For those of you who weren't able to attend the retirement reception for Rudy Parcel, IAMU's Gas Services Coordinator, we've posted a video of the program on the IAMU YouTube website.
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by Julie Smith, IAMU Legislative and Regulatory Counsel
The Iowa Legislature is scheduled to start on January 12, 2015. Many utility-related bills of interest to IAMU members are assigned to the House and Senate Commerce Committees. New Chairs and members have been appointed for the 2015 session. In general, leadership of the Commerce Committees is fairly urban and Des Moines-centric. We all know that utilities face a major challenge today and in the future as the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement age. The consulting firm Woodard and Curran has a good blog post about this topic in which it addresses 4 steps to creating a utility succession plan. Although it was written from the perspective of water utilities, it still provides some good points to consider. CLICK HERE to read the blog post.
by Curtis Dean, IAMU Broadband Services Coordinator The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that explores whether companies that offer video services over the internet, also knows as "over the top" or OTT providers, should be considered cable companies the same as those who send video over their own networks. The NPRM, Docket FCC 14-210, provides further evidence that the FCC is prepared to make major changes to how consumers can receive entertainment. In a news release issued this week, officials say the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been positively identified in Appanoose, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion and Monroe counties in southern Iowa. That brings the total number of counties where the pest has been identified to eighteen.
The Superintendent and Foreman's Meeting will be held at the IAMU Office and Training Complex on January 14th-16th. The workshop is specifically designed to cover topics of interest to electrical foremen and superintendents. CLICK HERE for registration and more information.
IAMU has schedule the OSHA Construction Outreach Training on February 10th and 11th at the IAMU Office and Training Complex in Ankeny. The course will explain OSHA's role in worker safety and health, job site hazard recognition, correction and prevention methods and how to read the OSHA standards. For more information and registration, CLICK HERE
A member has alerted IAMU about a phishing scam that was received yesterday morning. The email (see screenshot below) appears to be from IAMU and even pulls language from the “Rate Surveys and Studies” page on our website. Despite its official-looking appearance the email is NOT from IAMU. We strongly advise members to delete the email if you receive it and under no circumstances click any of the links.
The scam appears to be intended to convince people with Google accounts to provide their user name and password (to retrieve the fake document). With access to your Google account, the phishers can steal emails and other private information from your computer. For more information on the scam, CLICK HERE to view a report on the phishing scam. IF YOU CLICKED THE LINK, it’s important to install malware detection and removal software. There are several effective and free options available on the Internet. It is also a good idea to change your Google password. Some suggestions for anti-malware software include: Email Screenshot by Bob Jester, Jester Insurance Most all Municipal Utilities in Iowa carry insurance to protect against the possibility of damage to their property and equipment, particularly to high valued items such as generating equipment, larger transformers, switch gear and other related equipment. But is this coverage sufficient for your needs? |
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