EOCE26 Brochure

Presented by

Diamond Level Sponsors

January 14 & 15, 2026

Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

Organized by

Organized by Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin (MEUW) and Wisconsin Electric Cooperative

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 1:00 p.m.

Welcome / Kick-Off

1:15 p.m.

GENERAL SESSION A: Updates from the State Utility Regulatory Body Kristy Nieto, Commissioner, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

2:15 p.m.

NETWORKING BREAK

2:45 p.m.

GENERAL SESSION B : Updates and Insights from Wisconsin Emergency Management Greg Engle, Administrator, Wisconsin Emergency Management

3:30 p.m.

GENERAL SESSION C : Data Centers — Electricity Needs and Potential Impacts to Utilities Attorney Delanie Breuer, Fredrikson & Byron P.A.

4:00 p.m.

DAY ONE KEYNOTE ADDRESS: “ This is Not My First Rodeo! Strategies for Personal Resilience During Stressful Times” by Brenda Clark Hamilton

5:00—7:00 p.m.

WELCOME RECEPTION (followed by dinner on your own)

THURSDAY , JANUARY 15 6:30 a.m.

Breakfast Buffet / Registration Check-in Available until 9:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

Welcome / Opening Remarks

8:10 a.m.

GENERAL SESSION E: The State of Transmission and the Midwest Grid: Updates from ATC Ellen Nowak, Vice President, State & Federal Affairs, ATC

9:00 a.m.

GENERAL SESSION F: Battery Storage and Power Stations Dave Krause, PE, Engineering Operations Manager, EPS

9:30 a.m.

NETWORKING BREAK / Vendor Expo Opens

10:30 a.m.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

11:45 p.m.

BUFFET LUNCH

12:45 p.m.

GENERAL SESSION F: The Columbia “Energy Dome” Storage Project Mike Bremel, Director-Engineering & Customer Solutions, Alliant Energy

1:15 p.m.

GENERAL SESSION G: Emergency Response and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Giacomo Wray, Ops Service Mgr, Amer Public Power Assoc (APPA)

See page 5 for descriptions

2:00 p.m.

COHORT DISCUSSIONS

See page 5 for details

3:00 p.m.

NETWORKING BREAK

3:15 p.m.

DAY TWO KEYNOTE ADDRESS: “ Believe in Safety” by Brandon Schroeder

4:30 p.m.

PROGRAM CONCLUDES

9:30a.m.–2:30 p.m.

SUPPLIER EXPO featuring 130+ vendors showcasing the latest products and services See page 7

General Sessions take place in the Kalahari A & B

Wednesday 1:15 p.m.

Wednesday 1:15 p.m.

Updates from the State Utility Regulatory Body Kristy Nieto, Commissioner from the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin, will share her thoughts on recent happenings at the PSC. She will also discuss her observations about her transition from PSC staff to a Commissioner role.

Kristy Nieto has served in a variety of roles at the PSC for more than a decade before being appointed to the Commission. She previously served as Administrator of the Division of Energy Regulation and Analysis (DERA), Administrator of the Division of Digital Access, Consumer and Environmental Affairs (DACEA), Deputy Administrator of the Commission’s business operations division, and Director of the Consumer Affairs Bureau. Prior to her work at the Commission, Kristy managed the bilingual consumer protection program for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Kristy holds a bachelor’s degree from Hamline University in St. Paul in Spanish and Writing, and a master’s degree from UW –Madison in Spanish Literature and Linguistics.

Wednesday 2:45 p.m.

Wednesday 2:45 p.m.

Updates and Insights from Wisconsin Emergency Management Greg Engle, Administrator of the Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, will discuss how WEM is adapting to the increasing frequency and severity of storms and the evolving challenges emergency management faces.

Focusing on the strength of Wisconsin's utility public -private partnerships, he will explore strategies that enhance resilience and ensure continuity of essential services.

