Blog Archives

REGISTER - Closing Soon! Utility Operations Conference January 2026

12/31/2025

IAMU invites utility personnel to attend the 2026 Utility Operations Conference, designed for professionals involved in operating and maintaining electric utility systems. This year’s conference features classroom training, hands-on field instruction, and opportunities to connect with fellow municipal utility staff.

Conference Overview
January 20, 2026

12:30 – 1:00 Registration
1:00 – 1:15 Meeting Kickoff - IAMU Electric Services Staff, Electric Safety and Training Committee
1:15 – 2:30 Grid Resilience Funding/Revolving Loan Fund Information - Jeff Geerts, Iowa Economic Development Authority.
IAMU Member Roundtable Session
2:30 – 2:45 Break
2:45 – 3:30 Supervisor’s Annual Review - Margret Meade, IAMU
3:30 – 4:00 DMACC Utility Technology Program - Don Finn, DMACC

January 21, 2026

8:15 – 9:45 IAMU Mutual Aid Program Review Jim Wolfe, IAMU
9:45 – 10:00 Break
10:00 – 11:00 Rooted Strength: The Power of Showing Up Well in Service to Our Communities Amanda Hull, Hull Health
11:00 – 11:30 Roundtable Topics - IAMU Staff
11:30 – 11:45 Vendor Introductions
11:45 – 1:15 Lunch and Vendor Show
1:15 – 1:30 Roundtable Follow-up
1:30 – 2:30 Veterans in the Workplace - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
2:30 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:30 Defensive Driving - Rodney Larson, Iowa State Patrol
4:30 – 6:00 Vendor Reception, Drawing at 5:45

January 22, 2026

7:30 – 8:15 Breakfast
8:15 – 9:15 Job Site Observations - IAMU Staff
9:15 – 9:30 Break
9:30 – 11:00 Cybersecurity - Dee Gerdts, Muscatine Power and Water
11:00 – 12:00 Apprenticeship Update - IAMU

Registration

Members: $425
Non-Members: $525
Registration Deadline: January 16, 2026
Meals and materials included.

Hotel:
A special IAMU room rate is available at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
Room block deadline: January 1, 2026

REGISTER HERE

Questions? Contact Jim Wolfe at [email protected].

Complete Watt-Hour Metering Workshop

12/31/2025

IAMU will again host the Complete Watt-Hour Metering Workshop, a comprehensive, hands-on training designed to help electric utility personnel reduce revenue loss by ensuring meters are operating accurately and efficiently.

This five-day workshop, led by industry expert Larry Chapman of Chapman Metering Consultants, provides an in-depth look at watt-hour meter construction, application, troubleshooting, tampering identification, and more. Participants will gain practical experience and knowledge to keep their utility’s “cash register” operating at peak performance.

Workshop Highlights

Electric meter construction & major components
Basic application theory & load pitfalls
Self-contained and C.T./P.T. rated metering
Instrument transformers
Socket issues & wiring error analysis
Polyphase metering concepts
Solid-state vs. mechanical meters
Hands-on installation, troubleshooting & testing

Schedule

Monday, Jan. 26: Registration at 12 p.m.; workshop 1–5 p.m.
Jan. 27–29: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (lunch provided)
Friday, Jan. 30: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Registration

Members: $860
Non-Members: $910
Registration Deadline: January 20, 2026
Capacity: Limited to 30 participants (20 minimum required)

Register Online: REGISTER HERE

Happy New Year!

12/31/2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM IAMU!

As we welcome a new year, we want to thank our members, partners, and communities for being part of our journey. We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to another year of working together.

Please note: Our offices will be closed on New Year’s Day, January 1, and will reopen on the next business day.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and successful year ahead!

Toolbox Talk: Fusible Links

12/31/2025

2026 Iowa Excavator & Locator Achievement Awards - Nominations Open!

12/31/2025

The Excavator & Locator Achievement Awards recognize Iowa’s premier partners in damage prevention. Now is your chance to give these professionals the recognition they deserve by nominating them using this LINK.

