Volume 75, Issue 8
August 2026
EF-3 tornado devastates Menasha, prompts mutual
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mile-wide path of destructiontorethrough Menasha on Monday, July 27, when anEF-3 tornado traveled down a central part of the community, tearing down homes, businesses, and power lines along the way.This was the most powerful tornado to hit the Fox Valley area in more than four decades. Packing a punch with winds of up to 140 mph, it hit Menasha particu larly hard, causing significant and widespread damage.
two of ATC’s transmission lines. More than two - thirds of the 9,500 electric customers served by Menasha Utilities (MU) lost power. MU’s own Water Filtration Treatment Plant took a direct hit from the tornado, while employees inside took shelter and could see the tornado damage unfold via security system cameras.
MEUW immediately worked with Menasha Utilities and coordinated a MuMany homes and businesses tual Aid response, reaching were damaged or destroyed, out to nearby municipal and large swaths of trees were utilities to seek crews and knocked down. More than 120 trucks. Mutual aid is a core utility poles were impacted, value among MEUW’s including those supporting member utilities. When one community is impacted by INSIDE THIS ISSUE disaster, others step up to help restore power and supEducating lawmakers about public power priorities is essential Page 3
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo
port recovery efforts. At least 80 linemen from 25 Wisconsin municipal utilities contributed their skills at various points, with many other utilities offering to help.
wires, and materials from damaged homes and buildings, among other things, needed to be cleared before crews could even begin to assess and restore the system. Additional chalRestoration efforts were ham- lenges were caused by the pered by the sheer volume of amount of vehicle and foot debris, with many roads un- traffic in the area, with people either seeking assistance or passable and with access to poles and wires limited. Bro- simply viewing the damage. ken poles, tree limbs, downed
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What municipal utilities need to know about bankruptcy practices Page 4 MEUW News Monitor Pages 8 Wisconsin Utility News Digest Page 10
Top photo: Drone footage shows the widespread and significant damage to homes and businesses near Plank Road in Menasha after a mid -day tornado impacted the community. Bottom photo: Dozens of line workers and other utility personnel posed for a photo as the sun rose for another full day of clearing debris, rebuilding power lines, and restoring electric service to the community.
Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin ’s mission is to strengthen and unify community -owned utilities . Since 1928, MEUW has been the trade association for Wisconsin ’s 81 public power communities and is affiliated with the American Public Power Association (APPA) — www.publicpower.org
A monthly publication of Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin, Inc. | 725 Lois Drive ⚫ Sun Prairie, WI 53590 | www.meuw.org
Live Lines | August 2026 — Page 2 of 12
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“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said MEUW Director of Safety Services and Operations Mike Czuprynko.“I’ve beenpart of several storm and hurricane Mutual Aid events, but’ve I never seen this much damage Crews from 25 before. The crews had a lot of municipal utilities obstacles in front of them, but provided mutual aid they all worked together so well support to and made it happen. ” Menasha Utilities Cedarburg Thanks to the efforts of MU Clintonville employees and Mutual Aid Columbus crews, power had been restored Gresham to 90% of the area and to 80% Hartford of customers within a week of Juneau the devastating storm. Many of Kaukauna Kiel the remaining customers inLake Mills curred damage that will need to Manitowoc be addressed before reconnection Marshfield can occur. Crews will remain as Medford long as needed, as the commu New Holstein nity shifts from emergency reNew London Oconomowoc sponse to long -term recovery. Menasha Utilities’ General Manager Melanie Krause said, “Please extend a huge thank you to all those that have responded to Mutual Aid and continue to support us.”
Associate members rush to contribute supplies for restoration, recovery effort Having strong connections to vital supply lines is essential for municipal utility operations. True to form, many MEUW Associate Members immediately jumped in to help during storm recovery in Menasha. Phone calls and offers started coming in almost immediately, and they ’ve brought equipment, tools, trucks, chainsaws, food and drink to support the crews working on restoration. Among those contributing: ◼ Milwaukee Tool delivered a truck filled with chainsaws and tools; ◼ Altec, Inc. provided extra bucket trucks for utility crews to use; and ◼ Irby coordinated with Bell Pole & Lumber to bring in 40 much-needed poles. MEUW Associate Members are suppliers and service providers who have paid membership dues in support of those connections. In the July edition ofLive Lines , we featured the names of these Associate Members in appreciation of their participation. MEUW truly values these partnerships and appreciates the support they routinely provide for our public power utilities. This map shows the scope of the damage and the scale of power outages that affected the City of Menasha in the aftermath of the July 27 tornado. GPS mapping was replaced with oldfashioned paper maps and markers to plan repair work.
Oconto Falls Plymouth Shawano Sheboygan Falls Sturgeon Bay Sun Prairie Two Rivers Waunakee Waupun Wisconsin Rapids
Timeline of events in Menasha tornado response Tuesday July 28 Monday July 27 Severe weather with strong winds moves through the Fox Valley region, spawning a mid-day tornado that affected large portions of the City of Menasha.