Before becoming Administrator, Greg led WEM’s Bureau of Planning and Preparedness, overseeing statewide emergency response plans, training, and the State Emergency Operations Center. He previously directed the Homeland Security Program at the Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance. Greg holds a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from UW–Madison, teaches emergency management at UW –Green Bay, and serves as Regional Vice President and Vice Chair of the Preparedness Committee for the National Emergency Management Association.

Wednesday 3:30 p.m.

Data Centers — Electricity Needs and Potential Impacts to Utilities Attorney Delanie Breuer from Fredrickson & Byron, P.A., will share her perspectives on emerging interest in data center construction in Wisconsin and what utilities need to know and do to be prepared.

As an experienced lawyer, Delanie helps clients navigate the complexities of government regulation. She specializes in energy and environmental permitting, regulation, transactions, and litigation. Her previous roles with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and as Chief of Staff at the Wisconsin Department of Justice, combined with her technical experience as a mechanical engineer in the energy and manufacturing industries, uniquely equip her to be an effective legal partner. She assists clients in coordinating with regulators, utilities, and other industry stakeholders, as well as obtaining necessary permits.

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GENERAL SESSIONS Thursday 8:10 a.m.

Thursday 9:00 a.m.

Thursday 1:15 p.m.

The State of Transmission and the Midwest Grid: Updates from ATC Ellen Nowak is Vice President of State and Federal Affairs at ATC, where she leads legislative and regulatory affairs, including developing policy positions before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state public utility commissions. She joined ATC in 2023, having previously served as a Commissioner at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, including three years as Chairperson. She also served as Secretary of the Department of Administration and acted as chief of staff and legal counsel to the Assembly Speaker. Ellen previously practiced law at a business litigation firm. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin –Milwaukee and a Juris Doctor from Marquette University.

Battery Storage and Power Stations Dave Krause is a professional engineer with more than 25 years of experience in electric power systems engineering and management for municipal, cooperative, and investor-owned utilities. Dave is currently Engineering Operations Manager for EPS Engineering & Design, Inc., and has been involved in a variety of projects such as electric distribution system conversions, substation expansions, and distributed generation interconnections.

Building An Energy Dome: The Columbia Energy Storage Project Mike Bremel, Director-Engineering and Customer Solutions at Alliant Energy, will report on a first-in-the-nation long -duration energy storage project being developed in Portage.

Mike Bremel has diverse work experience spanning multiple roles and industries. In his current role at Alliant Energy, he is responsible for guiding the corporate strategy in relation to the evolving integrated distribution grid. Prior to his current role, Mike served as the Director-Sustainable Solutions, as well as positions leading wholesale services and account management. Before joining Alliant Energy, Mike worked as a Financial Advisor at UBS Wealth Management. He earned his B.S. in Economics & Business Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as an M.B.A. from the Wisconsin School of Business.

Thursday 12:45 p.m.

Emergency Response and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Given the changing federal landscape, Giacomo Wray, Operations Services Manager at the American Public Power Association (APPA), will provide updates on the current status of FEMA is and what utilities need to know about handling mutual aid reimbursements.

Giacomo Wray serves as the Operations Services Manager at APPA. In this capacity, he has collaborated with utilities on emergency response initiatives and acts as the principal investigator on a cooperative agreement with the Department of Energy.

This partnership aims to develop comprehensive emergency response materials, educational programs, and training for public power utilities.Giacomo has been affiliated with APPA since January 2017.

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Thursday, Jan. 15— 10:30 a.m.

Preparing for Safety Inspections ATC

Aralia Room

This informative and interactive session will cover what to expect and how to prepare for inspections from the Department of Safety and Professional Services, including lessons learned from member utilities. Attendees will receive a copy of MEUW’s DSPS Inspection Guidance Checklist.

MEUW Regional Safety Managers Steve Eller and Sean Wall will share their learned experiences with attendees to help them prepare for inspections. Both have many years of experience leading safety initiatives and helping utilities prevent safety violations, accidents and injuries.