It is important that the integrity of the awards process be protected by only submitting entries for truly exceptional locating and excavating technicians as summarized in the criteria on the nomination form.

One excavator and one locate technician will each receive a plaque and $200 gift card presented at the Iowa Excavation Safety Summit on January 29, 2026, in Des Moines.

All nominations are due by January 9, 2026.

Iowa Excavation Summit

12/31/2025

Iowa One Call will be holding its 2026 Iowa Excavation Safety Summit on January 29, 2026, at the Jacobson Exhibition Center, on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Iowa’s excavators, underground utility-focused contractors, and other damage prevention stakeholders are invited to attend the summit for the ultimate experience in damage prevention networking and education.

At this FREE event, attendees can expect to:

Attend engaging sessions – led by industry experts – that focus on topics including best practices, state laws and regulations, and safety measures
Show off your skills at the excavator rodeo, or watch as the competition heats up
Explore exhibitor and sponsor booths to demo the latest technology, view innovative tools, and create new connections
Network with other industry professionals from across the state
Be entered to win fantastic door prizes and industry awards
Enjoy free breakfast AND lunch—we can’t learn on an empty stomach!

There are still sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available. Click HERE for more information.
Click HERE to register now!

IAMU is a sponsor and will have a vendor booth at the event.

IAMU Energy Conference - REGISTRATION COMING SOON!

12/24/2025

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

IAMU Energy Conference - February 17 - 19th, 2026

Water Use Program Public Notice Procedure Update – Effective January 1, 2026

12/24/2025

The Water Use Program will be updating the Public Notice procedure for New and Major Modification draft applications effective January 1, 2026.

Public Notices will now be published in the Iowa DNR EcoNewsWire for the 20-day public comment period. Iowa DNR EcoNewsWire is published every Thursday and will include the draft permits that are currently in review. To find permit document details, please visit https://www.iowadnr.gov/environmental-protection/water-quality/water-supply-engineering/water-allocation-use and view Draft Permits. The Draft Permits table will be updated each week with the draft permits that are currently in review. Draft permits will be removed from the table if they are approved after the 20-day public comment period. If you are interested in being notified of the Public Notices for the Water Use Program, please sign up at
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/subscriber/new?topic_id=IACIO_420.

Questions and written comments can be directed to Taylor Jorgensen, Environmental Specialist, at 515-725-0341, or [email protected].

Working in the cold takes preplanning and preparation for the conditions

12/24/2025

Working in the cold takes preplanning and preparation for the conditions. This article will help you determine how to layer cold-weather gear.

https://www.forconstructionpros.com/workwear/article/22954405/refrigiwear-llc-the-science-of-staying-warm-how-to-keep-construction-crews-safe-warm-and-productive-in-cold-weather?utm_source=FCP+Headline+News&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=HCL251124007&o_eid=3115F9634090F8H&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C3115F9634090F8H&om_id=1017457675&oly_enc_id=3115F9634090F8H

Complete Watt-Hour Metering Workshop

12/24/2025

IAMU will again host the Complete Watt-Hour Metering Workshop, a comprehensive, hands-on training designed to help electric utility personnel reduce revenue loss by ensuring meters are operating accurately and efficiently.

This five-day workshop, led by industry expert Larry Chapman of Chapman Metering Consultants, provides an in-depth look at watt-hour meter construction, application, troubleshooting, tampering identification, and more. Participants will gain practical experience and knowledge to keep their utility’s “cash register” operating at peak performance.

Workshop Highlights

Electric meter construction & major components
Basic application theory & load pitfalls
Self-contained and C.T./P.T. rated metering
Instrument transformers
Socket issues & wiring error analysis
Polyphase metering concepts
Solid-state vs. mechanical meters
Hands-on installation, troubleshooting & testing

Schedule

Monday, Jan. 26: Registration at 12 p.m.; workshop 1–5 p.m.
Jan. 27–29: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (lunch provided)
Friday, Jan. 30: 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Registration

Members: $860
Non-Members: $910
Registration Deadline: January 20, 2026
Capacity: Limited to 30 participants (20 minimum required)

Register Online: REGISTER HERE

2026 Iowa Excavation Safety Summit

12/24/2025

REGISTER HERE TO FIND OUT MORE!