The tornado takes out poles and transmission lines serving the Menasha Utilities (MU) substation; the entire Menasha community loses power. MEUW begins mobilizing crews to provide mutual aid in Menasha.
By late Monday, crews from 11 MEUW member utilities are onsite helping assess the damage and clear extensive debris. ATC crews replace poles and lines, restoring the feed to the Menasha substation.
Wednesday July 29
Many roadways in and around Menasha are blocked by fallen trees and debris; crews focus on clean up and setting poles. Gov. Tony Evers declares a State of Emergency.
Power began to be restored to Menasha residents able to accept electric service. MEUW calls for additional mutual aid crews to plan for a weekend of storm recovery.
Thursday July 30 Gov. Evers tours the damaged sites in Menasha and activates the National Guard to assist with debris removal, traffic and safety support.
Clean-up is expected to take weeks, with recovery lasting months and years.
On July 28, the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-3 tornado, with wind speeds up to 140 mph that traveled 12.1 miles, reached a maximum width of 1,500 yards, and was on the ground for 26 minutes. The powerful storm is believed to be the strongest to impact the Fox Valley in more than 40 years.
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Educating lawmakers about public power priorities is ess By Tyler Vorpagel
APPA Policy Makers Council (PMC) committee. (He edged out Marshfield's met with members of Congress in Mike Eberl in what I'm told came down hile we're still in the middle of Washington, D.C., in July, lawmakers to a coin flip.) The PMC — made up of summer, with primary elecimmediately recognized the issue and local government leaders from municipal tions right around the corner reaffirmed the importance of preserving utilities across the country— meets each and the general election approaching in summer in the nation’s capital these bonds for our utilities. November, now is the perfect time to start to reinforce the same prioriAnother key topic was the planning for our 2027 advocacy activities. ties raised during the Legislacritical role the Federal That includes the annual American Public tive Rally: maintaining affordEmergency Management Power Association (APPA) Legislative ability, protecting municipal Agency (FEMA) plays in Rally in Washington, D.C., and MEUW bonds, ensuring electric reliahelping Day at the Capitol in bility, advancing energy perutilities mitting reform, and supportMadison next spring. request ing FEMA. These follow-up This November's elecand provide meetings help keep public power ’s istions will determine mutual aid. Given sues front and center with Congress control of the House the storms we've throughout the year. and Senate, both of experienced in rewhich are currently cent months, there is Your participation in these advocacy held by slim Republino shortage of real opportunities truly makes a difference. I can majorities. Here world examples to encourage you to join us at the APPA in Wisconsin, we'll share about why that Legislative Rally in Washington, D.C., also have a new govsupport matters. Mar. 1−3, 2027, and consider bringing ernor and new legislayour mayor, council members, commisWisconsin has tive leadership, resioners, or key utility employees to help maintained a strong gardless of which partell our story. And if you know someone voice on the PMC, ty holds the majority. in your local government or on your with three members commission who would be a good fit for Wisconsin has always currently serving the PMC, please let me know. The more had outstanding rep- Wisconsin was well represented when on the 40-person voices we have at the table, the stronger APPA’s Policy Makers Council gathered resentation at APPA's in D.C. in July. Joining the meetings national council. and more united our message becomes. Legislative Rally, and with lawmakers were (from left) Lee Kaukauna Utilities your advocacy contin- Meyerhofer (Kaukauna), MEUW’s Tyler Commissioner Lee ues to make a differ- Vorpagel, WPPI Energy’s Joseph Owen, Meyerhofer recently Mike Eberl (Marshfield), and Andy Moss ence. Last year's mes- (Cedarburg) served as chair, and sage to Congress Cedarburg Light & about protecting tax -exempt municipal Water Utility Commission President Tyler Vorpagel is MEUW’s Director of bonds as a financing tool for utility infra- Andy Moss was just elected second vice Legislative and Regulatory Relations. He structure clearly resonated. When the chair, putting him in line to lead the can be reached at tvorpagel@meuw.org
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MEUW is built on the foundation that municipal electric utilities deserve a voice in happenings at the Capitol in Madison. For 95 years, our association has championed policies and advocated to preserve the public power model. Increasingly, money is a channel for political participation. Through Friends of Public Power, the political action committee and conduit managed by MEUW, the association directs financial resources to support in - state legislative candidates who have signaled their support for public power and the electric - utility industry. Many of these same politicians have shown a willingness to listen to and learn about the issues that matter to MEUW and its member communities. Like other trade associations, we recognize the importance of political giving and developing good relationships with key lawmakers. Dollars raised are directed to both Republican and Democrat candidates in races for the Wisconsin Assembly and State Senate. To learn more about MEUW ’s political giving, please visit www.meuw.org/fpp .⚫
Live Lines | August 2026 — Page 4 of 12