Stray Voltage Testing GNSS

GuavaRoom Room Guava

Anthony Cook, owner/operator of AC Electrical Testing, will review important aspects of stray voltage testing, including different detection techniques and technology.

Anthony is a Master Electrician, designer of electrical engineering systems, and a commercial electrical inspector. He is a stray voltage consultant with more than 12 years of experience at an investor -owned utility prior to starting his own company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management, as well as an M.B.A.

Leveraging Vehicles for Utility Security & Resilience

Tamarind Room

This session will provide a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using vehicles for large -scale line patrol and key requirements for implementing thermography at scale for distribution -line inspections.

Jaxon Worley is a Technical Sales Representative for Fast Forward, where he has been employed for two years. Prior to that, he worked in sales and marketing at Fastenal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Distribution from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Thursday, Jan. 15— 2:00 p.m.

Join fellow utility leaders and operators for a facilitated discussion around a topic most important and of interest to you. Make connections with others who share the same challenges and needs.

Choose from one of three timely topics and bring your questions and insights for an interactive discussion.

Mutual Aid

Safety Leadership

Advocacy

Aralia Room

Guava Room

Tamarind Room

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Presented by Diamond Level Sponsors

Gold Level Sponsors

Silver Level Sponsors

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Thursday, 9:30 Jan. 15 — 9:30 a.m.

– 2:30 p.m. a.m. − 2:30 p.m.

The Expo Trade Show, featuring 130+ utility vendors and suppliers, will be open for five hours on Thursday, Jan. 15. This yearshow has been expanded into multiple spaces based on growing interest.

Grab your “Expo Bingo” card and visit with vendors in both the Auxiliary Exhibit Hall and the Main Exhibit Hall to network and discuss the latest products and services.

A completed Bingo card is your entry into the drawing for great door prizes, but you must have stamps from both rooms to qualify . Winners will be announced after the closing Keynote Presentation and must be present to win.

Scan for the list of exhibitors

Special thanks to the exhibitors donating door prizes— Expo Bingo wouldn’t be possible without their support.

The Electric Operations Conference & Expo is organized to benefit the members of:

Formed in 1928, Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin (MEUW) is the state association providing safety services, leadership and management training, advocacy, and member support to the 81 municipal electric utilities across the state. Most of these public power utilities have century-old roots serving their communities. Collectively, they distribute about 11 percent of the state’s electricity, providing service to more than 300,000 homes and businesses in 43 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Municipal utilities, known for their affordable rates and highly reliable service, operate on a not-for-profit basis overseen by a local governing board composed of local citizens and elected officials.

The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) was formed in 1936. It once offered engineering help, insurance, and even sold appliances and electrical materials. Those sales later moved to other cooperative businesses that WECA helped create.

Today, WECA focuses on government advocacy, safety, regulations, and training for cooperative leaders and employees. It also keeps -ops co and their members informed about important industry issues.

WECA’s mission is to provide leadership and professional services to support electric cooperative efforts to improve the quality of life for their members.

www.meuw.org

www.weca.coop — 7 —

Wednesday 4:00 p.m.

“This is Not My First Rodeo! Strategies for Personal Resilience During Stressful Times” One of the most valuable traits for success in life is resilience – a person’s ability to keep moving forward despite challenges, and the strength to recover quickly from setbacks. This engaging, interactive session will provide practical, research -based strategies for developing your personal resilience, benefiting you at work and at home.

Brenda Clark Hamilton brings more than 20 years of experience sharing fresh perspectives in leadership, communication, change management, and offering one’s personal best in all facets of life.

Thursday 3:15 p.m.

“Believe in Safety” Brandon Schroeder survived a catastrophic workplace accident in 2011 — an event that forever changed his life and purpose. As a journey man electrician turned national safety speaker, he delivers a raw, emotional message about the real cost of shortcuts and the power of personal responsibility. Brandon challenges audiences to reflect, reset, and commit to a culture where safety isn’t optional because it’s personal.

