April 07, 2026

Shared expertise strengthens Lake Mills Water & Light

Member Utilities

Each of the 51 member utilities that make up WPPI Energy is improved through a key joint action value: collaboration. Lake Mills Water & Light staff recently turned a routine review into an opportunity to work together on improvements across the utility.

“Working with WPPI staff to optimize our workflow has led to a smoother and easier process for meter reading and billing for Lake Mills Water & Light,” said Kennedy Phippen, meter technician for Lake Mills Water & Light. “They were a great resource to help us get to the nearly seamless collaboration we have today.”

Last year, the utility hired a new billing clerk. The personnel change made them consider how the flow of communication could improve across all departments. It took a few months to identify the right system. They created a cross departmental team that allows for an exchange of ideas and solutions all in one place when they regularly meet in person.

The result was improved technology and a stronger communication process, resulting in better coordination among staff working across multiple buildings. WPPI Director of Business Solutions Kim Jennings, who supported the group’s efforts, praised their shared focus on making utility customers’ experiences better.

“The group came together to identify and work on simple updates, and the resulting efficiencies pay off daily,” Jennings said. “Staff took the lead to make sure they were on the same page and continue to do that to the benefit of the people they serve in Lake Mills. They should be proud of that.”