What municipal utilities need to know about bankruptcy pract Rules for Commercial and vice. Congress attempted to These pre-BACPA decisions Nonresidential Deposits strike this balance by protect- reflected a flexible judicial inquiry into a debtor ’s payment Wisconsin’s regulatory frame- ing debtors from utility work provides municipal utili- shutoffs for the first few weeks history and prospects for future payment. ties with tools to manage risk after filing, but also giving utility providers a special right and secure payment for utility The landscape shifted signifi” of service. Under the Public Ser- to “adequate assurance cantly post-BACPA with the vice Commission of Wiscon- future payment while a bankBy Nicholas Bratsos adoption of 11 U.S.C. § 366(c). sin (PSCW) rules, utilities may ruptcy case is pending. Boardman and Clark In Chapter 11 cases, under Secrequire deposits from comHistorically, prior to enacttion 366(c)(3)(B)(ii), bankruptmercial accounts as a condiAs utility revenues come unment of the Bankruptcy Abuse cy courts are prohibited from der pressure from delayed and tion of providing service: Prevention and Consumer consideringpre-petitiontimely ◼ Electric utilities may impose missed customer payments, Protection Act (BACPA) in payment history in determincommercial and farm demunicipal utilities in Wiscon2005, bankruptcy courts fre- ing whether a utility ’s requested sin are increasingly attentive to posits pursuant to Wis. Ad- quently considered a debtor ’s adequate assurance of payment min. Code, § PSC 113.0403, broader economic and finanpre-petition history of timely is reasonable. This statutory bar authorizing deposits based cial trends that can affect cusutility payments in assessing means that even customers on factors like credit history tomer solvency. Bankruptcy what constituted adequate with historically reliable payand risk of nonpayment. filings nationwide have been assurance of payment. For ment patterns cannot rely on ◼ Water utilities serving nontrending upward in recent that history to forestall addiexample: residential accounts likewise reporting periods, with total tional security requirements may require security depos- ◼ In In re Best Products Co., filings increasing by more than 203 B.R. 51 (Bankr. E.D. Va. post-petition. its under § PSC 185.361, 13% year-over-year through 1996), a bankruptcy court allowing utilities to obtain Post-BACPA cases emphasize 1 Nationally, March 31, 2025. accepted a deposit equating that if a Chapter 11 debtor fails financial assurances ahead there were 542,529 total bankto one-half of an average of service initiation or conto provide adequate assurance ruptcy cases in the year ending monthly bill as adequate tinuation. within 30 days of filing, the June 30, 2025, with Chapter 7 assurance where the debtor utility may alter, refuse, or disThese deposit authorities ena- had regularly paid utility filings accounting for over continue service. 11 U.S.C. § ble municipal utilities to ob330,000 of those cases and charges and had no pre 366(c)(2). While courts can, tain security in advance that petition default. more than 8,400 Chapter 11 upon notice and hearing, modcan mitigate the impact of filings.2 These figures reflect ◼ In In re 499 W. Warren ify a utility’s demand for assursustained financial pressure on subsequent customer defaults Street Associates Ltd. Partnerance, they may not weigh pre both residential and commer- — a particularly salient point ship,138 B.R. 363 (Bankr. petition security absence, prior for larger nonresidential cuscial utility customers. N.D.N.Y. 1991), a court aptimely payments, or the availatomers whose financial instaproved a deposit equal to one Within Wisconsin specifically, bility may precede or presage bility of an administrative exmonth’s average billing based bankruptcy data from the U.S. potential bankruptcy filings. on the debtor ’s solvency and pense priority in determining Bankruptcy Court for the expected ability to meet post- what constitutes adequate asEastern District of Wisconsin Forms of Guarantee and surance. In Chapter 11 cases, petition obligations. the Intersection with the shows continued activity utilities may also use security ◼ In In re Spencer, 218 B.R. 290 Bankruptcy Code across both individual and deposits provided before the (Bankr. W.D.N.Y. 1998), business cases, including regu- Section 366 of the Bankruptcy petition date to satisfy delinwhere prepetition defaults lar monthly Chapter 7 and Code is meant to balance quencies without separate nowere part of the record, a occasional Chapter 11 filings utility providers’ general right tice or court order. two-month average billing 3 underscorto refuse to do business with a deposit was upheld as adethroughout 2025, Adequate assurance is not the ing the very real potential for debtor post-petition and a quate assurance. same as an absolute guarantee municipal utilities to encoun- debtor’s need for utility serof payment. But utility providter insolvent customers enterers are empowered to demand ing bankruptcy. [1] https://www.uscourts.gov/data -news/data -tables/2025/06/30/bankruptcy -filings/f what they believe is adequate [2] [3]
https://www.uscourts.gov/data -news/data -tables/2025/06/30/bankruptcy -filings/f https://www.wieb.uscourts.gov/bankruptcystatistics/?filing
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FERC orders new reliability standards for AI data centers, other l