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SAVE the DATE

2027 Electric Operations Conference & Expo January 13 & 14, 2027■ Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

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Find them at www.meuw.org/eoce26 or scan the QR Code with your smartphone camera

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bbtechgrp.com (920) 253-2871

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MUNICIPALELECTRICUTILITIESOFWISCONSIN

WISCONSIN ELECTRICCOOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Nicolas Kumm, Marshfield (Board Chair) Tim Aaby, Rice Lake (Chair -Elect) Weston Arndt, New Richmond (Vice Chair) Tim Herlitzka, Waunakee (Secretary-Treasurer Steve Brooks, Waupun (At-Large Representative)

Karen Newbury, Price Electric Cooperative (Chairman) Barbara Miller, Rock Energy Cooperative (Vice Chairman) Les Dokkestul, Jackson Electric Cooperative (Secretary/Treasurer) Craig Buros, Vernon Electric Cooperative (Executive Committee) Dan Hillberry, Richland Electric Cooperative (Executive Committee)

District Directors Jason Bessette, New London Jeremy Boe, Barron Casey Engebretson, Black River Falls Nick Gahlman, Juneau Scott Gald, Richland Center Ron Janzen, Westby Melanie Krause, Menasha Mike Reynolds, Boscobel Brian Rhodes, Hartford Jill Weiss, Sun Prairie

Robert Cornell, Washington Island Electric Cooperative Kurt Harris, Jump River Electric Cooperative Allen Jicinsky, Clark Electric Cooperative Kevin Meistad, Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative Monica Obrycki, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative Cynthia Thorman, Polk -Burnett Electric Cooperative Alan Wilkie, St. Croix Electric Cooperative

At-Large Directors Troy Adams, Manitowoc Brian Carroll, Gresham Bruce Gomm, Shawano Troy Wardell, Muscoda

Key Staff Rob Richard, President & CEO Tim Clay, Vice President of Operations Ben Bella, Director of Compliance Services Wendy Fassbind, Director of Education & Events Jennifer Taylor, Executive Assistant & Associate Membership Tina Walden, Executive Assistant & Director of Youth Education

Alternate Directors Michael Avanzi, Kaukauna Ed Hoff, Brodhead Kevin Kaari, Oconomowoc Dan Koch, Argyle Shawn Kuester, Elroy Ken "Hank" Lueck, Sauk City Jordan Peichel, Cumberland Tim Putz, Arcadia Ryan Roehrborn, Plymouth Dave Tichinel, Clintonville

We Want Your

FEEDBACK

Registered conference attendees will receive apost-event survey.

Watch your inbox and take a few minutes to share your insights to help us plan future conferences.

Key Staff Tim Heinrich, President & CEO Mike Czuprynko, Director of Safety Services & Operations Tyler Vorpagel, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Relations Sharon Wolf, Manager of Communications & Events

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MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC UTILITIESOFWISCONSIN ANDWISCONSIN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

ELECTRIC OPERATIONS CONFERENCE & EXPO Registration Kilimanjaro 1 & 8

X

Kilimanjaro 3 & 6 X

North Atrium

Thursday Breakout and Cohort Rooms

Kilimanjaro 2 & 7

Aralia X

Thursday Vendor Expo (Exhibit Hall)

Kilimanjaro 4 & 5

Mangrove

X

!

North Hallway

Welcome Reception and Meal Spaces

Auxiliary Exhibit Hall

X

Wednesday and Thursday General Session

Loading Dock

Expo Entry Point

Central Hallway

Restrooms

Kalahari A

Kalahari H

Kalahari B

Kalahari G

!

Africa Ballroom Foyer >

Restricted

X Access

Kalahari F

Kalahari D

Kalahari E

South Hallway

South Atrium

Kalahari C

Guava

Tamarind

ENTRANCE TO C ONVENTION C ENTER FROM PARKING L OT

By participating in this event, you consent to being photographed and agree that any images taken may be used by MEUW and/or WECA 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.