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Employees at our La Crosse campus will notice deployment of display screens in the Administration Building as Dairyland's digital signage launches this week.
The screens will rotate with information, including a seven-day view of Dairyland's generation resources activity, MISO real time fuel mix, safety, business and workforce news... and, of course, the weather report!
Up next: Displays will be located at additional Dairyland facilities and a live feed of the display is planned for the Breaker.
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Dairyland's Vice President, Generation Jeremy Browning and Government Relations Manager Jennifer Shilling attended a Wisconsin AFL-CIO Building Trades Council conference in Superior last week to support the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC).
During the meeting, a letter of intent was signed by the Northern Wisconsin Building and Construction Trades Council to enter into a project labor agreement (PLA) for the construction of NTEC with our project partner, Minnesota Power.
Jeremy's media interviews resulted in great sharing of the need and benefits of NTEC; check out local coverage here.
Outreach update: Help us reach our goal!
The public comment period on the NTEC Revised Supplemental Environmental Assessment (RSEA), will end on Sept. 10.
Thank you to everyone who has already submitted a comment! Dairyland is encouraging supporters to submit comments during the July 28-Sept. 10 window to help communicate the critical importance of the facility for both reliability and the clean energy transition.
A sample letter of support is available here. Comments may only be submitted via email to NTEC.RSEA@usda.gov. Original comments of support are also welcome.
Chart our progress: A graphic on the Breaker homepage tracks our progress toward the goal of 2,000 letters submitted during the public comment period. We are grateful for your support!
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Please find details and submit your electronic application for the following positions through Workday Career:
Reliability Coordinator II – (Internal/external; Internal posting 8/23/23-9/1/23)
Provide expert level on-site reliability and maintenance engineering functions and continuous improvement process for the station(s). Identify, research, evaluate, test and assist site level personnel to improve operating and maintenance practices leading to efficiencies for the stations by correcting problems and leading initiatives. Assist in the analysis and documentation of maintenance and capital improvements on site. Direct JPM’s predictive maintenance programs including Vibration Analysis, Oil Analysis, Thermography and Ultra Sound programs. Reliability Coordinator II preferred but will consider the right candidate for Reliability Coordinator I.
Manager, Human Resources – (Internal/external)
Ensures optimal management of HR processes with a focus on people and culture. Responsible for managing the overall administration, coordination and evaluation of employee and labor relations, recruitment and onboarding, talent management and workforce planning. Ensures compliance with all federal and state employment laws. Maintain and enhance the organization's human resources by planning, implementing, and evaluating human resources policies, programs and practices.
GIS Intern (external) – Work in a team environment to learn about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and assist with ongoing GIS projects.
| Sympathy is extended to Steve Porter (System Operations) and his family following the death of his mother-in-law. Services were held on Aug. 22. | |
Strategic Priority: People First
All employees are asked to update your Workday Educational Profile with information about technical and collegiate institutions you attended, as well as any military experience you may have. By doing so, you can earn WorkTango points through Dairyland's Dollars for Scholars incentive program!
Completing the educational profile earns you 300 WorkTango points, and also unlocks several other benefits, including connecting with other alumni from Dairyland who attended the same schools.
The goal is to foster pride, comradery and meaningful relationships among Dairylanders who share common educational experiences.
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The rummage sale is next week! Dairyland will be hosting a rummage sale on Wednesday, Aug. 30, and Thursday, Aug. 31, in the Executive Garage on the south side of the Administration Building.
All sales will benefit the Great Rivers United Way.
Come for a variety of holiday decorations and Dairyland-branded merchandise (jackets, cutting boards, gardening knee pads and more). Payroll deductions, cash and checks will be accepted.
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There's a thin line between civilization and chaos, and that line is electricity.
-Charles Haden Savage (character in Hulu's Only Murders in the Building)
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JULY PEOPLE POWERS AWARD WINNER | |
Dairyland Strategic Priority: People First
Photo: Winner Chad Hagen with Eric Hammes (SOC) and Elizabeth Ressie (HR)
Congratulations to System Operations Center Coordinator Chad Hagen for earning the July People Powers award! Chad was nominated by Eric Hammes (SOC) for acting with a Cooperative Purpose mindset.
In his nomination of Chad, Eric cited Chad's work ethic, gumption and accountability during the recent NERC Compliance Audit. Eric noted that the Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO) had zero findings of potential non-compliance related to the Reliability Standards being audited.