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he Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has stantly,” FERC Chairman Laura Swett said.“This rapid fluctuadirected the North American Electric Reliability Corpora- tion causes voltage stability issues that threaten grid reliability. ” tion (NERC) to develop mandatory reliability standards FERC's order formalizes work NERC had already begun through for large computational loads, including AI data centers, cryptoits Large Loads Working Group, which has spent the past two currency mining operations, and other high -density computing years studying the reliability risks associated with emerging comfacilities. putational loads. Earlier this year, NERC issued its highest -level Issued on July 16, the order requires NERC to file new or revised Essential Action Alert requiring utilities and other registered Reliability Standards by Dec. 31, 2026, along with proposed reg- entities to take immediate steps to improve modeling, protecistry criteria identifying which computational -load entities will tion, and operational practices related to these facilities. be subject to mandatory compliance. NERC must also submit a While FERC did not prescribe the specific technical requirePhase II work plan for additional standards by March 1, 2027. ments, the new standards will include proposed registry criteria The action reflects growing concern over the rapid expansion of identifying which computational -load entities should become large electricity users whose power demand can change almost subject to NERC’s mandatory reliability framework. instantaneously, creating voltage and frequency disturbances Utilities, grid operators, and developers should expect increased that threaten grid reliability. regulatory oversight and new reliability requirements aimed at “Certain large loads like data centers and crypto mining opera- ensuring rapidly growing loads from AI can be integrated withtions … have the potential to change their demand almost in- out compromising the stability of the Bulk -Power System.
assurance is evaluated independently of In sum, the bankruptcy code provides past payment practices, focusing instead mechanisms to protect municipal electric Continued from page 4 on the security necessary to protect the and water utilities for post -petition payassurance where a debtor is at risk of de- utility from the ongoing service risk. ments. Before a petition is filed, municipal faulting on its payment obligations. utilities with commercial customers with Moreover, provision of adequate assur- Offsets, Letters of Credit, and Secupayment issues should obtain deposits or ance does not prevent a utility from ter- rity Instruments guarantees consistent with PSCW rules. minating service to the debtor or the es- Municipal utilities commonly obtain lettersThese protections remain intact even if the tate if post-petition payments for utility of credit, cash deposits, surety bonds, or customer subsequently files a bankruptcy services are not made after the statutory similar guarantees. Under Section 366(c) petition. waiting period. Such a termination must (4) a utility may recover or set off against a follow the procedure prescribed under security deposit provided prepetition with-Nicholas Bratsos is an attorney with non-bankruptcy law for the disconnec- out notice or court order. This provision Boardman and Clark law firm in Madison. can be particularly valuable to municipal He joined the firm in March 2026, andhis tion of utility service. utilities in addressing post -petition delinpractice includes municipal and construcFor municipal utilities, this statutory quencies while retaining rights to adequatetion litigation, dealership law, and comframework underscores that adequate assurance going forward. mercial disputes.
Bankruptcy practices
Live Lines | August 2026 — Page 6 of 12
APPA signs White House Ratepayer Protection Pled Official monthly publication of Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin, Inc. , the statewide trade association representing the interests of Wisconsin ’s public power providers since 1928. This e-newsletter is distributed to more than 1,200 utility professionals and leaders throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest on the first Tuesday of every month. LIVE LINES has been published continuously for many decades and provides useful information, news on emerging utility issues and legislation, updates on events, training programs and member services, as well as engaging feature stories spotlighting utilities, communities and leaders. Reader comments and suggestions are welcome — send by email to news@meuw.org
MEUW Office Staff Tim Heinrich President and CEO Mike Czuprynko Director of Safety Services and Operations Tyler Vorpagel Director of Legislative and Regulatory Relations Sharon Wolf Director of Communications and Member Engagement
MEUW Office 725 Lois Drive Sun Prairie, WI 53590 (608) 837-2263 www.meuw.org
An archive of past issues of Live Lines is available at www.issuu.com/meuw
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merican Public Power Association (APPA) President and CEO Scott Corwin on July 23 participated in a White House event to reaffirm public power utilities ’ commitment to ensuring customers are not burdened with costs caused by infrastructure investment to meet growing data center demand. “We are pleased to be a signatory to the Ratepayer Protection Pledge on behalf of public power, which aligns with our position that other utility customers should not bear the brunt of the costs of serving data centers, ” said Corwin.“It reinforces our long -standing focus on energy affordability and reliability for public power utility customers. ” Public power utilities are already acting to protect their customers. Many have adopted, or are developing, rates, terms, and conditions for new-load largecustomers. APPA said it appreciates the Administration ’s recognition of the importance of protecting electric customers from the costs of serving large data centers. In early March, the White House hosted an event with seven major hyperscaler AI companies where they signed the Ratepayer Protection Pledge containing specific actions to help protect other electric ratepayers. To learn more about the pledge, White see this House fact sheet . To learn more about what APPA is doing to advance affordability, review Public the Power Affordability Agenda fact sheet .
