96th Ann Conf Program Brochure

Conference Sponsors CONFERENCE PRESENTING SPONSOR

ELITE -LEVEL SPONSORS

LEAD -LEVEL SPONSORS

Convergint

Milwaukee Tool

TKDA

HDR

Paymentus

Sterling Site Access Solutions

EVENT SPONSORS Almetek Industries, Inc.

Fabick Power Systems

KW Associates

RWE Americas

Blackwood Solutions

Haverstock Koenig & Associates

Primus Marketing

Subsurface Solutions

EMS Partners

Jolma Utilities, LLC

PSE | Engineering & Consultants

U.S. Bank

Karcz Utility Services

By participating in this event, you consent to being photographed and agree that any images taken may be used

by MEUW for promotional purposes, including website, social media, and printed materials, without further notification or compensation. You waive any right to inspect or approve the final use of these images.

Agenda 6:30 a.m.

Breakfast |Main Ballroom

SPONSORED BY

7:30 a.m.

MEUW Annual Business Meeting

Member Comments Chair’s Remarks Chief Executive’s Report Association Business

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.

Two Lakes Ballroom

MEUW Safety and Mutual Aid Updates Mike Czuprynko MEUW Director of Safety Services and Operations

9:00 a.m.

Program Begins

Update from American Public Power Association Mike Peters APPA Chair -Elect President & CEO — WPPI Energy

9:45 a.m.

Networking Break

SPONSORED BY

10:00 a.m.

Back-to-Back B reakout Sessions Each session will be repeated; choose two

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.

Wingra Room

11:45 a.m.

Awards Luncheon

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.

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

SPONSORED BY

Presenting Sponsor

1:00 p.m.

Program Continues

ATC Update on the State of the Transmission Grid Ellen Nowak Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs — ATC

2:00 p.m.

Innovations and Successes from the Wisconsin Energy Institute

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 Associate Director, Wisconsin Energy Institute

Dr. Michael Wagner

3:00 p.m.

Host Utility

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: 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

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering University of Wisconsin-Madison

4:00 p.m.

Keynote Presentation

Dr. Giri Venkataramanan Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison Director, Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium

2:45 p.m.

Networking Break SPONSORED BY

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.

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Closing Reception SPONSORED BY

Scan the QR Code to suppor Friends of Public Power

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.

Tim Herlitzka Waunakee Utilities

Philip F. La Follette Public Official Awards Presented to individuals who have made a significant impact on public power through an 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

Dan Hornung

Andy Moss

Marshfield Utilities Commission

Manitowoc Public Utilities Commission

Cedarburg Light & Water Commission

Scott Sawle

Carroll Sheafor

Pennie Thiele

City Utilities of Richland Center Commission

Brodhead Water & Light Utility Commission

Kaukauna Utilities 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

John Collins

Manitowoc Public Utilities Commission

City Utilities of Richland Center Commission

Sue Hennes

Antoine Tinnes

Kaukauna Utilities Commission

Menasha Utilities Commission

MEUW Meritorious 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

George Morrissey

Sun Prairie Utilities

Cuba City Light & Water

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 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

Exemplary Service Award

C elebrates 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.

Presentedto recognize outstanding service/ achievement or other noteworthy acts, including contributions to MEUW through committee meetings and groups.

Tony Luell Plymouth Utilities

Randy Larson

Next Generation Leader Award

Public Power Partnership 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.

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.

Tyler Mosser Clintonville Utilities

Isaac Pooler Trempealeau Municipal Utilities

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 safety focused 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 in depth 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 Wisc onsin (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

Professionalism and Respect

Confidentiality and Integrity

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.

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.

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 MEUW and all municipally owned electric companies, while also actively supporting and encouraging others to follow these guiding principles.

Adopted by MEUW Board of Directors, January 2026

Future MEUW Events Annual Accounting & Customer Service Seminar September 23, 2026

Mauston

2027 Electric Operations Conference & Expo January 13 & 14, 2027

Wisconsin Dells

97th Annual Conference May 12 − 14, 2027

Delavan

98th Annual Conference May 10 −12, 2028

Elkhart Lake

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).

* Term expires May 2026 ** Term expires May 2027

Executive Committee Board Chair: Nicolas Kumm, Marshfield Chair -Elect: Tim Aaby Rice Lake

Vice Chair: Weston Arndt New Richmond

Secretary/ Treasurer: Tim Herlitzka Waunakee

At-Large Member: Steve Brooks Waupun

** District 7 Nick Gahlman, Juneau Ryan Roehrborn, Plymouth * District 8 Mike Reynolds, Boscobel Dan Koch, Argyle

** District 1 Jeremy Boe, Barron Jordan Peichel, Cumberland

** District 3 Jason Bessette, New London Dave Tichinel, Clintonville

** District 5 Ron Janzen, Westby Shawn Kuester, Elroy

** District 9 Jill Weiss, Sun Prairie Ed Hoff, Brodhead

* District 2 Casey Engebretson, Black River Falls Tim Putz, Arcadia

* District 4 Melanie Krause, Menasha Michael Avanzi, Kaukauna

* District 6 Scott Gald, Richland Center Nick Wyss, New Lisbon

* District 10 Brian Rhodes, Hartford Kevin Kaari, Oconomowoc

At-Large Directors:

President and CEO Tim Heinrich theinrich@meuw.org (608) 478-0998

Troy Adams * Manitowoc

Brian Carroll * Gresham

Director of Safety Services and Operations Mike Czuprynko mczuprynko@meuw.org (608) 478-2530

Bruce Gomm ** Shawano

Director of Legislative and Regulatory Relations Tyler Vorpagel tvorpagel@meuw.org (920) 265-7720

Troy Wardell ** Muscoda

Manager of Communications and Events Sharon Wolf swolf@meuw.org (608) 837-2263