From the Desk of RMEL Executive Director Rick Putnicki

2022 Reflections
As we approach the end of 2022 and plan for what is ahead for us in 2023, I am constantly reminded of how resilient our industry continues to be as we adjust and adapt to the challenges we have faced in these recent years. I am also reminded of the value our association provides for the members. After a two-year absence, this year we were finally able to come back together for our Spring and Fall events. We quickly recognized there is no replacement for coming together...the opportunity to see colleagues and industry peers in person and not on a monitor; to shake a hand and look into the eyes of the person to whom you are speaking; and to chase the white ball around the course talking business and sharing family updates. Being able to reconnect with members this year has reminded us of how powerful we are together. In this holiday season, let us not forget the human side of who we are and what we do. For me, it’s been our privilege to connect the RMEL membership this year. We are eager for the opportunity to grow, adapt, and improve our ability to connect in this upcoming New Year! Thank you to our Board, the Education Committees, and our membership for making your Association what it is today! 

Upcoming Events
RMEL is closing out 2022 with two final events and kicking off 2023 right with an always-popular workshop. Learn more below:

3-PART WEBINAR SERIES: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act & Inflation Reduction Act – What’s New in Federal Policy and Funding
December 1st, 6th, and 8th, 2022 – All webinars 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. MST – Virtual

This webinar series will provide utilities with background and information on two significant pieces of legislation – the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These two Acts provide significant monies for infrastructure. Additionally, there was a large focus on energy investment, almost $30B, for a variety of programs supporting investments in a wide variety of ways. With these investments, there are key policy priorities that inform this work, including racial equity, climate, and economy. We will welcome the DOE to provide an overview of the programs, and, in separate webinars, we will dig into the racial equity component of the grant applications to inform utilities on what equity is and how it’s defined by the Administration. 

*If you missed Part 1 in the series, you can still register for the following parts in the series.

PLANNING SESSION: 2023 RMEL Fall Convention
December 15th, 2022 – 8:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. MST – SRP in Phoenix, AZ

Members are invited to attend the planning session and support this vital process for developing the Fall Convention agenda. Presentation topics should be senior management focused. The topics can range from a CEO’s vision of the future to project case studies. Bring your topic and/or speaker suggestions, appropriate for the Fall Convention venue, to this meeting. Senior executive and C-level speakers preferred. Limited space is available for this planning session. Please RSVP with the name of the representative attending from your company. There is no registration fee. A complimentary breakfast and lunch are provided.

WORKSHOP: An Introduction to the Electric Utility
January 18th, 2023 – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. MST – Hilton Denver Inverness Hotel in Denver, CO

This workshop is designed to acquaint non-technical utility employees with the basics of their industry from the generation to the distribution of electricity. The workshop will focus on five areas: an overview to electricity and electrical power systems, information on conventional production methods, alternative technologies, transmission and distribution systems, and customer service. In the overview, you will learn about the basic theory of electricity, how it is produced, and delivered to your home. In the conventional production methods section you will learn the role of primary energy sources: water, gas, oil, coal, and nuclear. You will also hear about power conversion processes, system application, capital and operating costs and grid connection considerations.

The 2023 RMEL Foundation Scholarship Application is NOW OPEN!
The deadline to apply is Friday, February 24th, 2023

We encourage you to spread the word and share within your respective organizations and professional network. The deadline for students to apply is Friday, February 24th, 2023. Access the scholarship application to learn more! Please let us know if you have college/trade school/university contacts who would like to receive the scholarship information. Thank you for the Corporate and Individual Cash Donations! The RMEL Foundation Auction raised over $30,000. Learn more about 2022 Named Scholarship Sponsor opportunities for your company.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
From my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year! Savor the opportunities you get to reflect on the spirit of the season. You all have accomplished so much this year, and we look forward to being there for you all in 2023. Stay safe and stay warm!