steve Brooks Waupun
Jeremy Boe, Barron
Jordan Peichel, Cumberland
* District 2
Casey Engebretson, Black River Falls
Tim Putz, Arcadia
At-Large Directors:
President and CEO
Tim Heinrich theinrich@meuw.org (608) 478-0998
** District 3
Jason Bessette, New London
Dave Tichinel, Clintonville
* District 4
Melanie Krause, Menasha
MichaelAvanzi, Kaukauna
** District 5
Ron Janzen, Westby Shawn Kuester, Elroy
* District 6
Scott Gald, Richland Center
Nick Wyss, New Lisbon
* Term expires May 2026
** Term expires May 2027
** District 7
Nick Gahlman, Juneau
Ryan Roehrborn, Plymouth
* District 8
Mike Reynolds, Boscobel Dan Koch, Argyle
** District 9
Jill Weiss, Sun Prairie
Ed Hoff, Brodhead
* District 10
Brian Rhodes, Hartford Kevin Kaari, Oconomowoc
Troy Adams * Brian Carroll * Bruce Gomm ** Troy Wardell **
Director of Safety Services and Operations
Mike Czuprynko mczuprynko@meuw.org (608) 478-2530
Director of Legislative and Regulatory Relations
Tyler Vorpagel tvorpagel@meuw.org (920) 265-7720
Manager of Communications and Events
Sharon Wolf swolf@meuw.org (608) 837-2263
Manitowoc Gresham Shawano
Muscoda