September event will focus on energy affordab
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he Customers First Coalition (CFC) will host its annual Power Breakfast on Tuesday,Sept. 15, in Madison. The forumwill bring together policymakers, energy leaders, and stakeholders to discuss energy affordability and to explore the key factors driving rising energy costs in Wisconsin. Presenters are expected to discuss how global fuel markets, infrastructure investment, and customer usage influence energy bills, and how effective utility regulation helps manage these pressures. The event will be held at the Premier Park Hotel in downtown Madison. Learn morehere. MEUW is a founding member of CFC, which was originally formed more than 25 years ago, and has helped to shape energy policy that promotes consensus among Wisconsin ’s energy stakeholders and produces sensible solutions to today ’s energy challenges. MEUW President and CEO Tim Heinrich is currently serving as Chair of the CFC Board of Directors. To learn more about CFC, visit customersfirst.org .⚫ Public power utilities across the U.S., including the 81 operating in Wisconsin, celebratePublic Power Week the first full week of October every year to help customers and stakeholders understand how they can better engage with their community owned utility and benefit from all its offerings. MEUW member utilities have access to sample resources and templates to spread the word and help celebrate in their hometowns. Details are availablehere, along with a link to additional resources available from APPA. This year’s events will happen Oct.−9. 5
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Recent storms are reminder to In case you missed it ... refresh your mutual aid plan DNR alerts utilities to be vigilant amidst
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very MEUW utility has access to a customized guidebook to help prepare for and manage a mutual aid event when it’s needed. The Mutual Aid Community Resource Guide is available here (member login is required). The Resource Guide was developed based on lessons learned and feedback from past mutual aid events and includes various tools necessary for a well-coordinated mutual aid response, including roles and responsibilities, key contacts, and pre-planning details for critical facilities, lodging, and meals. The guidebook is a Microsoft Excel document with multiple tabs, which allows for everything to be kept in a single location and makes it easy to update. The guidebook ’s comprehensive Table of Contents is linked to each form for quick access, and each tab is formatted for simplified printing.⚫
ongoing cybersecurity threat
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently contacted public water and wastewater utilities to take immediate steps to protect programmable logic controllers (PLCs) from an ongoing cyber threat targeting internet-connected devices. The advisory follows reports of successful attacks in neighboring states that disrupted system operations. Utilities are encouraged to review the affected PLC manufacturers, ensure devices are not directly accessible from the internet, verify current security updates, and report any suspected incidents to the Wisconsin Statewide Intelligence Center (WSIC).
For more information and recommended actions, review the advisory on the federal governments Cybersecutity Submit ideas for topics and presenters atand Infrastructure Security Agency’s website.
2027 Electric Operations Conference & Expo The annual gathering of municipal utility and electric cooperative employees from across Wisconsin is set for Jan. 13−14, 2027, and event organizers are working to identify topics and presenters to make the event informative and worthwhile for all who attend. The focus of the 2027 event is resilience and reliability — hallmarks of energy service. Utilities, suppliers, and consultants are invited to submit ideas they can present to conference attendees during a large-group general session (30 minutes or less). This will be an opportunity to showcase a project or share important insights by presenting information about a compelling and relevant topic of interest to leaders in utility operations. The “Call for Presenters” form is available here. The deadline to submit an idea is Friday, Sept. 11.
Fisher Kotnick recently joined New Holstein Utilities as an Apprentice Lineman.
Send us your news! Tell MEUW about new hires, promotions, retirements, honors, and awards, so those tidbits can be shared in MEUW member communications. Simply send an email to news@meuw.orgto share your news.
@MunicipalElectricUtilitiesofWisconsin
Live Lines | August 2026 — Page 8 of 12
Wolf promoted to new role to support strategy, execution MEUW has promoted Sharon Wolf to a new role as Director of Communications and Member Engagement. She first joined MEUW in March 2023 as Manager of Communications and Events, bringing with her extensive experience in the utility industry. The promotion recognizes Sharon’s efforts to support MEUW’s strategic priorities and the Board of Directors’ efforts, including enhancing member communication and engagement. She continues to report directly to President and CEO Tim Heinrich.
Basics of Utility Rate Setting course to be offered Sept. 22
Committee assists MEUW staff in putting together the day ’s program to address industry topics. This year’s seminar is planned for Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Mauston. Additional information and registration are availablehere.
