Utility Governance Roundtable
In conjunction with the association’s 96th Annual Conference, MEUW is hosting a Utility Governance Roundtable designed for elected and appointed officials and utility leaders who want to govern more effectively in a rapidly changing utility environment.
Public power governance is getting more complex. New technologies, shifting markets, nonutility competitors, and rising customer expectations are transforming how municipal utilities operate — and raising the bar for those who oversee them. Long-term success depends not just on infrastructure, but on governance models, engaged leadership, and policies that support sound decision-making.
Regardless of governance structure — whether an independent utility commission, city council or village board oversight, or another model — effective utility governance requires trust, clearly defined roles between the governing body and management, strategic focus, business and financial acumen, and a commitment to continuous learning.
This roundtable brings Wisconsin municipal leaders together for a practical, peer-driven discussion on the fundamentals of utility governance, including regulatory considerations, rate setting, and a plain-language overview of municipal utility finances. Designed for both new and experienced officials, the session emphasizes real-world insights, shared experiences, and leading practices that strengthen oversight and support reliable, financially sustainable utility operations.
Who should attend:
Mayors, Village Presidents, City/Village Administrators, Council Members, Utility Commissioners, and others who are part of governing their local utility
What is the format:
The session will include presentations and small-group discussions to help both new and veteran governing board members understand the unique dynamics of municipally owned electric utilities.
Attorney Richard Heinemann of Boardman and Clark law firm and Waunakee Utilities General Manager Tim Herlitzka will lead the session. In addition to Q-&-A, there will be time for participants to engage in facilitated, collaborative conversations to address specific topics of interest to those in attendance.
| Governance 101: Best Practices in Utility Oversight | Finance & Rates 101: Stability in Your Utility’s Finances | ||
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Get a comprehensive overview of public power and the duties and legal obligations of people on the governing board, including city council or village board members. Review the nuts and bolts of governance requirements, such as open meetings and records, fiduciary responsibilities, charters and bylaws, conflicts of interest, and interaction with regulatory agencies. |
Explore the financial tools and strategies utilities can use to ensure stability while navigating the evolving electric industry. Get a break down of the resources in a utility’s “financial toolkit,” and learn how to use these tools to build a cohesive, resilient financial strategy that can weather uncertainty and enable innovation. |
Tim HerlitzkaWhen and where is the pre-conference workshop happening:
Wednesday, May 13, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Sun Prairie Utilities — 510 Linnerud Drive, Sun Prairie
The session will begin with a casual group lunch and conclude with a tour of SPU's new facility and a demonstration of the state-of-the-art Commission Meeting Room.