"Working tirelessly and displaying meticulous attention to detail over the audit monitoring period, Chad displayed gumption, made a positive impact on Dairyland and contributed significantly to the successful Compliance Audit outcome," said Eric.
Thank you, Chad, for your leadership and expertise while exemplifying our Cooperative Purpose People Power!
Congratulations People Powers nominee!
The following Dairylander was also nominated for People Powers awards in the month of July, in the category noted. Thank you for your excellent contributions as part of the Dairyland team!
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Jim Bertelsen (Transmission Design Engineering) nominated by Treca Craig in the category of Lead by Example
Nominations for this month are open. Click the WorkTango button on the Breaker!
Did you know? People Powers award winners earn the following for their above and beyond work performance: Breakfast with President and CEO Brent Ridge, 5,000 WorkTango points, People Power Award Certificate, apparel item, recipient pin and special recognition at Dairyland’s Annual Meeting.
| ASH RECYCLING: JPM MAJOR OUTAGE WORK BRINGS LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT | |
Strategic Priority: Growth & Innovation
The major maintenance project completed earlier this summer at Dairyland's John P. Madgett (JPM) power plant supported grid reliability... and the environment. The precipitator equipment improvement conducted during the outage more than doubled the amount of fly ash Dairyland is able to collect during the coal combustion process.
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Local benefit: Dairyland markets the fly ash for beneficial reuse, where it is recycled as a highly valued additive to cement and concrete applications.
A visible example of this is now right down the road from Dairyland's La Crosse Campus - JPM’s ash is used in the concrete roundabouts currently under construction on South Avenue and Mormon Coulee Road! (Photo taken at Ward Ave./South Ave. intersection.)
"Our ability to recycle literally tons more ash as a direct result of the JPM maintenance project means that we can sell more to the regional concrete market, providing environmental and economic benefits," explains Manager, Water & Waste Programs Leif Tolokken.
Those tons add up to trackable environmental benefits. One ton of recycled ash into concrete equals about an equal reduction in carbon dioxide eliminated from the concrete process. "The concrete poured by River City Ready Mix for the southside La Crosse roundabout project contains upwards of 20 percent JPM fly ash," said Leif.
Dairyland has a strong history of recycling the majority of its coal combustion byproducts annually and this is not the first time our ash has been beneficially reused here at home. Asphalt laid earlier this summer near Tomah contained byproducts recycled from JPM and more will be used on a second section near Tomah this fall. Hwy. 35 and Hwy. K near Genoa, and Hwy. 35 to Alma contain "our" bottom ash, utilized as a gravel overlay material, which “sparkles” more than standard overlay. The bottom ash material provides better traction, is very durable and doesn’t break windshields as readily as standard gravel. It also melts ice faster … a real bonus for winter driving.
Sustainability: Ash recycling is a win-win for environment, economy
For each ton of coal Dairyland burns to produce electricity, approximately 5% results in an ash byproduct. Of this ash byproduct, 80% is referred to as fly ash, a light powdery substance and 20% is bottom ash, a coarse granular material.
Most concrete today in the Driftless Region is 30% fly ash, contributing to stronger, less permeable concrete, at a lower price. Fly ash is less than half the price of Portland cement. Consumers save money when building roads, bridges, buildings and other community projects with concrete that contains fly ash. By using a recycled product, less virgin clay and limestone are extracted from quarries.
| HEAT WAVE: STAY SAFE, REDUCE ENERGY USE | |
Strategic Priorities: Safety Culture, Asset Reliability & Diversification
Due to the high temperatures and humidity extending across our service territory this week, Dairyland's Safety Department issued a Safety in Extreme Heat communication to all employees on Tuesday. Please review the protocols shared in the email with your teams, as well as your friends and family to stay safe at work and at home.
Best practices include:
- Start earlier or conduct more strenuous work in the cooler morning hours.
- Hydrate in advance; prepare for your work day by hydrating the evening before work and continue throughout the day, drink water and electrolyte sports drinks.
- Take frequent breaks; leaders should establish an expectation to ensure that adequate rest periods are part of the work plan.
- Keep it cool; identify areas with shade or air conditioning where breaks can take place, utilize summer PPE and wear lighter clothing whenever possible.
- Eat right; eat foods that will keep you hydrated like melons, strawberries, pineapple, peaches and oranges. Avoid consuming heavy meals, caffeine, or alcohol.