Member Roundtable sessions kickoff late next month
MEUW will once again host Member Roundtables around the state in September and October, providing local utility leaders an opportunity to conUtility Planning and Risk nect and network on topics of interest Management class set for Oct. 7 to public power. Members are encouraged to attend one of the five As part of MEUW's professional develscheduled sessions, along with their opment programming, we're launching utility commissioners or elected offia new one-day course to focus on utility cials, to receive updates and participlanning and risk management. Taught pate in roundtable discussions. by experienced engineer, Dave Krause, Planned locations and dates are: this training will explain the basics of strategic and operational planning, why ◼ Tuesday, Sept. 29: Bloomer planning matters, and how well -thought ◼ Wednesday, Sept. 30: Juneau -out plans and careful assessments of ◼ Thursday, Oct. 1: Hartford risks can contribute to long -term suc◼ Thursday, Oct. 8: Clintonville cess. The class will be held in Mauston ◼ Thursday, Oct. 15: Richland Center on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Registration and details about the class and instructor While there is no cost, advance regiscan be foundhere. tration is required. Each session will Associate Member renewal begin at 9 a.m. and wrap up by 1 p.m. Registration is availablehere. time is almost here!
Join your peers for this new one -day workshop on the basics of utility rate setting, including cost-of-service and rate design. Members have consistently expressed interest in a foundational session Having strong connections to vital supon electric rate setting, and this training ply lines is essential for municipal utility is designed to meet that need. The full operations. MEUW Associate Members day workshop will provide practical inare suppliers and service providers who sights for municipal employees, as well as have paid membership dues in support help local utility commissioners and govof those connections. The Associate erning body members gain a clearer unMember year runs from Oct. −Sept. 1 30 derstanding of the rate - making process. each year. Current Associate Members The training is planned for Tuesday, can expect to receive renewal inforSept. 22, in Mauston. Information about mation in the coming weeks. Full details registration is availablehere. about the Associate Member program and the benefits available are here. Accounting & Customer
Tuesday, Aug. 11 is primary election day in Wisconsin
Service Seminar is Sept. 23 You won’t want to miss MEUW’s annual one-day seminar that brings together municipal electric utility staff with a focus on accounting and customer service topics. Attendees receive updates on regulatory and legislation that affect their utilities and compare best practices to improve their operations. MEUW’s Accounting and Customer Service
A fast-moving, severe thunderstorm impacted the community of Eagle River on the morning of July 27, bringing a lot of lightning strikes and quarter -sized hail. The 45-mph winds toppled trees and took down six poles, impacting more than 300 customers. MEUW activated a mutual aid event, and crews from five muni cipal utilities answered the call. With the help from crews from Clintonville, Marshfield, Medford, New London, and Wisconsin Rapids, service to nearly all Eagle River Light & Water customers was restored by 1 a.m. July 28 with service fully restored to the remaining customers by 2 p.m.
Live Lines | August 2026 — Page 9 of 12
MEUW Employee Spotlight: Brian Johnson reflects on five ye Approach matters as much as the mes- Reliability and accountability are foundasage.The individuals I work with are tional to effective leadership. professionals and experts in their respecBe willing to admit mistakes and apolotive fields. When difficult conversations gize. One of the most important lessons I are necessary, I have learned that how I have learned is the value of humility. I communicate is just as important recall conducting an audit where I as what I communicate. Prediscussed several observations senting information with rewith a crew on -site. Later, in my spect and professionalism can written report, I included addiIn July, I celebrated five years of service determine whether tional concerns that with MEUW. While this milestone is cer- the message is achad not been distainly meaningful, it has also provided an cepted or rejected. cussed during our opportunity for reflection. I feel incredibly Respect is essential conversation. The Brian Johnson joined MEUW on for building trust, fortunate to work alongside such outcrew was underJuly 1, 2021, bringing more than maintaining credistanding people not only within my restandably frustrated. 20 years’ experience in operations, bility, and fostering gion, but across the entire state. Looking back, I manufacturing, quality, safety, and long-term relationcould not blame training. A native of Eau Claire, he As I look back on my time in this position, ships. also worked as a business develthem. I immediately I realize how much I have grown profesopment manager for Safe-Fast, Presence has valreturned to speak sionally and personally. That growth has where he worked with customers ue. Being present with them, apolonot come primarily from advanced safety and trained them on the latest may seem like a gized, and assured courses or additional certifications. InOSHA safety rules. He also previthem I would handle stead, it has come from learning that effec-basic part of the job, ously held roles with TTM Technolsituations differently tive leadership requires not only being a but I have learned ogies, Great Northern Corporation, that it carries signifmoving forward. teacher, but also being a student. I have and Hutchinson Technology. Brian That experience reinlearned the value of listening to and learn- icant value. I do not earned an associate’s degree in always have to forced a critical lesing from our membership. The diverse supervisory management from son: trust is the founbackgrounds, experiences, and perspec- speak about safety Chippewa Valley Technical Colwhen spending dation of everything tives of our members represent an incredilege. He lives in Altoona with his time with crews in we do as safety proble source of knowledge that has expandwife, Jamie, and has three adult fessionals. Without children and two grandchildren. ed and strengthened my own understand- the field. Simply trust, safety proing. For a long time, I failed to recognize being there as a Safety Manager grams, conversathe depth