Happy Holidays from IAMU!

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays from all of us at IAMU!

We wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, warmth, and time spent with those who matter most.

Please note: Our offices will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25, as our team takes time to celebrate with family and friends.

REGISTER NOW! Utility Operations Conference January 2026

12/24/2025

IAMU invites utility personnel to attend the 2026 Utility Operations Conference, designed for professionals involved in operating and maintaining electric utility systems. This year’s conference features classroom training, hands-on field instruction, and opportunities to connect with fellow municipal utility staff.

Conference Overview
January 20, 2026

12:30 – 1:00 Registration
1:00 – 1:15 Meeting Kickoff - IAMU Electric Services Staff, Electric Safety and Training Committee
1:15 – 2:30 Grid Resilience Funding/Revolving Loan Fund Information - Jeff Geerts, Iowa Economic Development Authority.
IAMU Member Roundtable Session
2:30 – 2:45 Break
2:45 – 3:30 Supervisor’s Annual Review - Margret Meade, IAMU
3:30 – 4:00 DMACC Utility Technology Program - Don Finn, DMACC

January 21, 2026

8:15 – 9:45 IAMU Mutual Aid Program Review Jim Wolfe, IAMU
9:45 – 10:00 Break
10:00 – 11:00 Rooted Strength: The Power of Showing Up Well in Service to Our Communities Amanda Hull, Hull Health
11:00 – 11:30 Roundtable Topics - IAMU Staff
11:30 – 11:45 Vendor Introductions
11:45 – 1:15 Lunch and Vendor Show
1:15 – 1:30 Roundtable Follow-up
1:30 – 2:30 Veterans in the Workplace - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
2:30 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:30 Defensive Driving - Rodney Larson, Iowa State Patrol
4:30 – 6:00 Vendor Reception, Drawing at 5:45

January 22, 2026

7:30 – 8:15 Breakfast
8:15 – 9:15 Job Site Observations - IAMU Staff
9:15 – 9:30 Break
9:30 – 11:00 Cybersecurity - Dee Gerdts, Muscatine Power and Water
11:00 – 12:00 Apprenticeship Update - IAMU

Registration

Members: $425
Non-Members: $525
Registration Deadline: January 16, 2026
Meals and materials included.

Hotel:
A special IAMU room rate is available at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
Room block deadline: January 1, 2026

REGISTER HERE

Questions? Contact Jim Wolfe at [email protected].

2026 Iowa Excavator & Locator Achievement Awards Nominations Open

12/24/2025

The Excavator & Locator Achievement Awards recognize Iowa’s premier partners in damage prevention. Now is your chance to give these professionals the recognition they deserve by nominating them using this LINK.

It is important that the integrity of the awards process be protected by only submitting entries for truly exceptional locating and excavating technicians as summarized in the criteria on the nomination form.
One excavator and one locate technician will each receive a plaque and $200 gift card presented at the Iowa Excavation Safety Summit on January 29, 2026, in Des Moines. All nominations are due by January 9, 2026.

IAMU to Host Weekly Legislative & Regulatory Calls During 2026 Session

12/17/2025

During Iowa’s 2026 spring legislative session, IAMU will once again host its weekly Legislative and Regulatory Call to keep members informed on key issues, updates, and developments at the Capitol.
The weekly calls will begin the first week of session in January 2026 and will be held every Friday at 9:00 a.m. throughout the session.

Participation
These calls are open exclusively to IAMU member utility employees and joint action agency employees.

If you would like to be added to the invitation list, please email Melissa Brittain at [email protected] to be included on the virtual meeting invitation.