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What’s New & Calendar of Events

Latest Events, Publications & Website Changes

Check this page often for the latest events, publications and changes to the MREC website

What’s New at the MREC Website?

Most recent additions or changes to the MREC website

MREC Conference 2013

The 2013 MREC Conference has been scheduled for February 27-March 1 at the Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport. Mark your calendars!

*NEW* Stray Voltage Courses

INTRODUCTION TO STRAY VOLTAGE
May 1, 2012
Arlington Agricultural
Research Station
Arlington, Wisconsin

STRAY VOLTAGE TESTING
May 2-3, 2012
Arlington Agricultural
Research Station
Arlington, Wisconsin

ADVANCED STRAY VOLTAGE ANALYSIS
October 16-17, 2012
The InnTowner Hotel (Best Western)
Madison, Wisconsin

See course details here

Register online here

50th Annual Rural Energy Conference
and Agricultural Electric Code Workshop
29 Feb, 1 and 2 March 2012
Radisson Hotel, La Crosse, WI

Click Here for On-Line Registration

Click Here for Conference Brochure

We Energies is accepting applications for its Renewable Energy Research and Development Grant Program throughout 2011. Grants are provided to customers of We Energies and their partners for renewable energy projects that will help further the industry and contribute to the local service area. Click here for more information.

We Energies is also offering a Renewable Energy Scholarship program to We Energies electric customers or individuals employed by a We Energies customer to attend a renewable energy conference in 2011. Click here for more information. Those interested in scholarships for K-12, Post-Secondary and Community Educators can find information here.

Fiscalini Farms Dairy and Cheese plant Installs bio-gas digester to power their operations and an additional 150 homes in the Modesto California area.  Click here for more details.

The effect of low energy electric shock on cortisol, β-endorphin, heart rate and behaviour of cattle Applied Animal Behaviour Science; Volume 113, Issues 1-3,  (September 2008)Pages 32-42Caroline Lee, Andrew D. Fisher, Matt T. Reed and John M. Henshall

New research from Australia suggests that the stress response of cattle to low energy electric shocks is minimal and is similar to that induced by restraint. Click here for more information

The Ontario Energy Board staff has prepared a Discussion Paper entitled Farm Stray Voltage: Issues and Regulatory Options aimed at eliciting written comments from all interested parties.  As explained in the Cover Letter, all interested parties are invited to send written comments to the Board Secretary by July 11, 2008.  Also posted are three reports prepared by expert consultants at the request of Board staff.

  • Literature Review and Synthesis of Research Findings on the Impactof Stray Voltage on Farm Operations
  • Regulatory Approaches to Addressing the Impact of Stray Voltage onFarm Operations
  • Stray Voltage Mitigation

Click here for more information

Governor Signs Electrician Licensing Bill
Electrical safety and consumer protection measure becomes law

A measure requiring electricians and electrical contractors to be licensed by the state was signed into law today by Governor Jim Doyle.

Read the full Press Release HERE

February 19, 2008, Press Release, Representative Al Ott’s Office

Ott Applauds Senate Approval of Electrician Licensing Bill
Measure Aims to Improve Electrical Safety

Madison – In floor action today, the Wisconsin State Senate gave unanimous approval to a measure requiring state licensure of electricians and electrical contractors.

Authored by Representative Al Ott (R-Forest Junction) and Senator Russ Decker (D-Weston), Senate Bill 167 (SB 167) aims to improve electrical safety by instituting a statewide licensing requirement for electricians and electrical contractors. The proposed licensing structure is similar to that currently in place for plumbers.

“Unlike barbers, plumbers, accountants, real estate agents, and numerous other professionals, electricians working in Wisconsin do not need to be licensed by the state,” said Ott. “Many people are surprised to learn that electricians are not required to be licensed, especially because of the safety implications of improper electrical wiring.”

In order to be licensed as an electrician under SB 167, a person must either complete an apprenticeship program or have a minimum amount of experience in installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring, and pass an examination administered by the Department of Commerce. Thirty-four other states, including Minnesota and Michigan, currently have licensing requirements for electricians. “This bill is, first and foremost, about safety,” Ott said. “In turn, SB 167 is about providing consumers with the assurance that those who are billing themselves as electricians and electrical contractors actually have the training, skills, and knowledge necessary to perform this type of work safely and correctly,” added Ott.

In addition to the licensing requirements, SB 167 directs the Department of Commerce to create a statewide electrical wiring code that establishes standards for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring. The bill also calls for the development of standards for the inspection of all electrical wiring, and requires that electrical inspectors be certified by the Department.

“This licensing requirement, along with increased electrical inspection, should improve the quality and safety of electrical wiring,” Ott concluded.

SB 167 has widespread support from electricians, electrical contractors, labor unions, utilities, electric cooperatives, and others who are interested in improving the safety and quality of electrical wiring in Wisconsin. The bill now awaits action by the State Assembly, which is scheduled to go back into session on Tuesday, February 26th.

MREC for 2013, February 27-March 1 has been fully contracted at the Embassy
Suites Minneapolis Airport.