- Use 200% accountability by monitoring your coworkers for signs of heat stress and speak up when it is time to stop and take a break.
- Be ready for an emergency; know what to do if a coworker is showing signs of heat-related illness, ensure that adequate first aid for heat emergencies is readily available (water, ice, cold packs). Discuss the plan on your pre-job brief and ensure that everyone understands their role should an emergency occur.
Reduce energy use for grid reliability
MISO – our regional transmission operator – has declared a Maximum Generation Alert for Thursday, Aug. 24, signaling that grid reliability may be at risk. In other words, the amount of electricity available on the grid is critically low and may not be able to meet the demand for electricity. According to MISO, for the first time in over a decade, all major cities across its footprint will experience their hottest forecasted temperatures on the same day (Thursday), intensifying peak load numbers.
Temporarily reducing your electric use helps maintain grid stability:
- Turn off or unplug all non-essential lights, televisions, electronics and other appliances
- Cook food in a microwave or grill instead of using a stovetop or oven
- Raise your thermostat (increase A/C level) as much as you are safely able
- Shift high electricity use activities, such as laundry, vacuuming and running the dishwasher until demand has decreased
- Delay electric vehicle charging
| UPDATE: COMPENSATION STUDY PROGRESS | |
Dairyland is conducting a full compensation study of non-union positions, utilizing the firm Mercer. This audit is a best-practices process of reviewing and benchmarking positions with a third party to ensure equitable and competitive pay within the market.
Thank you to all non-union personnel who have completed the job description validation and update form, as requested. Dairyland's Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs) are now proceeding through follow-up questions and requests for the next step of the compensation study.
Dairyland provided Mercer with job descriptions and details and Mercer has completed matching non-union job descriptions in order to survey position data.
Up next: Market pricing of all positions is currently underway by Mercer, which will then be reviewed by Dairyland. Employees can expect to receive further communication on the study results this fall.
| SUPPORT CO-OPS THROUGH AEC PAC | |
After more than a half-century, NRECA’s political action committee (PAC) is transitioning from the Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE) to America’s Electric Cooperatives (AEC) PAC. The refresh better highlights the alignment of NRECA with the grassroots contributions of electric cooperatives.
The AEC PAC is bipartisan, with an average split historically of 50% of the funds going to both political parties. Additionally, half of the political contributions go to federal candidates and half are returned for support of state candidates. While AEC supports candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and the State Legislatures, it does not contribute to Presidential campaigns.
Each year, more than 35,000 cooperative employees, Board members and member-owners choose to participate in the grassroots program. Donated funds are used to help elect candidates who support the goals of the rural electric cooperatives. The issues we face in Washington and in the state capitals of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois can significantly impact Dairyland’s operations and sustainability. Industry restructuring and regulation, nuclear fuel siting, transmission and renewable energy policy and permitting reform are among the key issues.
Voluntary support: Your participation is strictly voluntary at a level comfortable for you. Follow this link if you opt to support the AEC. Questions? Please contact Government Relations Manager Jennifer Shilling.
To view Dairyland's Policy E104 on Political Campaigns, please click here.
| YOU FIRST: WEEKLY WELLNESS NEWS | |
You First August Focus: Financial Fitness
Featuring: Will preparation service
Having a will prevents unnecessary stress and ensures your final wishes are clear. As an NRECA basic life insurance participant (all regular full-time/part-time Dairyland employees are participants), you have access to valuable legal resources offered through MetLife Legal Plans.
These resources can assist you with creating or updating a binding will at no additional cost. Get expert guidance and unlimited consultations with network attorneys so you can feel confident you’re making the right decisions. Choose to meet with any of the 17,500 network attorneys in-person or by phone for a one-on-one consultation in a private and supportive environment. There are no claim forms to file for covered services – fees are taken care of through your plan. To help you find the right fit, you can use an out-of-network attorney; the fees for these services are based on a set fee schedule.
Covered services include:
- Unlimited access – Talk to an attorney as many times as needed to prepare, update or revise a will
- Protection for the unexpected – Prepare living wills and powers of attorney to help ease the stress if individuals become unable to make decision for themselves
To access this benefit:
- Call Metlife Legal Plans at 800-821-6400, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET
- Provide group name: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
- Provide the customer number: 32943
- Provide the last 4 digits of the insured’s social security number
- Find the best network attorney for you based on the list provided by the client services representative
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