of that resource. Once I did, I Fun Facts about Brian: demonstrates comtions, and initiatives began to appreciate the tremendous opI’d eat that …” raw oysters ” mitment and suplose their effectiveportunity to learn from those I serve. port. In many cases, Best new thing ness. Trust is not just … “ weed flame thrower ” Reflections from Five Years in meaningful safety important in this Bring back … ” the mullet ” Safety Leadership discussions arise role, it is everything. Favorite game …” golf” Leadership involvement strengthens naturally, even As I begin my sixth Book’dI recommend … “The OZ Principle ” safety culture.Conducting field audits when safety is not year with MEUW, I alongside leaders is far more effective Hidden talent … ” I’m a mean dancer! ” the initial topic of am grateful for the than conducting them independently. conversation. lessons learned, the I have learned that when leadership Follow through on your commitrelationships built, and the opportunities actively participates in the audit process, ments.When someone asks a question to continue growing. The greatest realizait not only reinforces the organization ’s that cannot be answered immediately, it tion from these past five years is that the safety culture but also elevates account is important to follow up and provide an most valuable knowledge often comes ability among employees. More impor answer as promised, even if it is not the from the people around us. When we retantly, it sends a clear message that workanswer they hoped to hear. Consistently main humble enough to listen and learn, ing safely is an expectation that is fully doing what you say you will do builds we become better leaders, better partners, supported by leadership. credibility and strengthens relationships. and better safety professionals. This is the first in a series of articles (thanks to a suggestion from MEUW’s recent communications review) to help members learn more about the MEUW team. In this article, MEUW Regional Safety Manager Brian Johnson offers reflections on his first five years providing support for MEUW members.
Live Lines | August 2026 — Page 10 of 12
Coal plant extension orders draw long -term cost concerns
State appellate court upholds constitutionality of Act 10
Gov. Tony Evers is urging the Trump administration to stop using emergency orders to keep aging coal plants operating beyond their planned retirement dates, arguing the policy could cost Wisconsin ratepayers an estimated $117 million over the next several years. The administration says the extensions help maintain grid reliability and reduce the risk of blackouts, while consumer advocates and environmental groups contend the plants are expensive, unnecessary, and increase electricity costs.
A Wisconsin Court of Appeals has upheld the constitutionality of Act 10, overturning a 2024 Dane County Circuit Court ruling that found the law unconstitutional. The appeals court determined the legal issues had already been addressed in previous state and federal decisions that upheld the law.
The Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin has joined legal challenges to the federal orders affecting coal plants in Michigan and Indiana, arguing that costs are being unfairly passed on to utility customers across the Midwest, including parts of Wisconsin. Consumer advocates say long-term utility planning is a better approach than relying on repeated 90-day emergency orders and warn the policy could further increase electric bills that are already rising faster than inflation.
Nieto appointed Chair of NARUC Committee on Consumers and the Public Interest Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) Commissioner Kristy Nieto was recently appointed to serve as Chair of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Committee on Consumers and Public Interest. NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889 whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The NARUC
The lawsuit argues that Act 10's distinction between public safety employees — who retained collective bargaining rights — and other public employees violates the Wisconsin Constitution's equal protection clause. The unions challenging the law are expected to appeal, sending the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, where a liberal majority is expected to hear the case and issue the final ruling. Committee on Consumers and the Public Interest brings together commissioners from across the nation to focus on the evolving role state commissions play in protecting consumers and upholding the public interest. The Committee fosters dialogue exploring ways to ensure fair and affordable utility service to support informed regulatory decisions, public participation, and improved consumer education and communication.
Lightning suspected in death of tree-trimming contractor An out-of-state employee working as a subcontractor for We Energies died on July 27 following a suspected lightning strike. The 31-year-old from West Virgin-
ia was performing tree-trimming work in Whitewater. Emergency responders found him suspended approximately 60 feet above the ground; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators found no evidence of contact with energized power lines and noted that storms were moving through the area.
State regulators deny request to reconsider finance requirement for data-center rates The three-person PSC has declined to reconsider financial-guarantee requirements for certain hyperscale data center customers, effectively ending a June 10 petition from We Energies and developers. The approved rules require customers with credit ratings below A-, including Oracle, to provide cash or lines of credit to protect utility ratepayers. No commissioner moved to reopen the case by the July 9 deadline. Milwaukee-based We Energies, the state’s largest investor-owned utility, said the requirements add cost and reduce flexibility, potentially discouraging investment and job growth in Wisconsin. Oracle, which is challenging the rate structure in court and estimates the change could increase the annual cost by about $100 million, said it remains committed to paying its full energy share and providing protections against ratepayer risk. Consumer and environmental advocates welcomed the decision. The Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin and Clean Wisconsin argued that Oracle’s credit profile, debt, and exposure to a possible AI-sector downturn justify strong safeguards. They said weakening collateral requirements could shift unnecessary financial risk to We Energies customers.
Live Lines | August 2026 — Page 11 of 12
Municipal utility customers are maximizing energy savin
W
isconsin’s municipal electric utilities had a strong year with Focus on Energy in 2025. Participation data for the year, verified against the independent 2025 evaluation report released in May, shows that public power customers generated more energy savings per project and squeezed more value out of every incentive dollar than the statewide average.
programs widen the gap: incentive dollars spent on public power customers returned 69 lifecycle kWh apiece, versus 57 kWh statewide, a 22% difference. The same incentive budget simply went further for these customers than it did for the state as a whole.
Program popularity: similar tastes, different emphasis The same three offerings topped the participation list both statewide and among municipal electric utility customers: free Higher Savings per Project energy saving product packs, heating and cooling equipment Residential municipal electric utility customers who complet- discounts, and smart thermostats. Free packs were a clear faed a Focus on Energy project achieved an average of 7,628 vorite, but played an even bigger role for kWh in lifecycle savings per project, the public power customers, making up about total energy the upgrade or technology 83% of residential participants in municipal saves over its full useful life, compared to utility territory compared to 77% statewide. 7,417 kWh statewide. Both figures come Easy, no-cost participation clearly resonates close to covering a full year of a typical Wiswith this group. Public power consin home's electricity use, but the public Beyond Pack participation, the two groups power number edges ahead, about 11.6 customers generated diverge a bit. Municipal electric utility cusmonths of coverage versus 11.3 months more energy savings tomers made proportionally less use of the statewide. The pattern holds up once nonper project and HVAC discount offering, about 10% of resiresidential programs are folded in as public squeezed more value dential participants versus 16% statewide. power customer projects saved an averaged out of every Trade Ally Solutions offerings like heating36,505 lifecycle kWh, enough to cover incentive dollar than and-cooling upgrades and insulation and air roughly four and a half years of a typical the statewide average. sealing, which drew roughly half the particihome's electricity use, compared to 36,089 pation share in municipal utility territory kWh statewide. Demand savings followed suit, with these projects trimming 0.35 kW on average, more that they did statewide. On the flip side, public power customers showed up more often in Focus' new homes program. Resthan 7% ahead of the 0.33 kW statewide figure. idential New C onstruction participation was more than douGenerated savings in 2025 tells a similar story. Across the full ble the statewide share, and commercial and industrial participortfolio, public power customers' 2025 projects saved pation among municipal electric utility customers landed at enough electricity to power roughly 6,170 homes for the year, roughly 1.3 to 2 times the statewide share. This signals a relacompared to about 56,960 homes statewide. tively strong engagement given the size of this customer base. More Energy Saved Per Dollar For municipal electric utility customers, the 2025 numbers The sharpest contrast shows up in the energy saved per dollar point to a simple takeaway: Focus on Energy dollars go far in spent. Across the full portfolio, every incentive dollar paid to public power territory. Every project completed, and every municipal electric utility customers returned roughly 110 incentive dollar spent, delivered more energy savings than the kWh of lifecycle savings, compared to about 100 kWh statewide average, savings that add up to real energy and cost statewide, nearly 10% more value per dollar spent. Residential savings flowing back into public power communities.
Live Lines | August 2026 — Page 12 of 12
Calendar of Events T Sept. 8
Monthly Safety Call — 7:15 a.m.
T Sept. 22
Basics of Utility Rate Setting — Mauston
W Sept. 23 Annual Accounting & Customer Service Seminar — Mauston T Sept. 29
Member Roundtable — Bloomer
MEUW is pleased to promote job openings with its member utilities across Wisconsin. New positions are regularly added to our website — check them out here or use your smartphone to scan the QR code below . Here are some current opportunities available:
New Lisbon Utilities — Clerk / Treasurer
W Sept. 30 Member Roundtable — Juneau
New London Utilities — Journeyman Line Mechanic
Th Oct. 1
Member Roundtable — Hartford
T Oct. 6
Monthly Safety Call — 7:15 a.m.
City of Stoughton Director of Finance / Comptroller Utility Automation SCADA Specialist
W Oct. 7
Utility Planning & Risk Management — Mauston
Th Oct. 8
Member Roundtable — Clintonville
Th Oct. 15
Member Roundtable — Richland Center
T Nov. 3
Monthly Safety Call — 7:15 a.m.
T Dec. 1
Monthly Safety Call — 7:15 a.m.
W Dec. 2
Leading Through Coaching — Mauston
Visit MEUW.org for full details
Jefferson Utilities Customer Accounts Clerk Billing Clerk When your utility is hiring, be sure to email the job posting to office@meuw.org.
This year’s summer season may seem a little longer than usual — at least on the calendar. With Memorial Day having marked the “unofficial” start of summer on May 25 and Labor Day landing on its latest possible date, Sept. 7, the stretch between the two holidays in 2026 is the longest the calendar will allow. The date phenomenon gives us a total of 106 calendar days of traditional summer, compared to just 99 days in 2025. The result is a unique chance to enjoy an extended summer period.
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